sooooo close

[oneradride]

You ever get sooooo close to finishing a project.... you almost remember when it was fun? I may have had that feeling tonight

[seapuppy]

way cool......hope you get to complete it and get that thing fired up and running smoothly...



SP

[ss3964spd]

Ah - looks like I was a little late with my other post on the rear main.

Lookin good!

[oneradride]

Thanks 396ss I did all that .... About the only problem I can foresee at this point is not dropping the distributor in the right cam slot.... but I'm on TDC number one compression stroke and been doing this on and off for 20 years.. I'll film the start up next Sunday (Sep 18, 11)and post a link to the video. Cylinders speak louder than words..

Really appreciate everyone input!

And if anyone ever tells you that an engine swap in one of these is easy, they are NOT telling the truth. Not stupid hard, but not that fun either... I have a classic car that I bought because I want to work on it.... the boat.. not so much.
LESSON: If you do not have the time to FOCUS on winterizing your boat correctly.. PAY SOMEONE that does!

Learned a lot, and I have winterized THIS BOAT before... crap happens and then you pay.

[pascavone]

man! that engine compartment is as big as a garage!

[oneradride]

I wish... got her shoehorned back in there last weekend..... out dive and exhaust manifolds tomorrow and god willing... she'll start.
Then timing, and some valve/rocker final adjustments.. then on to the 20 hour break in...... I'll try and get some video.. hopefully it won't be explicit.

[ss3964spd]

Way to go ORR. Can't wait to see/hear it running.

Spent this weekend shoehorning the 489 back onto my '66 (even pressed dear spouse into helping - of which I have a photo to prove to her friiends) so I know how you feel.

Good luck turning the key!

Dan

[oneradride]

Thanks 396SS, I'm sure there are others..... but not a lot of folks take things as far as you and I do, or even have the nads to try it. My theory has always been..... It's already broke, what am I going to do break it more?

Got her fired up yesterday and I was 4 degrees off on initial timing Still think it's crazy that boats are intentionally 180 out.. but whatever, its running smooth as can be. Used some cardboard to bank off the oil while I ran the racks and that worked well too.

Ended up just having to pull the risers to get the valve covers off. Still think it's a stupid design but with limited space, what is one to do.

Didn't get any video, I was too focused on what I needed to get done. And I can say, that's a huge weight off my shoulders. At least next year might be more fun!!

And now I can work on the Chevelle again!!


EDIT: Just wanted to add, I'm not trying to dog anyone.. we each have our own skills and I REALLY appreciate everyone's input during this adventure. THANKS!!

[ed & inge]

i just miss one thing.....but what it is ???????? i can't put my finger on it..................


























yes.....i found it..........WERE IS THE HULL OFF THE SHIP (hahahahaha)

greatz, ed.....and great job

[ss3964spd]

Frankly, I think it also takes some nads, or simply brains, to recognize something is beyond one's abilities. Or surpasses one's selection of tools. Or time. Or whatever.

Only 4* off - good job. Yeah, I've no idea why Merc designed the distributor caps for their GM based V8's to have #1 located 180* from where it usually is - doesn't make much sense, especially since the firing order is the same. If it were me I would have been tempted to relocate the wires on the cap to what I'm used to and line up the rotor accordingly.

Congrats on the fire up - definitely a tense moment, but so rewarding it hear it run. Probably exactly like how a woman feels when giving birth. Or not. LOL

No video? NO VIDEO? Man, 20 lashes for you with a worn out exhaust riser water hose.

Dan

[oneradride]

You are correct, I edited it after re-reading it because I thought it sounded kind of rude, that was not my intention at all.
Just happy that there are some that can appreciate the pain and thought process behind this kind of adventure, that was all I was trying to get across.

[ss3964spd]

Originally Posted by oneradride

...I thought it sounded kind of rude, that was not my intention at all.....

No worries ORR, it happens - to some, ok - me, more than others.

And yup, I certainly can appreciate the efforts! Here's my wife trying to keep the engine and trans pointed in the right direction. LOL