RE: 383 Engine Build - Issues to Avoid Wanted

["Jim Jablonski" <groovinjim@xxxxxxx>]

Seems like some Chebbie info intermixed in there...

-----Original Message-----
From: 1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of 62-65-mail-list-club-Gary-H
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2025 08:32
To: 1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: 383 Engine Build - Issues to Avoid Wanted

That is a good one Jim. I don't know if there is any "AI Hallucination" included in the list; it is not obvious to me anyway. :)

Thanks,
Gary H. 

>  -------Original Message-------
>  From: Jim Jablonski
>  
>  Just for fun, I copied Don's ask into ChatGPT. Here's what was
>  returned:
>  
>  1. OIL SYSTEM ISSUES:
>  
>  * Oil Gallery Plugs: Double-check that all oil gallery plugs are  
> installed, especially the ones at the back of the block. Leaving even  
> one out will result in catastrophic oil pressure loss.
>  * Camshaft Thrust Plate and Bolts: Make sure the plate is installed  
> correctly, and the bolts are secured with thread locker.
>  * Rear Main Seal Orientation: Always point the lip of the seal  
> inward (toward the oil). Installing it backward guarantees a leak.
>  * Oil Pump Driveshaft: Ensure it's properly engaged with both the  
> pump and distributor. Misalignment will cause a no-oil-pressure  
> scenario at startup.
>  * Pickup Tube Installation: Use thread sealant on the pickup tube  
> threads and double-check the depth and angle to avoid starvation.
>  
>  2. INTERNAL ENGINE ASSEMBLY:
>  
>  * Rod Cap Orientation: Rod caps must match their original rods and  
> face the correct direction. Incorrect orientation leads to binding and  
> potential failure.
>  * Piston Ring Gap Placement: Stagger the gaps to reduce blow-by.
>  Aligning them can result in compression loss and excessive oil  
> consumption.
>  * Piston Orientation: Some 383 pistons have an offset wrist pin or a  
> marking (like "F" or an arrow) indicating the front. Installing  
> backward can cause noise and wear.
>  * Connecting Rod Bolt Clearance: Check that rod bolts clear the  
> block's pan rail, especially when using aftermarket rods or stroker  
> kits.
>  
>  3. CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY:
>  
>  * Head Gasket Orientation: Ensure the correct side is facing up and  
> that coolant passages align properly. Reversed gaskets can cause  
> overheating.
>  * Pushrod Fitment: Verify that the pushrods are seated correctly in  
> both the lifter and the rocker arm. Misalignment can cause bending or  
> valvetrain noise.
>  * Rocker Arm Alignment: Make sure the rocker arms are positioned  
> correctly on the valve tip and pushrod cup. Misalignment can wear the  
> rocker or valve stem prematurely.
>  * Valve Stem Seals: Don't forget to install them! They help control  
> oil consumption and prevent smoking.
>  
>  4. TIMING AND CAMSHAFT ISSUES:
>  
>  * Camshaft Retainer Plate: Missing this plate (or installing it
>  backward) will allow cam walk, leading to erratic timing and 
> potential  damage.
>  * Timing Marks Alignment: Double and triple-check that the cam and  
> crank marks are aligned correctly. A tooth off can cause poor  
> performance or piston-to-valve contact.
>  * Fuel Pump Eccentric Orientation: On older engines with mechanical  
> fuel pumps, ensure the eccentric is installed correctly; otherwise,  
> fuel pump failure will occur.
>  
>  5. FASTENER PITFALLS:
>  
>  * Main Cap Orientation: Some builders accidentally swap the main  
> caps or face them backward, leading to alignment issues.
>  * Torque Specs and Sequence: Be meticulous—incorrect torque can  lead 
> to blown gaskets or distorted components.
>  * Thread Sealant on Head Bolts: Some head bolts go into water  
> jackets, so sealant is essential to prevent coolant leaks.
>  * Balancing the Harmonic Damper: If replacing the damper, ensure  
> it's compatible with your engine's balance setup (internal vs.
>  external).
>  
>  6. FINAL ASSEMBLY CHECKS:
>  
>  * Distributor Gear Engagement: Rotate the engine by hand to ensure  
> the distributor gear fully engages the cam gear. Misalignment can  
> cause erratic timing.
>  * Valve Lash Settings: Improper lash can lead to excessive noise or  
> valve damage, particularly with solid lifters.
>  * Cooling System Bleed: Air pockets can cause overheating. Burp the  
> system thoroughly before the first run.
>  * Vacuum Port Plugging: Unused vacuum ports on the carb or manifold  
> must be plugged to prevent lean conditions and vacuum leaks.
>  
>  On Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 5:37:12 AM UTC-4 Jim Jablonski wrote:
>  
>  > Here's a few off the top of my head:
>  >
>  > - Replace the distributor bushing
>  > - Don't forget the oil slinger
>  > - RTV on exhaust manifold / header bolts  > - Don't have 5 friends 
> standing around drinking cold ones during  > startup  >  > Best of 
> luck!
>  >
>  > Jim
>  >
>  > On Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:45:01 AM UTC-4 Donald Gallimore wrote:
>  >
>  >> I'll be assembling an engine for the first time in a long time and  
> >> looking for any "got you" issues to avoid in the assembly process.
>  >> Things like don't leave out the oil gallery plugs or make sure the  
> >> rear main seal is pointed inward.
>  >>
>  >> It's a 1968 383 with all the machine work done and the freeze  >> 
> plugs and cam bearing installed. Heads are ready to go also. Work  >> 
> done by a very reliable machine shop (but i will still check the  >> 
> work). It's just going to be used for cruise-ins and the like,  >> not 
> a race engine.
>  >>
>  >> TYIA.
>  >>
>  >> Akron Don
>  
>  --
>  --

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