Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Finally! That's great news! I'm with the other guys, there was probably just an air bubble in the coolant system. Happens all the time with a new engine. If you had a temp gauge, you would notice it fluctuating too. Since it already spewed a little, the bubble is mostly likely out of the system.

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

when it is running next you may want to just bleed off the heater whih will get the air out of the system (providing your heater is hooked up). with the heater control valve open, disconnect the upper most heater hhose at the firewall until fluid is running out continually
ron

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Thanks for all of the encouragement guys.

I have a tendency to over focus when doing stuff like this and I ended up doing the 180 degrees off routine, pulling all the wires off the cap, getting the cap off the motor (the 4th screw in back - at the firewall was a read SOB, both coming off and going back on), taking #1’s wire and plug off the engine,
cranking the motor around until it blew my thumb out of the hole (this is when I still had a right thumb), the pulley read TDC so I didn’t press my luck and the rotor was pointing at the firewall - toward where the passenger sets.

Then, just to be dramatic - and because all the ignition wires were loomed in, with custom ties and loops bolted in at the back of the block, I set up my little Coleman jumper battery - with a hot lead - and one by one - went through all the wires in sequence, according to the numbers on the intake manifold.

#1 wire was just left of center (looking from the front of the truck to the back) and around I went until we were ready to light her off. Cranked for a couple of seconds and then noticed the hot lead for the distributor was clipped to the "-" pole of the battery. Again - over focused on the wire issue.

Put it on the plus side and while leaning way out over the driver’s side fender - worked the two barrel to choke and give the engine some fuel.

Hit it again and it exploded to life - scaring the living crap out of both me and the boy. While trying to hit the choke mechanism my hand somehow flew forward and the ol’ thumb went right into that spinning fan. I think - it was all a blur. Once the engine speed was down from shutting off the choke - it stalled.

We got the first aid kit out and wrapped some gauze and blue masking tape around the thumb and tried it again. She lit instantly and I watched the hand held gauge until I got her up to 2,200 RPM. That lasted for about four and a half minutes before the radiator cap seemed to snap open and the coolant rushed down the exit pipe. I can remember thinking, "This isn’t going to be good" and a few seconds later the catch bottle was full and over flowing.

I have not a clue why it did that - other than (hopefully) it had to "burp" itself.

Did you know you actually have to put the key in the truck before the stock gauge will register? I’d concentrated on the ignition wire so much that I forgot to put the key in the dash and actually turn it on. (Dope) I was using a remote switch on the starter - so I didn’t even stop to think about the electrically driven temperature gage.

Oh the drama.

And on the question of whether or not it harms the cam and lifters to run only five minutes: Academic. I couldn’t see continuing to blow coolant all over the place and the block possibly over heating.

May be a mistake - but it’s too late to worry about it now.

Besides - my thumb is killing me.

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:...umb3174938.jpg

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Good to get that reward of hearing it run for all your hard work. I hope you got a pic of the thumb.:lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

im pretty sure but dont quote me on this
the cam needs a 20 minute break in at 2000 rpms before any load is put on it
in my case it would be trying to launch my truck in the carport

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Yeah, I've always heard the same thing - and that's what it will get once I get past this coolant exiting glitch.

On that note - the coolant was about 1/2" below the top of the upper tank when we started the motor, but I had the cap on during that cycle, and - grasping at straws(?) didn't wait to see if the coolant was flowing first.

Hoping this thing just belched and that POS cap with the silly gauge couldn't take it. I plan on putting the stock cap back on - next run.

Mac. :chevy:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Thanks, Jason - got a couple of stills of the bloody digit and my boy had his video camera out - right up to the point dad attempted to take the pressure off the radiator by loosening the cap. Mouth full of 50/50 coolant. They haven't changed the recipe apparently, because it still tastes the same.

Now that's just plain cruel! It was a pretty funny circus though. Just ask my neighbors.

Mac. :lol::lol::lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

:haha:

you never fail to entertain :thumbs:
and apparently the whole neighborhood got a show ;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

And there's still blood on the driveway! :devil:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

[QUOTE=MacAttack;3361076] They haven't changed the recipe apparently, because it still tastes the same.QUOTE]

:haha: :alc:

Can't wait to see the video....And I hope there's some sound with it..:lol:
Just Glad you can still count to 10 Mac..........:lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Ordered the gages yesterday: Auto Meter / Oil pressure and Water Temperature.

Summit says it will be here by Friday - which is perfect for the relight next morning. I ordered another thermostat, but I'm planning on taking the current one out and leaving it out for the last 15 minutes of cam break in.

I'm also going to just fill the remainder of the radiator with water from the hose - just in case the motor pukes again. Also going to add an exit hose to the overflow bottle, in case things get crazy. Leaving the stock cap off to make sure the coolant is flowing and to see if the block needs anymore juice while running.

If this thing still has a blow-back problem then I've got to start looking at intake manifold or head gasket issues. Don't think so - but I don't do this enough to be sure. Followed the identical methods used on the Chevelle's Mr. Goodwrench crate motor - so theoretically it should be good to go.

