Monday, August 25, 2008
Back to Earth....
Well, didn't meet my goal of driving the car around the block yesterday.
I bled the brakes without issue, although it took me a couple of wacks are each corner to get the air out. The driver's side rear brake isn't real strong, so I will have to see what's up with that. But I figured I had enough braking power for a spin around the block.
Took the tires out to fill them up, then put 'em on and lowered the car. One last check of oil, coolant, dashpot oil, and then my sons, wife, daughter and several of my son's friend's came out to watch the big event! Of course, the car wouldn't start!
It would crank then make a loud 'clicking' sound and stop. Only thing I could figure was that the fan belt was a bit loose so the alternator was slipping. So I tightened the belt, and sure enough, it started right up! So we unhooked the jumper cables,
but when I stepped on the brake, the idle dropped to almost nothing. When I released the brakes, it jumped up again but eventually the car stalled. When we tried to jump it again, we again got that half-crank then loud clicking. So, there must be a vacuum leak with the brakes - when I looked at the hose, it appeared that there might be a slight crack in it. So, I will replace that hose.
At that point, I decided to call it a day. I am going to get the battery (dropped it off at the shop this am), and also change the battery clamp (which has a crack in it so it is a bit loose) and then, once I know the charging system is good, going to try it again.
I bled the brakes without issue, although it took me a couple of wacks are each corner to get the air out. The driver's side rear brake isn't real strong, so I will have to see what's up with that. But I figured I had enough braking power for a spin around the block.
Took the tires out to fill them up, then put 'em on and lowered the car. One last check of oil, coolant, dashpot oil, and then my sons, wife, daughter and several of my son's friend's came out to watch the big event! Of course, the car wouldn't start!
It would crank then make a loud 'clicking' sound and stop. Only thing I could figure was that the fan belt was a bit loose so the alternator was slipping. So I tightened the belt, and sure enough, it started right up! So we unhooked the jumper cables,
but when I stepped on the brake, the idle dropped to almost nothing. When I released the brakes, it jumped up again but eventually the car stalled. When we tried to jump it again, we again got that half-crank then loud clicking. So, there must be a vacuum leak with the brakes - when I looked at the hose, it appeared that there might be a slight crack in it. So, I will replace that hose.
At that point, I decided to call it a day. I am going to get the battery (dropped it off at the shop this am), and also change the battery clamp (which has a crack in it so it is a bit loose) and then, once I know the charging system is good, going to try it again.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Fired Up!
1 year and 17 days after I pulled the engine from the '76 B, yesterday, it was fired up! As was I.......
I replaced the little section of fuel hose above the bulkhead - the original had all sorts of cracks on the back side that couldn't be seen when installed. Then, hooked up the battery to the van, removed the spark plug wires and cranked it. After a few minutes of cranking, the oil pressure gauge crept upwards! Fuel system was tight, so I hooked up the plugs, got back in the driver's seat, crossed my fingers, turned the key - and it turned about half the flywheel and started up! The idle is a little high, even after running for a few minutes, so I need to mess with that. I may actually have the throttle cable too tight.
But needless to say, I'm really excited! It's going on the road today after I bleed the brakes, and I am going to have to get the battery checked out and replace the positive cable clamp (it's cracked). But I'm really psyched!
I replaced the little section of fuel hose above the bulkhead - the original had all sorts of cracks on the back side that couldn't be seen when installed. Then, hooked up the battery to the van, removed the spark plug wires and cranked it. After a few minutes of cranking, the oil pressure gauge crept upwards! Fuel system was tight, so I hooked up the plugs, got back in the driver's seat, crossed my fingers, turned the key - and it turned about half the flywheel and started up! The idle is a little high, even after running for a few minutes, so I need to mess with that. I may actually have the throttle cable too tight.
But needless to say, I'm really excited! It's going on the road today after I bleed the brakes, and I am going to have to get the battery checked out and replace the positive cable clamp (it's cracked). But I'm really psyched!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Small Project - Replacing the Shifter Boots
While waiting for the gas line hose, I thought I would do another small project, replacing the ripped shift lever boot. It consists of 2 parts - a rubber boot that seals the hole in the console for the shift lever, and a leather gaiter that makes the whole thing look purdy. Both were torn prior to being removed during the transmission removal.
