I'm fixing to get real serious here, so you faint of heart should not read this! My '50 project truck was started by my dad back in '89. The chassis is done, most of the body work is done, and I THOUGHT that the engine was done too. Dad passed away in May and took with him all of the things that was done on the truck. The truck is currently geographically undesirable for me to work on (732 miles away at my mother's house), so I can't tinker on it on a regular basis. Here's my problem. When i went back the last time to take pictures, inventory parts, etc., i looked at what I thought was a completed engine and much too my surprise, it is complete except for the intake/exhaust manifold, carb, oil filter, dizzy and, or course wiring. I've got them, but they are in various stages of ill-repair! Based on this, here are my assumptions (yes, i know what happens when you assume.) I assume that that the main bearings have been replaced. New rings have been installed, new cam bearings, new oil pump, valves have either been reground or new ones installed, new rods and rockers, etc etc. because that's the way dad would have done it. The tranny is attached to the engine, so i guess that the clutch and pressure plate are also new or reconditioned. Now comes the question and let me know all of your opinions, comments, should-do's and should don'ts on this. I've got a game plan in mind, but this is the first time i've been the sole mechanic and not the wrench fetcher. 20 years of sitting on my backside has made me really rusty at actually getting it done versus telling someone how it should be when it is done. The engine has been covered up in this state for probably 5 years and i can just hope that the insides were protected by some kind of lubricant. I guess that i have finally convinced myself that i can't do this and that's the part that i hate. So... Let's begin...
Not A Problem ! YOU can do this ! . You'll need to get the three little sheet metal alignment rings for a 216 engine or you'll have mystery vauum leaks driving you crazy . Tighten the manifolds to the head beginning with the center two bolts and then tighten the others moving out from center ~ this prevents craking of the exhaust manifold . NO fasteners on the ends ! thos are guide pins ONLY !!! Fill the cylinders with engine oil now and spin the engine with no spark plugs after it's installed to clean it out . If you don't have or understand the wierd motor mounts (sleves inside the bell housing mounts are usually gone missing etc.) it mught be wise to pick up a freebie junker 216 or 235 takout to get the special manifold washers and mounts with correct harware etc. You can do this ! LOOk at all the other old trucks you can , take pix etc. Once the engine is in , crank it until there's oil weepeing out of the rockers before you try to start it up . Use 10W-30 or other thin oil to break it in . Set timing to ball & pointer in the window above the starer _before_ youy try to fire it up . There's more , will advise as needed plus the other guys here will chime in I am sure .
By The Way.... I am very sorry for your loss , I hope you had some good times with your old man over the years .
Thanks Appreciate the thought and yeah, we had some grand times together. I just wish now that i had said "Hey dad, let me finish the engine and you go finish the sandblasting" instead of the other way around. And thanks for the encouragement (not to mention the excellent advise). I was definitely having a "moment" last night. I HATE when that happens
Yeah well ; It's a good thing no one ever said ' life is fair ' 'cause it ain't . It is a very good thing you had those times , my father , the world famous scientist , is a total stranger to me in spite of much effort on my (and possibly both our) part . C'est La Vie , no ? .
