Good news is the unknown 302 engine in my 53 does run, in fact it cranked over and started easily once I got the carb jets ungummed.

Bad news is there is a knocking sound but its hard to determine how bad it is since its SO LOUD with just stock exhaust manifolds. Unfortunately the carb leaks fuel and needs a rebuild, none of the gauges are working or able to be hooked up as the stock sending units don't mate to the installed after market guages.

Now for the stupid tricks. Since I replaced the oil pump when I had it out I was a bit concerned there was no oil pressure and that may be the source of the knocking. Being the smart guy that I am I decided to remove the oil sending unit and turn it over a bit to see if oil leaked. You guessed it ... not only did it turn over but fired right up and shot 3 quarts of my new oil all over the side of my newly painted frame.

 

Oh my, we all have days like that....

 

It must have been the day for oil spills. My youngest son changed the oil in his 302, started it up and saw a growing puddle under the truck. Called me over to tell me his truck had a problem.

Turned out he didn't check to see if the old gasket came off with the filter - it didn't and he put the new one on with 2 filters. Course it didn't work and he dumped a whole load of oil all over the shop floor in short order. Pass the kittylitter

Told me later he thought the filter went on funny and he had to tighten it almost 5 turns............ ahhhh well. That's how we learn and I bet he doesn't make that mistake again.

 

Tell him I did the same thing on my Cat powered gravel truck,
Yep, I`ll never make that mistake again.

 

bet next time you will pull the coil wire

 

Hard Knocks , no better way to begin the learning process .

 

Sad but true.