There is a metal retaining ring that holds both of the boots in place. Several of the bolt heads were badly stripped but all but one came out easily. The last one was a real bear. I ended up breaking the old retaining ring apart and was left with one bolt with a small chunk of the metal ring around it. After much wailing, gnashing of teeth and - yes - cursing, I was able to get the last little chunk of metal off and could get to the bolt with vise grips (the Phillips-head indentation was basically a round hole). Using Vise grips, I thought I was turning the bolt - and I was, until it broke off below the level of the console! Oh well, 3 bolts will have to hold the whole thing together....
Getting the rubber boot and gaiter installed was a 3-handed job. One to hold them in place, one to rotate the retaining ring and hold it in place so the holes line up, and one to insert and tighten the bolt...! Fortunately, I was able to make do with just my two hands.
One bolt left.....
Old parts, new parts....
Completed!
There is a metal retaining ring that holds both of the boots in place. Several of the bolt heads were badly stripped but all but one came out easily. The last one was a real bear. I ended up breaking the old retaining ring apart and was left with one bolt with a small chunk of the metal ring around it. After much wailing, gnashing of teeth and - yes - cursing, I was able to get the last little chunk of metal off and could get to the bolt with vise grips (the Phillips-head indentation was basically a round hole). Using Vise grips, I thought I was turning the bolt - and I was, until it broke off below the level of the console! Oh well, 3 bolts will have to hold the whole thing together....
Getting the rubber boot and gaiter installed was a 3-handed job. One to hold them in place, one to rotate the retaining ring and hold it in place so the holes line up, and one to insert and tighten the bolt...! Fortunately, I was able to make do with just my two hands.
One bolt left.....
Old parts, new parts....
Completed!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Update
I installed the new carb plug and seal - I was able to do it without removing the carb, thankfully, as 3 of the 4 carb nuts are a real PITA to get to..... Moss is shipping the new one out today, so I should have it before the end of the week. The old plug was really stained, probably from sitting for over a year. New one is nice and tight, and doesn't leak.
The hose is still weeping, and is to the point where it is now dripping slightly. In spite of that I decided to see if it would start. So, roll the van up to the garage door, hook up the battery and the parking lights all come on again! Must have a wire crossed somewhere - well, least of my worries now.
So wait while the fuel pump ticks away and the fuel filter fills up a bit. Then unhook the coil and turn it over to build up some oil pressure.... Turns over great, so I got the starter wiring correct ;-) Turn it over a bit more and the cable on the battery negative post lets go and sparks are a-flyin'! No damage, though, so I hook it back on and keep turning the engine over a few seconds at a time. No oil pressure, though. Turn it over a little more and am REALLY tempted to hook that coil wire back up and see what happens. But I decide to shut everything down and check for a missed connection to the oil gauge. Far as I can tell, there is only one, the oil pressure line, and that is hooked up. Oh well, back to the Yahoo group.....
Oh, and I discovered the problem with the parking lights! After I unhooked the jumper cables and removed the key, the lights were still on! So, before I started looking for crossed wires, I did the thing I should have done the first time I noticed this 2 weeks ago - checked the light switch! Yup, it was turned on to the parking light position....................
The hose is still weeping, and is to the point where it is now dripping slightly. In spite of that I decided to see if it would start. So, roll the van up to the garage door, hook up the battery and the parking lights all come on again! Must have a wire crossed somewhere - well, least of my worries now.
So wait while the fuel pump ticks away and the fuel filter fills up a bit. Then unhook the coil and turn it over to build up some oil pressure.... Turns over great, so I got the starter wiring correct ;-) Turn it over a bit more and the cable on the battery negative post lets go and sparks are a-flyin'! No damage, though, so I hook it back on and keep turning the engine over a few seconds at a time. No oil pressure, though. Turn it over a little more and am REALLY tempted to hook that coil wire back up and see what happens. But I decide to shut everything down and check for a missed connection to the oil gauge. Far as I can tell, there is only one, the oil pressure line, and that is hooked up. Oh well, back to the Yahoo group.....
Oh, and I discovered the problem with the parking lights! After I unhooked the jumper cables and removed the key, the lights were still on! So, before I started looking for crossed wires, I did the thing I should have done the first time I noticed this 2 weeks ago - checked the light switch! Yup, it was turned on to the parking light position....................
