Previous owner '68

[raggedjim]

So I decided I would do a leak-down test. I know, the results might be different if the engine was hot and fully oiled, but I did it anyway.

Test psi was 100psi and I did test both at top stroke and bottom of each cylinder.

Results were:

Cyl 1 top - 90%, bottom - 92%
Cyl 2 top - 84%, bottom - 88%
Cyl 3 top - 84%, bottom - 80%
Cyl 4 top - 90%, bottom - 90%
Cyl 5 top - 82%, bottom - 80%
Cyl 6 top - 86%, bottom - 84%
Cyl 7 top - 96%, bottom - 94%
Cyl 8 top - 90%, bottom - 90%

Now this was a long sitting, dry engine. Given the results I am going to replace the valve guide seals and hope for the best. If you think I'm screwing up let me know.

[clay68c10]

Looking at how clean the valley is on that one, and your cold test results, I'd say it's a runner.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

Looking at how clean the valley is on that one, and your cold test results, I'd say it's a runner.

Too late, I couldn't resist tearing it down! I'd hate myself if I didn't.

Pics to come...

[raggedjim]

So, I pulled the heads. I decided to go ahead and put new head gaskets, valve seals, etc. Cylinder are pretty clean, no ridge at all, and still some crosshatch on the bores.

Tops of pistons have carbon, she was running a bit rich. The liquid is Marvel Mystery fluid I used to store engine for the last 20 years.

[raggedjim]

Cleaned tops of pistons with Aircraft stripper, not perfect, but it'll do. By the way, they are .030 over.

[raggedjim]

Main bearings and rod caps look good. I put them back with a bit of assy lube and torqued them down.

[raggedjim]

Crank looked good too.

[raggedjim]

Shop is kinda a mess while I'm doing all of this.

[raggedjim]

Wasn't going to pull the cam but I decided to so I could get some assembly lube on it. I also replaced the cam plug. Not sure what cam is in it. The end was stamped B040A and 891344 which I couldn't find anywhere on the web.

No pic of cam but here's one of the timing chain and the rear cam bearing.

[raggedjim]

Starting on the heads tomorrow. If all looks good I'll replace the valve seals, lap the valves, and reassemble them. They are nothing special, I just want a good running truck.

[zicc1835]

you got busy in a hurry ....nice progress

[raggedjim]

Thanks Zicc!

Finished tearing down the heads. I used a lever type spring compressor my uncle made to remove the keepers.

Clamped the heads down to my table and started levering the springs. Also used a magnetic pickup tool and a pick to remove the keepers.

If you're curious, the heads are 333882 on drivers side and 462624 on passengers side. The intake valves are 1.94" and exhaust is 1.5". Not the best heads, but they will work for me.

[raggedjim]

Tried my best to remove this broken exhaust manifold stud. Basically, an hour of dicking around with the welder. No bueno.

I'm going to take the heads to the machine shop to have them cleaned and the broken stud removed. Sometimes you gotta know when to let the pros do it.

Once I get them back I will lap the valves and reassemble.

[raggedjim]

Gonna need a new dampener. Unless you guys have an answer for this.

[raggedjim]

I also disassembled the oil pump out of curiosity. Looked good inside, looks like it is a Melling high volume pump.

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Gonna need a new dampener. Unless you guys have an answer for this.

I have used this repair kit with great success.

https://www.autozone.com/external-en...4121/76828_0_0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12656266943...xoCy84QAvD_BwE

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

I have used this repair kit with great success.

https://www.autozone.com/external-en...4121/76828_0_0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12656266943...xoCy84QAvD_BwE

I've heard of those, what is the process? Do you epoxy it to the snout?

[MySons68C20]

The kit comes with a red Loctite type stuff....If you buy the bare sleeve I would use red Loctite.

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

The kit comes with a red Loctite type stuff....If you buy the bare sleeve I would use red Loctite.

Thanks!

[raggedjim]

Waiting, somewhat patiently, on the machine shop. I had to take the head in to have the broken bolt removed, all my efforts were fruitless. I figured I'd take both in so they could clean them, they do a better job than I ever could.

[raggedjim]

While waiting for the machine shop to finish cleaning my heads I decided to clean the TH350. What I started with, pretty dang dirty (which just happens to be my m.c. name).

[raggedjim]

A few cans of oven cleaner, a couple cans of barley pop, some degreaser, and a bit of salty language, and it is looking a bit better. I will be tearing this down and rebuilding (I need the experience).

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

A few cans of oven cleaner, a couple cans of barley pop, some degreaser, and a bit of salty language, and it is looking a bit better. I will be tearing this down and rebuilding (I need the experience).

wow... like it came from the factory

[loudchevy]

That is a lot of work to clean!

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by loudchevy

That is a lot of work to clean!

Yes it was! Especially for something most people will never see. But it was so dirty to start I was afraid it would cause problems once I get inside of it.

The oven cleaner and pressure sprayer did most of the work but there was a bit of hand scraping for the heavier gunk.