Engine start
 

Went to start the engine on Saturday and had to shim the starter a bit so the pinion would engage the flywheel. After that, it started on the first crank. :D

Oil pressure was good (about 65 psi cold), but I must've had an air pocket at the intake by the thermostat and water temp sender, because my fan didn't come on and I shut it down due to the temperature rising. There was also a coolant leak at the POS swivel water neck. I've tried vaseline on the O-ring, RTV, and flat sanding the mating surface, still leaks.

I ordered a different water neck that should be in today. Hope to get the timing, idle, and carb tuned and go for a drive soon.

Daniel

Good job! Glad to hear you're so close.

I always drill a 1/8" hole in thermostat flange to help bleed air out of system. Works like a champ.

Keep up the good work, cant wait to see how you like the first drive.

Thanks guys!

Lance- I did drill a 1/8" hole in the Stant t-stat when I installed the new water neck setup. Seem to do the trick.

I've noticed that with my water temp sender now in the head that my gauge reads about 15-20* higher than when the sender was in the intake. I haven't had any coolant spew out of the radiator, so I don't think the engine's actually too hot. Is that a common temp differential between head and intake placement?

Also, my timing was too advanced initially (fixed last night) and I believe my carb is too rich at this point. Both of which could possibly contribute to higher temp readings as well. I'm going to hook up my AFR gauge this evening and get that sorted.

Daniel

Just a data point- the water temp sensor in the head was actually reading about 20-30* higher than in the intake.

So, I decided to move that temp sensor to a port on the Vintage Air water neck riser I just got. Now the water temp gauge reads in a "normal" range.

Ready for the first drive this weekend. :)

Daniel

Good deal!! Nothing like that first drive...

First drive with new engine
 

Replaced the crap water neck I had, tightened up some coolant clamps, adjusted the carb and went for a first drive yesterday.

Smoooooooooth...amazing how smooth an engine is when balanced within a gram. :D

Daniel

It's crazy isn't it! Congrats...

Glad to hear there are no vibration issues. How's the power band?

Thanks guys. I've only done a short drive mainly checking for leaks.

We set it up for low end torque better suited for autocross. Using a dual plane (Performer RPM) intake and Comp Cam XR282HR.

https://www.compcams.com/xr282hr

Next drive I plan to lean on it and see how it does. :)

Daniel