Back from Vacation!
Well, back home after a week on Cape Cod! I was planning on spending yesterday (Sunday) fixing the gas leak in the carb and the 'weeping' of the fuel hose on the bulkhead, but Moss Motors screwed up my order again. They sent the wrong part for the fuel hose (transposed a number for the SECOND time) and the part for the carb hadn't arrived, even though it had supposedly shipped on August 8! Bummer. So I spent some time on Sunday messing around with the shift boot retaining ring - the old bolts were stripped (the heads). I got three of them out and yanked off most of the retaining ring. Still have 1 bolt to get out, and it's a toughie.
This week, my goal is to get the car road-worthy. I need to install the carb part (which came today) and fix the hose (although that won't prevent me from getting the car started up). Also need to bleed the brakes (wanted to wait until the car ran as I'm not sure if I need vacuum from the engine). I will probably also take the time to adjust the handbrake lever as well, since the car is up in the air.
This week, my goal is to get the car road-worthy. I need to install the carb part (which came today) and fix the hose (although that won't prevent me from getting the car started up). Also need to bleed the brakes (wanted to wait until the car ran as I'm not sure if I need vacuum from the engine). I will probably also take the time to adjust the handbrake lever as well, since the car is up in the air.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Good News/Bad News
Well, good news and bad news last night. I finished hooking up everything - throttle cable, the radiator and the various hoses and wires. Decided to see if it would start, while up on the jackstands. Still need to bleed the brakes so didn't want to be
tempted to jump in and go around the block if it started.... ;-)
I needn't have worried - I hooked up the battery and hooked it to the family van. Soon as I did that I noticed that the parking lights are all on - so something is crossed somewhere. Turned the key and the fuel pump started clicking away! Took about 3 minutes of solid clicking to fill the fuel filter - and then another minute for me to notice the growing puddle of gas on the floor! The carb is leaking from the float chamber plug, which is irritating because I had the same issue 2 years ago and replaced the gasket. Guess it dried out again. I also have a seep from the fuel line where it comes up the bulkhead next to the pedal box.
So I guess I am going to remove the carb and have it rebuilt. Or maybe just order the part from Moss, since I have to fix that 'seep' anyways. Rebuilding the carb, I found out this am, will cost $250 and take about 6 - 8 weeks. And the rebuilder won't guarantee that the water choke will work...! So I am going to order the part and fix it myself.
Completed!
Leaky Carb -
tempted to jump in and go around the block if it started.... ;-)
I needn't have worried - I hooked up the battery and hooked it to the family van. Soon as I did that I noticed that the parking lights are all on - so something is crossed somewhere. Turned the key and the fuel pump started clicking away! Took about 3 minutes of solid clicking to fill the fuel filter - and then another minute for me to notice the growing puddle of gas on the floor! The carb is leaking from the float chamber plug, which is irritating because I had the same issue 2 years ago and replaced the gasket. Guess it dried out again. I also have a seep from the fuel line where it comes up the bulkhead next to the pedal box.
So I guess I am going to remove the carb and have it rebuilt. Or maybe just order the part from Moss, since I have to fix that 'seep' anyways. Rebuilding the carb, I found out this am, will cost $250 and take about 6 - 8 weeks. And the rebuilder won't guarantee that the water choke will work...! So I am going to order the part and fix it myself.
Completed!
Leaky Carb -
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Distributor and Carb in.....
As noted above, I installed the distributor and the carb this evening. I ended up being able to remove the old distributor and replacing it with the one from the '76 by undoing a 'pinch' clamp that holds the distributor in place. Wasn't too difficult to do, other than forgetting that you have to rotate the rotor until it clicks into place, then you can push it the remaining 1/8 inch to get the clamp to, ummm, clamp.... So now the ignition is all wired up and ready to go, I hope!
Got the carb installed as well, always a fun job as 3 of the 4 nuts that hold it on are difficult to get to, and you can only turn them with an open-ended wrench about 1/16 of a turn at a time. So it's slow going. I hooked up the PVC valve hose, the gas line and the hose that brings in a little coolant to run the water choke. Still have to do the throttle linkage but I have some good pics to follow for that.
