I'm in the process of installing studs on my '04 6 liter and I keep reading about having the crankshaft dowel pin at 6 o'clock, I never heard as to the reasoning for this. I even went to the dealer here in town, and they just said Major engine will occur if you don't have the pin at 6 o'clock. I know why now, None of the pistons are at TDC so there's room for valves when reinstalling the heads.

 

That is the point where all the valves are not fully open
if not already closed. The reason you do that is to not bend
a pushrod if you have one that is not seated correctly.
Most of the guys will hand turn the engine over between
each torquing step to check the pushrods to make sure
they are still installed correctly.

Also after you last step hand turning the engine a full 720º
or more to make sure all is in order is a good step to make
as the last one before you sping with the starter.

Hope that helps clear the question up some for you.


Sean