52 M38a1 Motor Pool Resto

Engine work today. New Victor head gasket.

And brand new head bolts. I didn't trust the used ones. They were pitted.

Shaun came over to help out today. We had fun!

He brought his torque wrench because I didn't trust mine. Turns out they are just about identical in calibration. We torqued to 65 pounds following the TM's sequence. Retorqued a second time and glad we did. Some bolts needed a second torque.

We added the trim which is held on by the head bolts: Engine lift hook, military standard oil filter and throttle linkage. The head bolts for the lift hook are 1/4" longer.

Much easier to install throttle linkage before exhaust manifold. New cork valve cover gasket. We hand lubed the rocker and exhaust valve chamber before putting the cover on. The rocker had a long soak in the parts washer and I have confirmed that the oil gallery is clear and free.

The exhaust valves need to be adjusted before installing the cover. New manifold studs.

And that was the order of the day. More tomorrow.....Pete

 

I learned a trick from the tire shop for getting the torque perfect every time.... first, you use an air impact and give it a few ugga dugga's.... then when you pull out your torque wrench and set it to 65, it'll click perfectly every time! [Insert sarcasm]

Looking good!

 

Carb is all set....Rebuilt by blalp!

YS 950

YS is all set, thank you Shaun....

 

Piss coat of OD....Oil tube installed

Water pump.....

Wiped down with acetone, just a quick and dirty coat....



Still need to adjust valves....

 

It may be a while before another post. We've had a pretty major storm late last week and I'm finding myself in a situation where I have somewhere between 50 and 100 clients with trees across their driveways or on houses. Downed power lines and whatnot. It sucks. Memorial day weekend deadline is now less than a reality.....Pete

 

I find that I have yet more trees, hemlocks in particular, still toppling over as their root-mats tear out of the sodden ground. One large one just missed my parked YJ.

And yeah, lots of clean up to get done.

Work safe, Pete.

 

Yup, Hemlocks, Red Maples, Poplars, Pines and White Birch took the brunt. It was a nasty one....you stay safe too...

 

bad over here too just got power back those line crews are earning their pay

 

OK, things are freeing up for me (for now). What a busy time at work! I do plan to start work again this weekend.

Some parts landed here this week. NOS exhaust manifold from two years before I was born.

Inside packaging...

Light coating of cosmoline.

So nice to have a crisp part.

 

Your tax dollars at work!

 

I am NOT getting a refund this year (it's been many years since)!

 

Back to the build. Shaun came over this morning to offer some help and much needed motivation. Adjusted intake and exhaust valves with use of feeler gauge. Since the exhaust valves are brand new, we discovered that they were in need of fairly significant adjustment.

Installed exhaust valve cover next. New cork gaskets and crush washers...

Next, connected the PCV system. I'm sticking with the civvy system for now (without fording valve). I'm reusing the original vacuum lines.

I'm now taking an extended lunch break. I'll post more pics later on. Still more trim to install on the engine.