Last weekend was a total wash, It was Mothers day so I had to do what the pretty Mrs. wanted. Remember guys, Happy wife, Happy life.

Today after work I really got down to troubleshooting my timing problem. I could get it to start but it felt like it was firing out of order. I checked my timing and I was always within the specified timing parameters. I removed the distributor and on very close examination I discovered the armature wasn't fixed on the distributor shaft because the locking pins where missing. I fabed something up but I wasn't happy about the way it felt as I turned it so I was off to the local auto parts store again to get a new distributor.

I installed it and instant success! A quick tweak of the timing and Candy Cane was running once again! The new engine is smooth and sounds and runs so nicely. I drove it around town and it felt so good, like a good glass of wine with the perfect dinner. There are a few cosmetic things to do and I have to install my new clutch bracket that came in today but other than that this project is done!

I'm ordering new tires this week and getting ready for the paint project!

Here's Candy Cane! A little dirty from the power wash and dust and hand prints all over the place but running great!






Here's some nice goodies to launch the paint project.


A very special thanks goes to all that stopped by and helped install the engine and to those wonderful FTE'ers that offered advise, inspiration and good information. What comes around, goes around. Pay it forward.

 

Congrats!!! Always a great feeling hearing that purr after all the the tools are put away. Glad to hear she's back on the road.

 

Woohooo! Attaboy Steve! Glad to see 'er with a live powerplant.
Virtual cervezas for the crew!!

 

ya gotta love when things come together like you intend it, even if ya hit some bumps along the way

 

Congratulations Steve!
And anotherto OldStyle and HIO Silver for the assist.
Looks good.

 

Great to hear, Steve! I just look at the pics of Candy and can't believe it needs a repaint, though. She looks awesome in the photos.

 

I'll add my congrats as well.
And double to the helpers.

 

Congrats with the truck

 

Today I changed the break-in oil and filter and everything looked good. I also took the time to do a thorough inspection of the chassis and track down the last of my leaks. I spotted some dampness around the power steering gearbox so looks like I'll ether have to fix that or get a replacement. I also noticed some (What feels like) gear oil on the passenger side of the front cross member just below the brake line. I could not identify where is was coming from and the engine is perfectly clean so no blow by. Tranny leaks a little bit but I already knew about that and I will do a rebuild on that later.

Some other lingering engine projects remain such as painting some components in the engine compartment and tidying up the wire harness. One big problem I have is the clutch bracket that bolts on to the bell housing. I purchased a replacement from L&L Products but it doesn't fit properly. See photos.





The Teflon covered pivot point sits too far forward so the Z bracket is skewed and the material that the bracket is made from is too thick preventing me from getting enough thread into the block. I almost stripped the block when I went to torque the bolts in place. Phone calls and emails to L&L have been unanswered, this thing cost me $100 with shipping and I'm not impressed with the customer service. I may have to turn up the heat on this guy. I have temporarily fixed up the old part for now until I can come up with a permanent solution.

Here's the factory part ID, I cannot find another replacement anywhere. Any suggestions?






And finally it was time for me to take my tools back home again. The rest of my projects can be done at home so my better half and true love of my life will always be near. (2 points)



Even with a 1 Ton my back end dropped a little bit with all the tools but the ride was nice and smooth.

 

I love your truck Steve. I'm glad to hear its new heart is doing well and ready to run. As far as paint goes, I think your truck looks fantastic.