RobotMan

I determined the intake bolts were extremely loose and torqued them in sequence to recommended torque. Most of the bolts were turned at least one full turn. I was amazed this could happen. Anyway, drained oil and currently have no water in oil. Will drive some and check again later. However, I still have a performance issue I need some advice on. The engine hesitates severely and hiccups when you dump the accelerator to speed up quickly but will run smooth if you ease up to the same point gradually. It runs smooth if I maintain the speed even at high RPMs. This just started recently. Thoughts or suggestions? Specs are: 351 W 4 bbl 4160c 600 CFM Holley carb Rebuilt engine .030 over Stock build with mild cam ( what engine builder told me) Currently use 93 octane gas Stock distributor with dual vac advance Replaced points with Petronix electronic kit Factory P/S, P/B, and A/C Thanks again for help, Rick

Congrats! It’s a special moment when you hear it fire for the first time. Gives me chill bumps!

I knew something was amiss!

Wow what a day! We started the car and broke in the engine using Barnett’s check list. Worked great. Thanks. Hearing it fire for the first time was intoxicating and resulted in high fives and hugs from my son. Can’t fabricate those memories for sure! IMG_7306.MOV

Thanks for your time and input. Greatly appreciated.

Not a good day today. My son Told me he thought the car was running a little sluggish. I cranked it and seemed to be idling fine. Newly built engine has 2200 miles and we changed break in oil to regular zinc based oil at 500 miles. I told him we should give it another oil change. After change I checked oil and noticed a milky color which obviously indicates water. I looked in old oil jug and sure enough there was green water in bottom. So I ran some more and cannot smell or detect radiator fluid in exhaust pipes even though there is quite a bit of condensation coming out. I collected that and I am sure it is just plain water. So, my strength is not internals of the engine but I’m thinking intake gasket or maybe timing cover issue? Could head gasket have issue and not show up in combustion in exhaust. I need an attack plan and opinions from the wealth of knowledgeable guys on this site. Thanks in advance. Rick

Thanks for the support. Lots of time with my son. Could not ask for a better project to spend quality time with him!

That’s was scary! Will keep that in mind.

Good idea!

Thanks Barnett, that is really helpful and reassuring.

Does anyone have a standard checklist or procedure for starting up a newly rebuilt engine. I know quite a few items but wanted to get the input of others as I have only done it once a while ago. Getting old and memory is not as good as it use to be! Any help would be appreciated! Thanks Rick

Spending quality time with your kids is very rewarding and provides memories you will get no where else. A project like this also teaches them great work ethic and rewards them for hard work!

We have the motor almost trimmed out. We have been working diligently since we have lots of time on our hands! I’m a bit away but thought I would go ahead and ask, does anyone have a standard checklist or procedure for starting up a newly rebuilt engine. I know quite a few items but wanted to get the input of others as I have only done it once a while ago. Getting old and memory is not as good as it use to be! Thanks Rick

It is original. I just cleaned it with 409 and Pledge furniture polish.

We dropped the motor in, installed the transmission and the instrument cluster!

It is a new repo bezel housing

Thanks. It turned out real nice!

We got the instrument cluster all refurbished. Tested all light bulbs and gauges. Replaced lenses, bezels, circuit board, and voltage regulator. Blasted and painted all the metal housings and of course turned the odometer to zero. Ready to install!

The guy in Oxford is Scotty Strickland. I have bought parts from him. He has a ton of cars and is very helpful.

He is ready to fire it up now that’s for sure. Putting the motor in today hopefully.

That is awesome!

Good point!

I don’t think Mike will fit in the back seat!

There is an insulator that goes over both posts between the circuit board and housing. Then there is a plastic insulator that covers post after assembly.