Friday Feb 10th: Well, I've put the first 100km on the new engine, so far, so good. A few bugs: It still runs too hot, around the 'M' in 'NORMAL'. I'll be reco-ing the old copper core radiator from the Bronco (it had a broken top bracket and was the wrong one for the '82) and trying that to see if i...

I've missed Tom on this forum. He must be awfully busy to forget us all here.




That is all.

I picked up 2 of my plastic fuel cans with 22 litres of our 98 unleaded to put in the tanks. I used about a litre in each to rinse and flush out any dirt and shavings from the vent fitting going in and then poured 1 each into their respective tanks. The new fuel made it idle better, although the Ede...

P1010137.JPG I've put in a brass 3/8" NPT to 5/8" hose barb for the vent hose to go up to the top of the filler tube (front tank). P1010138.JPG The rear tank I'd made an insert-able fitting, to fit without removing the tank. Once the fuel pump/sender is out, I can just get my arm in enough to put t...

New Comp Cams going in: P1010128.JPG I didn't get any pics of the engine going back in, but here she is, outside the shed for the first time in a YEAR under her own power: P1010131.JPG I even gave it a wash (first time in 2 YEARS): P1010132.JPG P1010133.JPG Fuel tanks out, to modify the vent breathe...

Aren't motors fun? Its always something, even new stuff now days. How did it do on its test run besides the AOD? Hi Randy. I like building engines, so it was disappointing for a lifter failure to happen for the first time in almost 50 years. Turns out it was a faulty cam follower. A local engine bu...

New cam and lifters arrived yesterday, both are now installed, along with the timing chain and front cover, etc. Push rods and rockers are on, but not tightened yet, as I have to change the oil filter, fill it with oil and prime the oil system first, to bleed all the air out of the lifters and rocke...

Putting feelers out for a good used 4.09:1 front D44 gearset and carrier. Reasonable prices considered and I will pay the shipping, paypal fees, etc. Let me know what you have.

Well, I removed the oil pan, to find out that perhaps I had not put enough sealer in the rubber seal to cork pan gasket joint and it was weeping hot oil. I also found metal fragments in the very bottom of the oil pan. After a careful inspection and cleaning, I re-fitted the oil pan with a new gasket...

I like those wheels.

Life has been throwing me some curve balls the last few weeks. I got no prep done with being sick for the entire month of December then the worst possible news came my Uncle passed away on 12/31. Family obligations come first right now and I will not be able to attend. I was going to offer up my ca...

Sunday Jan 8: After tidying up a few wiring projects, I pulled the front panel out and removed the engine. I found the source of the oil leak. Apparently, the oil pan gasket at the left rear has a cut-out in it from manufacture and it appears that when I tightened down the oil pan, this thin area sq...

My bad. Had a reservation to visit, but TSA hasn't allowed us purebloods in, so I won't be coming. I was really hoping to get to this Huckfeast and catch up with some of you guys and girls, but maybe next year.

Saturday Jan 7: Mick is back home. It seems he needs to take better care of himself, but he also has coronavirus, along with my Dad. They are isolating at home for now, plus I keep in regular contact. By the end of next week, they should be in the clear and safe to re-enter the world. As for me, I'v...

On another sour note, Mick is in the hospital. He has had blood pressure and heart problems for a while, and since the corona-hoax has subsided here, he hasn't been able to get any work or sort out his health issues. I'm guessing he has just given up and isn't looking after himself. Dad had to call ...

And, BUGGER it. :evil: The engine has to come out. I have an oil leak at the back and it is coming from behind the sandwich plate. I'll have to assume I put half the rear main seal in the wrong way around, or there is another problem. I also have a sticking exhaust and intake valve I have to find be...

Friday 30th: Time for an update. It lives again. After assembly (I forgot to take photos, of course) and the install in the truck, it started on the second turn of the starter and ran, no knocks or clacks. I topped everything up, made sure I had the hose handy and after pushing it out of the garage,...

A Merry Christmas and a safe New Year to all my friends on GFB. Enjoy the holidays and be well.
Cheers from downunder.

Unless the TSA changes it's policy, I can't visit. Bugger, another one I'll miss.

The new engine is alive. FINALLY! I'll do an update shortly (when I have time).