Stopped by H.B. Transmissions yesterday on the way home from work and my guy's looking a little lean on work - so dropping my rig off next week should be a real hit at his shop. I asked what his capabilities (actually, what he feels like doing) were on this overhaul, and his short answer was, "Make me a list", which is exactly what I wanted to hear.

Mac. :chevy:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Hope saturday is good to you Mac.

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Thanks Jason - already made my contribution to the SkinGod so I should be good. :lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

so you are getting the trans rebuilt?
what transmission?

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

The transmission (TH350) has already been rebuilt. It's the one I cracked the case on and had to get welded (Do'h!). This guy does just about everything drivetrain wise, so I'm commissioning him to do the following:

A./ New rear end (freeway friendly) gears.
B./ New brakes - including refab on the emergency brake bracket.
C./ Fab, install and adjust kick-down bracket assembly for the tranny - at the carb.
D./ Install 2" shorter front springs and replace rubber & parts while there.
E./ Lengthen the forward drive shaft and replace "U" joints.

Because of work going on at the house, I need him to keep the truck for two weeks - he's relatively slow right now - so the timing is nearly perfect.

Mac. :chevy:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

sounds nice.....

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Yeah, the guy is pricey, but thorough - so it's going to be strange to actually drive this old girl when this guy is finished.

Then I get to play with things that make sparks and fire while trying to learn the intricacies of body work. (I'll increase my home owner's policy coverage here shortly).

:lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Mac, sorry to hear about your thumb! The things we bleed for right? lol. Just a quick question, do you have a thermostat in the cooling system? If so, how come you are seeing coolant flow in the radiator?

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Just install a sprinkler system it might be cheaper..:lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Yes - I've got a 180 degree thermostat in the motor and it's been my experience that with the cap off - with the engine at idle - you can see small bubbles and such floating by when the thermostat opens. I think in this initial case - with me leaving this very cheesy Mr. Gasket (with the heat gauge) cap on and not allowing the system to purge any air - the cap eventually let the pressurized coolant by, down the clear connector tube and into the catch bottle.

That's the way I'm telling the story, anyway. ;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Ok, I wasnt sure if you let the motor run hot enough for the thermostat to open up. I have had some issues getting the coolant on my Z28-LT1 to work properly and these cooling systems can be such a PIA lol

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

For sure, and that's why I went with a brand new radiator and water pump. I already have countless hours of experience trying to correct blockages, leaks and scaldings - so I thought this rebuild was worth this extra expense, up to and including the purchase of hose clamps that would make NASA jealous.

Mac. ;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

HAHAHA...close up pictures of the clamps?????

Let us know how you get it resolved though I am sure many of us are going to be faced with that same type of issue soon or later.

Diggin the long bed btw ;-)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

i would go ahead and go the full 20 minutes of break in just in case
do you know how to get your rings to seat
heres an article
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

David - you beat me to the punch! :lol::lol::lol:

Mac's venture into body work:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...2/dsc_0005.jpg

(it's amazing what I put myself through to entertain you guys) ;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

it's definitly entertaining reading for sure..

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Go to around post #303 of this thread for some shots.:metal:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Yeah - plan on running it for another 15 to complete that cycle, and on the ring seating issue - good catch on the link. Fortunately, I have a nice set of hills near my house, so when she comes back from the shop I'll take some blasts up and down those and get on the new binders to see how they work.

Mac.:chevy:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Soon you will have a fresh, new, ready to go 1965 pick-up.:metal: I should say 1965 shlong bed.

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

you should probably go ahead and run it for another 20 minutes

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Yeah - and despite all the hassles (99% caused by Mac), I was running the numbers over the weekend just for the heck of it - on buying something like a new, basic model F150 and I've got to tell you - over 60 months you can go through $10,000 more in payments (not counting interest, of course) for the new run-of-the-mill pick-up than I'll spend on The Tan.

;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Will do - couldn't hurt. :smoke:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

I'm afraid to add mine up. It would probaly end up like :thud:.

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

I did - back at the end of January (about $5,500 at that time). Mistake.
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...oney_stack.jpg
But a lot can be said for not having to make $300 a month payments.;)

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

don't put so much water in next time. let it set a little lower(water level. It will run cooler with the cap on. it is easier to add a little coolant if needed.. you never see that system at the top(water level)
ron

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

That really isn't that bad for what you have. Even in a couple of weeks when you add some more to the total, you'll have a pretty much new '65 Chevy pickup. Far better than a new F150 IMO :lol:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

True Dat. A new truck would be nice - from the creature comfort perspective, but they just don't have any character. Besides - if I need to make a 300 mile road trip (other than showing up at a truck meet) "Enterprise" is right in the neighborhood.

Mac. :chevy:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Gages came in last night from Summit Racing:

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...atm-2326_w.jpg

Mac. :metal:

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

Nice. Are you replaceing gauges or installing new ones? It would be cool if you were to make the inserment cluster background match.

Re: The 283 Rebuild Begins
 

This is just a temp fix for the engine break-in and driving for a while (at least 500 miles). It would be a lot of fun to go back through the cluster and replace everything though - and I'll definitely do that when the wheels, body work and paint is finished.

I'm kind of partial to the VDO white series (old school look). On the set I just got - I can't believe what they give you for just $50 - great value and super simple.

Mac. :chevy: