Greetings all,
The Ghia will be started this Friday 8/8/8. Up on stands, no axles installed - just starting the engine for the first time in 22 years (it's been rebuilt). We've already turned it over to circulate both engine oil and ATF. Everything looks 'go for throttle up'. We plan to run the engine up to speed 2500-4000 rpm for 15-20 minutes, as is typically done for a new/rebuilt engine, then shut down and change out the oil.
Any last words of advice on things to look for around the trans are appreciated since you all have helped me nurse this project along.
One thing I am thinking - want to check operation of the shift mechanism. That is, when the shifter is touched, does the servo actuate the clutch arm. No adjustment, just want to see if it actually works - since everything has been reworked (contact gap adjusted, new wiring, servo arm adjustment, new clutch, etc.). Will worry about final adjustments later, after final build out of the car.
Achilles,
An auspicious date according to the Chinese! I'll keep everything crossed for you!
Since it is up on stands, axles off etc, maybe better if you take care of break-in and general running checks and such first before going to the clutch mechanism.
With the trans, just check your GB Oil level one last time, make sure the ATF is topped up and check the level soon after you crank it to 2000rpm, fill as necessary. Hose connection points will dribble oil onto the ground if they are leaking and if it's the main seal, from the lowest point of the bellhousing. Give vac hoses a check on every clamp.
Thing is, the vac tank should be good for a few shifts after shutdown. If there's two of you - should be simple for one to crawl under the car while the other does the gear stick thing (ignition on!).
One last check? The drained engine oil - check carefully for signs of ATF in it.
Damn, bet the excitement is palpable ;D.
Just try not to let it get to you and that thoroughness instead of speed is what's required now.
All the best...and this thread is worthless without pics :-*..
Enjoy
Volkenstein
Hiya Larry,
Oh yeah!
I'd put my two cents worth in with Sean. I'd be more concerned (at this stage) with leaks. Since you have the KG up in the air you can check those all-important banjos down below. That top union between metal and rubber ATF lines is an important one to look at also. Just as important and more difficult to locate is the possibility of vacuum leaks.
And, as Sean mentioned, you can give the shift action a shot after you shut down.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement, gents.
As to pics, look here:http://ghiablog.blogspot.com (http://ghiablog.blogspot.com). Not necessarily up to the minute, but close.
Larry,
Dreamboat KG you've got. Love the paint. Have you lined up a pro photo dude?. It'd be stunning if you even hung a white sheet(s) and took a silhouette shot and such like yourself.
I'll keep the fingers crossed but it seems you've primed everything properly (as of your blog update) then away with break-in you should go!!
Enjoy
Sean
Larry,
Wow! My hat's off to you. That's an incredible job you're doing.
Thanks to all.
We did the deed yesterday evening. After a few tries with a little ether in the carb throat, she fired right up. We ran up the rpms. It was tough to vary the engine speed using the gas pedal - not sensitive enough, probably need the cable adjusted.
At speed, the engine sounded mechanically just great. No clatter whatsoever. I did hear some misfires - very subtle, tough to detect, and probably wouldn't affect running. But not quite the steady hum I would hope for. Anybody have any ideas about that? A timing issue, or will final carb adjustments take care of it?
Next step is to change the oil, re-adjust the valves, and adjust the carb for idle speed. Although I static timed it, I'll probably use the strobe to check and adjust the timing.
Oh and the shift mech worked just fine after engine shutdown - vacuum appears to be good to go.
Hiya Larry,
That's a great feeling to have that engine (that was down to nuts and bolts) running again, isn't it?
As to small misfires. Yes, it could well be a problem with a carb adjust (float level?) or you may have small vacuum leak. I had a vacuum leak drive me crazy with rough running on one side of the engine. Turned out that the cap to the vacuum port on the left head casting had a crack in it. That's all it took, so they can be difficult to find. Another possibility.....an electrical short?
Awesome feeling. Down to the skinny on this resto now.
Theses 'misfires' seem very, very minor. I changed the oil, but haven't adjusted the valves yet, and restarted the engine and let it idle. Idle is not final adjusted, but it sounds fine, don't really notice any missing at idle. So, it could be nothing.
I will check the hoses and connections again. I put special care into this when reassembling the engine, though. All new hoses and clamps.