'75 Distributor removed -
'76 Distributor installed -
Ignition Side all Wired Up, New Oil Filter too -
Carb Installed -
Got the carb installed as well, always a fun job as 3 of the 4 nuts that hold it on are difficult to get to, and you can only turn them with an open-ended wrench about 1/16 of a turn at a time. So it's slow going. I hooked up the PVC valve hose, the gas line and the hose that brings in a little coolant to run the water choke. Still have to do the throttle linkage but I have some good pics to follow for that.
'75 Distributor removed -
'76 Distributor installed -
Ignition Side all Wired Up, New Oil Filter too -
Carb Installed -
Light Night
Did not do too much last night. Ran into some neighbors out walking and ended up chatting for 45 minutes....
I did finish tightening up the exhaust system and managed to swing it away from the steering shaft, where it had been rubbing. Plenty of clearance now. I just put my foot up against the downpipe underneath the car and put a little pressure on it - it rotated enough to get off the shaft.
Also spent some time trying to remove the distributor. Not gonna happen. Because of the angle of the 2 bolts, I can't get a wrench on them, and even if I could, I would only be able to turn the wrench maybe 2 'clicks' at a time. So now I am thinking that I am going to have to figure out how to wire up the points distributor to the electronic ignition. I have an idea and will have to see if it works.
The plan for tonight is to get the carb installed and finish up on that side of the engine. Assuming that goes okay, I'll also start on the radiator. Going to leave the distributor for last.
Exhaust Clearance -
Topless Distributor -
I did finish tightening up the exhaust system and managed to swing it away from the steering shaft, where it had been rubbing. Plenty of clearance now. I just put my foot up against the downpipe underneath the car and put a little pressure on it - it rotated enough to get off the shaft.
Also spent some time trying to remove the distributor. Not gonna happen. Because of the angle of the 2 bolts, I can't get a wrench on them, and even if I could, I would only be able to turn the wrench maybe 2 'clicks' at a time. So now I am thinking that I am going to have to figure out how to wire up the points distributor to the electronic ignition. I have an idea and will have to see if it works.
The plan for tonight is to get the carb installed and finish up on that side of the engine. Assuming that goes okay, I'll also start on the radiator. Going to leave the distributor for last.
Exhaust Clearance -
Topless Distributor -
Monday, August 4, 2008
Getting Closer....
... to firing it up!
Had an issue with the alternator brackets, i.e., the 'new' engine didn't have them! Tried to use the part of a spare GB-Series engine (I have a couple of blocks 'lying around') but it was too short and didn't fit the newer, alternator holes in the block. Fortunately, I have a buddy locally with a complete '74 (with Sabrinas) and he let me have the needed parts. I've also sourced a set that is being shipped to replace those from my buddy's car. So the alternator is all set.
Next task was to get the new '75 non-catalytic converter downpipe into the exhaust. Had a tough time getting the old one out, but the same buddy has a very nice professional oxy-acetylene torch that made quick work of heating and removing the old pipe and installing the new. So, the exhaust is now hung - although I need to get a nut for the bolt that goes through manifold flange. A Home Despot trip is planned for today.
I also changed the plugs (Autozone was out of NGK's so I grabbed Champions). While there I stocked up on coolant, brake fluid, radiator clamps and gasket seal.
I also got the fan installed, along with the fan belt and some miscellaneous wires and hoses.
I need to finish bolting the exhaust up, and try and get it off of the steering shaft (it's rubbing). Install the carb and figure out what to do with the dizzy - try and wire the existing one or replace with my electronic one. Then the radiator goes back in and the brakes need to be bled. I'm hoping to be able to fire it up Wednesday evening.
Here are the alternator parts from the '74 B -
Alternator installed -
Exhaust back in place -
All of the pictures can be viewed here -
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/1976%20MGB%20Engine%20Work/
Had an issue with the alternator brackets, i.e., the 'new' engine didn't have them! Tried to use the part of a spare GB-Series engine (I have a couple of blocks 'lying around') but it was too short and didn't fit the newer, alternator holes in the block. Fortunately, I have a buddy locally with a complete '74 (with Sabrinas) and he let me have the needed parts. I've also sourced a set that is being shipped to replace those from my buddy's car. So the alternator is all set.
Next task was to get the new '75 non-catalytic converter downpipe into the exhaust. Had a tough time getting the old one out, but the same buddy has a very nice professional oxy-acetylene torch that made quick work of heating and removing the old pipe and installing the new. So, the exhaust is now hung - although I need to get a nut for the bolt that goes through manifold flange. A Home Despot trip is planned for today.
