As the slowest weekend mechanic in America, I'm duly proud of this past weekend's feat: I successfully pulled my 230CID flathead six and delivered it to the shop for rebuilding. Along the way, I asked a number of questions and got some great answers. Here's a sampling: Engine Removal ============ Lars -- on pulling the engine: "anyhoo when I pulled the 277 from my 56 wagon- had radiator only out, nicer if hood is removed too but U can do it without..." [I'm glad I read this. I was able to get it out without removing the hood, but my first inclination was to take it off. I'm glad I tried without first.] Lars -- on protecting the motor in transit: " In the pickup, use old tires to cradle it and buffer it, it can sorta lay on its side if U wish." [This was tremendous advice, and worked beautifully!] Putting The Engine Back ================== Bill B. -- on polarizing the regulator: "Yes, do jump across the Batt & Arm (B & A) terminals momentarily to polarize the system. However, this only needs to be done if you remove and/or replace the generator or regulator. I don't believe you need to do it if you just removed a battery cable. By the way, if you're removing one cable only always make sure it is the ground cable." Wayne Graefen -- on torquing head bolts: "You are going to be torquing them cold before the first start, torquing them after the engine has warmed up at least twice, then torquing them again after a few hundred miles, then again a couple thousand later." I also recall someone recommending that you only snug up the manifold bolts after the engine has reached operating temperature; but I forget where this advice came from. Are there any other tricks and tidbits folks can add to this list? How about a first time start -- are there ways to pump oil through the block beforehand? (Oh, and by the way -- the block is painted silver, and the pan blue. Is this original?) adTHANKSvance Dan '55 Savoy |