The 283 Rebuild Begins

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by jgh64pkup

the cam needs a 20 minute break in at 2000 rpms before any load is put on it

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.

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by jason65

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

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.

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Nice Mac, Glad everything worked out
And glad no humans were injured in the drama..

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

Mac.

[joe231]

you never fail to entertain
and apparently the whole neighborhood got a show

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by joe231

and apparently the whole neighborhood got a show

And there's still blood on the driveway!

[4dranch]

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



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

[MacAttack]

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.

[jason65]

Hope saturday is good to you Mac.

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by jason65

Hope saturday is good to you Mac.

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

[joe231]

so you are getting the trans rebuilt?
what transmission?

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by joe231

so you are getting the trans rebuilt?
what transmission?

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.

[4dranch]

sounds nice.....

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

sounds nice.....

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).

[1964C10]

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?

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by MacAttack

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).

Just install a sprinkler system it might be cheaper..

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by 1964C10

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?

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.

[1964C10]

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

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by 1964C10

these cooling systems can be such a PIA

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.

[1964C10]

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 ;-)

[jgh64pkup]

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

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by 4dranch

Just install a sprinkler system it might be cheaper..

David - you beat me to the punch!

Mac's venture into body work:



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

[4dranch]

it's definitly entertaining reading for sure..

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by 1964C10

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

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

[MacAttack]

Originally Posted by jgh64pkup

i would go ahead and go the full 20 minutes of break in just in case

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.

[jason65]

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

[jgh64pkup]

Originally Posted by MacAttack

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.

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