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, started it up and started the cam run-in. All ran sweet, until about 10 mins in, it was getting hot and the hose could barely keep it cool. I shut it down and waited a couple of hours to re-run it. This took the best part of the afternoon to complete, but once done, it idled nice and oil pressure was good, etc, but the temp just kept climbing. Only a lot of spray from the hose and a fast idle would keep it down close to the half mark. It seems, as I already suspected that the brand new Dayco fan clutch was a complete dud and would not engage when the temp got up. I quickly ordered a Truflow one from ebay and it arrived pre Christmas, but I didn't fit it until Saturday. Are-run to check the timing exposed a loose rocker, which I suspect is a sticking lifter. I removed the valve cover, found the loose rocker and readjusted it, buttoned everything back up and the noise is gone. However, it still intermittently taps, so I'll need to go run it out on the road before I start any remedial work required. There is a small oil leak at the back, but it will have to wait. I suspect either a gallery plug needs tightening, possibly I need to reseal the main cap, or I put half the rear main seal in the wrong way.
I'll deal with that when I have to. The new fan clutch works a treat, now the new larger fan really moves the air through the radiator at idle, and so far it stays under half.
So, the new engine specs are:
Speed Pro 0.030" 0/s hypereutectic flat top pistons and moly rings, Elgin RV cam, roller thrust rollmaster chain kit, Powerbond steel balancer, Milodon/ARP main studs with Milodn windage tray, ARP rod bolts with closed and resized rods, Melling HV oil pump, Milodon oil pump driveshaft and Milodon pick-up, home made oil pan (8 quarts). The cylinder heads were done by Flowcraft, with 2V single groove valves, bronze guides, HD srings, CroMo retainers and machined locks. The bowls, short turns and valve guide bosses were massaged and ported, along with the port roofs raised slightly. There are hardened seats fitted as well, for propane use. The heads are topped off with the Crane stud conversion kit and roller rockers. Speedmaster valve covers top off the heads and a copycat Air-gap intake covers the valley. The casting was very nice and all the holes, surfaces etc were well machined. I fitted a Milodon 'Hi flow" water pump as well. What a rip-off that was.
It is just an el cheapo GMB pump with a plate welded over the impeller blades. Apparently, that's what Milodon calls a 'hi-flow' water pump. I painted the engine Chrysler blue. When warmed up, it cracks like a whip, so it should be a good, torquey street and off road engine.
The AOD is pissing me off. Every now and then (too often for my liking), I have a box full of neutrals and it takes a good stab of the throttle in gear to get it to wake up. I'm working on finding another NP435 for it, with all the required bits and will sell off the AOD. The fluid level is fine, any more and it leaks from the vent pipe. It's just annoying, and my gut feeling is that it will let me down out in the middle of nowhere when I least expect it, so it has to go. Otherwise, it's good.
Engine shots:
- P1010115.JPG (75.79 KiB) Viewed 1914 times
- P1010116.JPG (76.39 KiB) Viewed 1914 times
I've cut off the rear 'bumper' from the towbar. It's been cleaned up and will get blasted and painted black.
The front bumper has been modded again for new driving lights. These XTM lights have a reported range of 1 lux at 2,000 yards. I'll get to find out soon enough. I also added a 50A Anderson plug holder mount to the bumper for power feed from the front:
- P1010113.JPG (87.41 KiB) Viewed 1914 times
I also have this power distribution box to fit in the tub for power:
- P1010114.JPG (75.4 KiB) Viewed 1914 times
It also comes from XTM. It was on special, and with my member's discount, I couldn't make this for the cost. I just need to fit the front bar, weld on some tabs for a cover plate and it goes off for blasting and powdercoat.
The tub is going back on for the near future until I finish with the flatbed I am building for it. The rear fuel tank is going back in and the plumbing sorted out at the same time. Work is progressing.
More soon.
Cheers and Happy New Year.