|Well i'm finally getting really close to starting up the 239 in my 54 for the first time in 10 or so years.I must admit to being a little nervous after having so many rebuilt parts on it and being new to this motor.So i have a few questions.
first-i have the motor sitting at tdc on number 1 and the rotor pointing at number 1 on the cap,timing set at 0 degrees.I know i will have to adjust the timing a bit but figured i can get it started at 0 for now.Is this right for this motor?
second-this may be dumb question bt i assume the negative cable is the one that goes to the block nd the positive to the starter.Sorry worked on to many british positive ground cars so now i am second guessing on something this old.
3rd-do you guys run a fuel lead additive?Lately i have been readin a lot of horror storiesabout fual companies making fuels that can harm our old cars.I did pick up a bottle of lead additive at my local napa and he will bring me in as much as i need and keep it in stock.
Wish me luck,hopefully by next week she'll be back and running.Then just some headlight wiring to figure out,because its all dis-connected and after 50 years its all the same color.Then some interior work and it'll be ready to drive.
This may sound dumb but I have to make sure that you understand TDC as lots of people don't . It's not just that you have the number one piston at the top but it's also at the top right after the intake valve has closed?
Lots of people put the mark in line but because the crank does 2 turns for every 1 turn of the cam, it can be 180 degrees out.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Q2 - Negative cable goes to the block, positive cable goes to the starter.
Q3 - don't bother with a lead additive. While everyone thought hardened valve seats were required for unleaded fuel, that proved to be unecessary. At various POCI conventions, Pontiac Engineering Guru John Sawruck said the lead additives were a waste of money.
yes i have the engine tdc #1 compression.I just was watching powerblock and they had an additive for the oil from rislone which has the zddp in it.Is it necessary for these engines,they say 1996 and earlier.I know my 94 chevy sems to prefer certain brands of oil for some strange reason.Whay are you guys running for oil.I think i just put wal mart 10w30 in it for now.
I never bother with oil zddp, I use quality oil and the correct grade in my 53. Castrol is OK for our engine, other great brand can be use also. The last time I open up the engine, the cam and lifter look like new, and they run enough to know with new oil.
Fitz
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www.FitzbackGarage.com Look for Easy Steering in your vintage Poncho, Look for the EasyDrive Power Steering System in the web site
regaurding fuel, stay away from Reg. the 'ethanol" in it will ruin your fuel system!!! Use High test or premium w/NO ETHANOL!!!!! Make sure your on TDC of "firing" stroke as Carl said. Don't know how many times I've been 180 out on Distributor aft. swearing I'm on the right stroke. One of my car club members had to replace both float bowls on his Holley double pumper,as the Ethanol "ATE" the fuel bowls right through!!!!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