I also changed the plugs (Autozone was out of NGK's so I grabbed Champions). While there I stocked up on coolant, brake fluid, radiator clamps and gasket seal.
I also got the fan installed, along with the fan belt and some miscellaneous wires and hoses.
I need to finish bolting the exhaust up, and try and get it off of the steering shaft (it's rubbing). Install the carb and figure out what to do with the dizzy - try and wire the existing one or replace with my electronic one. Then the radiator goes back in and the brakes need to be bled. I'm hoping to be able to fire it up Wednesday evening.
Here are the alternator parts from the '74 B -
Alternator installed -
Exhaust back in place -
All of the pictures can be viewed here -
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/ddibiase/1976%20MGB%20Engine%20Work/
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Back to it...
Well, down to the deadline of August 3, but looks like I'm not going to quite make it.
Last night I pulled the steering rack off again, and tighten the driver's side engine mount. Put the rack back in - it's a two person job, really, to make sure the steering shaft goes into the universal joint. Colleen grabbed a pair of gloves and helped me out. I also started to put the intake/exhaust manifold on. That went fine until I got my wrench stuck behind the upper portion of the manifold! I was tightening one of the studs and discovered that I could not get my ratchet wrench out from behind! So at that point, I figured it was time to quit for the night.
Today, I was able to sneak the wrench out from behind the manifold! Removed the valve cover and jiggled it around and got it out.
Today, my plan was basically to get everything buttoned up, and have Sunday to get the car running. Well, ran into three issues today that will probably cause me to miss the 8/3 deadline -
1) No alternator brackets! The engine doesn't have them, and my old engine still has the brackets on it when I traded it in. I tried to take a bracket off one of the GB-Series but it's too small. So, tomorrow I am going to check out a friend's parts car to see if he has one that fits. I've also advertised for one.
Here is what's missing -
2) Exhaust system - the downpipe is really stuck in the muffler, and I need to get that out or use the catalytic converter again, which I would rather not do. But I'm going to take it over to my buddy's house tomorrow - he has a torch that we can use to get it out, versus my little propane thing.
3) The distributor in the '76 is different from the one in the '75. The '65 apparently has en electronic ignition while the '75 was points. The wiring is a little different so I need to figure that out.
'75 Distributor
'76 Distributor
If I can get the alternator brackets and exhaust issues fixed tomorrow, that would be great. I have a line on some infor regarding the distributor, so my goal for tomorrow is to have the 3 issues fixed, if not all installed.....
Last night I pulled the steering rack off again, and tighten the driver's side engine mount. Put the rack back in - it's a two person job, really, to make sure the steering shaft goes into the universal joint. Colleen grabbed a pair of gloves and helped me out. I also started to put the intake/exhaust manifold on. That went fine until I got my wrench stuck behind the upper portion of the manifold! I was tightening one of the studs and discovered that I could not get my ratchet wrench out from behind! So at that point, I figured it was time to quit for the night.
Today, I was able to sneak the wrench out from behind the manifold! Removed the valve cover and jiggled it around and got it out.
Today, my plan was basically to get everything buttoned up, and have Sunday to get the car running. Well, ran into three issues today that will probably cause me to miss the 8/3 deadline -
1) No alternator brackets! The engine doesn't have them, and my old engine still has the brackets on it when I traded it in. I tried to take a bracket off one of the GB-Series but it's too small. So, tomorrow I am going to check out a friend's parts car to see if he has one that fits. I've also advertised for one.
Here is what's missing -
2) Exhaust system - the downpipe is really stuck in the muffler, and I need to get that out or use the catalytic converter again, which I would rather not do. But I'm going to take it over to my buddy's house tomorrow - he has a torch that we can use to get it out, versus my little propane thing.
3) The distributor in the '76 is different from the one in the '75. The '65 apparently has en electronic ignition while the '75 was points. The wiring is a little different so I need to figure that out.
'75 Distributor
'76 Distributor
If I can get the alternator brackets and exhaust issues fixed tomorrow, that would be great. I have a line on some infor regarding the distributor, so my goal for tomorrow is to have the 3 issues fixed, if not all installed.....
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