Big step today on the restoration! The truck's original 226 ran for the first time in probably 35+ years! She was siezed when I got her, and I had no idea why. On disassembly it turned out to be just rusted shut valves and rusted Pistons (water had gotten in through the spark plug holes).




Cleaned out, bored out, and put back together; she sputtered briefly thirsty for fuel at first. Then as soon as the float filled she ran great! Much better than I ever expected!

http://vid1346.photobucket.com/album...psqftnyzuv.mp4


Oil press was stable



Only one small leak after a 20 minute run at 1500rpm; the heater shutoff valve has a slow drip from the threads of the valve. Need to find a us made one! Also went with electronic ignition on 6v system and works perfectly!

Can't wait to drive her!

 

Very, very cool!!!
Congratulations!

 

Looks great! Congratulations!

 

Beautiful! Congratulations! But watch that heater hose against the exhaust manifold.

 

Great looking engine!

 

Looks Great!

 

That is awesome Brian, and that is a great looking engine!!

Keith

 

Runs like a Swiss watch, beautiful too.

 

Nice job, looks great!

 

I am curious what your oil pressure is at idle (750 rpm) with the engine fully warmed up (after running for about 20 - 30 min)? Mine is only about 3 - 5 psi on a mechanical gauge using 10W40 oil. Jumps right up off idle and is fine cold but seems a bit low at fully hot idle. Just wondering if this is normal.

 

Cougar54 I was wondering the same thing since this motor is known fresh. I drove the old truck to the mountains this weekend, two hour drive. At 50 mph and probably 2300 rpm my oil gauge is between 30 and 80 so probably around 50. But at redlights it starting dipping below 30, maybe 20 or 25. It's always done that though. I am running 15-45 rotella with a half pint STP.

 

Thanks guys!

I'll try and check the intial start and hot idle oil pressure today or tomorrow; have a bunch of small things to get done today since I got to play with the 226 yesterday

I had the block rebuilt by H&H; they reccomended Valvoline VR1. I'm running straight 30w, and a cheapo mechanical gauge for now.

BTW I highly reccomend H&H, those guys know what they're doing with flatheads! I was very impressed and learned a lot each time I visited during the process!

 

I have got to tell you that if I had 20 - 25 psi at idle that wouldn't bother me at all. I would consider that "normal" from my experiences with motors from the 1960's thru the 80's. My 3 - 5 psi is worrisome to me but I have read in this forum where that "may" be normal. Just trying to get some real data on the 226 "normal" idle oil pressure when warm. I was told that the 15W40 Rotella should help my numbers but I very much doubt it will bring it up to the numbers you are citing. If I can see 10 - 15 psi at hot idle I will be happy.

 

I didn't have much time today to run her. Ran for maybe 10 minutes at various RPMs, and the thermostat was defiantly open, so she was warmed up but mayne not hot - hot yet. I'll try again this weekend for a hotter reading if you need one, but here's a pic of the oil pressure right before I shut it off, stabilized at idle.



*For the smarties - Yes, I know the plastic is still on the face of the timing light, easier to keep clean

 

That engine looks great!