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Realizing that our 52 is done, time to turn our attention to the 50 F1. It’s been neglected for the last three years!
We are going to keep the patina work truck look but do a full restoration on the chassis and driveline. I have learned a lot with the last build so time to jump on this project. The engine and transmission leaks like a sieve and I am sure all of the bushings and wear components are out of spec.
First up is getting our spare 226 to the machine shop for a cleaning, magnaflux, and machine work. I tore it down and have it ready to go on the engine stand so I can remove the crank and cam. The valve guides were completely worn out with large amounts of play so the first tough job was removing the guides.
For the guides, first I removed all of the valve components. Will be using all new parts as the guides and valve stems show considerable play.
I used a tapered 7/16-20 tap on the guides to open them up, and then a standard tap to get threads down about an inch.
Then I used the guide puller. Those guides were really in there! To get them started I had to use two sections of steel pipe to get more torque on the puller. I used a large diameter washer on the deck to keep the puller from digging in. Pulled all 12 over three evenings. Took my time to avoid breaking a tap. Pulling 226 guides is a really good workout!
The block is totally disassembled and I am on the waiting list at the machine shop. Machine work starts later this month. Upon inspection of the pistons, I found two with cracks. I have NOS 30 over pistons but it feels like the cylinder ridge is larger than that. I might have to go to 60 or even 80 over to get a clean bore.
I have the same engine stand you do, not sure I'd trust it with an assembled 226! Bad enough with a V8.
I think it’s fine for the block and valve assembly, but when I set the crank in I am going to move over to the manifold studs. I bought the 226 adapter that stumpy makes.
I think it’s fine for the block and valve assembly, but when I set the crank in I am going to move over to the manifold studs. I bought the 226 adapter that stumpy makes.
JB
I'm glad this came up - I'm gonna buy one today and save several hours of time on building a dolly!
Van Pelt's is awesome. I ordered a bunch of stuff from them last summer for my trans rebuild. Their service is excellent, and if you want to talk directly to Mac, he's incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help.
I am curious though, why did you pull the valve guides yourself instead of having the machine shop do them?
I'm glad this came up - I'm gonna buy one today and save several hours of time on building a dolly!
Van Pelt's is awesome. I ordered a bunch of stuff from them last summer for my trans rebuild. Their service is excellent, and if you want to talk directly to Mac, he's incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help.
I am curious though, why did you pull the valve guides yourself instead of having the machine shop do them?
I bought the original guide puller tools a while back and wanted to try them. Once I started, I finished it. The guides were really sloppy, huge amounts of play.
I bought the original guide puller tools a while back and wanted to try them. Once I started, I finished it. The guides were really sloppy, huge amounts of play.
JB
Would you please share some more pictures of the guide puller tools. Maybe one with it assembled as it is used.
Dropped the block off at the machine shop today, hopefully the block checks out and we can keep going with machine work.
All of the bolt ons were cleaned and painted, all of the hardware plated and blue chromated. I rebuilt the starter and generator and those are ready to drop in. The water pump was rebuilt by Cowboy John and the fuel pump by Charlie.
Next up is refreshing the carb and cleaning the oil pump. The oil pump meets specs, it just needs to be cleaned well. I need to run the distributor on my Sun machine and set the advance springs.
