Lots of events around here were cancelled last night because of another "big storm" that was headed our way. It turned out to be two inches of wet snow and it was just enough to get us out there to shovel the sidewalks and help a neighbor get her car out onto the street. Great way to begin the day.
Once at the boat, our first order of business was to get the last two bolts into that stink'in exhaust manifold. It seems that the bolt holes in the manifold gasket are just a little smaller than the bolt diameter so when you insert the bolt, you have to push on the head of the bolt while turning it in, just to get it to thread through the gasket and into the head. There are six bolts and we managed to get four new hex head bolts in. The other two refused to go in, mainly because we couldn't push hard enough on them as we screwed them in.
So, for the last two, we switched to Allen-head bolts. During the week, we bought a 1/2" Allen socket and that worked. We put the Allen key socket on the bolt and then used a small pry bar between the water tank and the ratchet to push it in as we turned it. Worked perfectly, although we never want to do this again.
Next we mounted the outboard valve cover. Note to self: This should be installed before the exhaust manifold goes on. The valve cover has five bolts. All are accessible except the one in the center. That one will require a 1/4-inch drive ratchet, an extension, a universal joint and a 7/16" socket.
Wrenching on an old boat is so much fun!
Next we installed the square bore to four barrel adapter for the carb. Pretty easy and we are owed an easy one once in a while.
Before we left we noted that the heavy work is done. Much of what remains is plumbing and we're familiar with that. No hose will reinstall without the help of our heat gun or some dish washing liquid. They never do. But now, we're within sight of the finish line.
Sunday
Nice day and got an early start. Time to begin cleaning up some of the small stuff. Mount the water intake hose on the new raw water hose. We had to take that new pump off the engine to get the hose onto the bottom. Elapsed time: one hour.
The Sherwood raw water pump from hell. It's a clever design and only fits these small block Chrysler engines but putting it on really takes some patience. That hose with the blue stripe will soon go on the pump outlet, right next to it.
Next, install the spark plugs on the outboard side. Not fun getting a hand down between the manifold and water tank. We've done this before, of course but somehow this time, it seemed more difficult. Had to take our jacket off to get our arm in there. Eventually, got all four plugs back in. Elapsed time: Another hour. Good we're not trying to make a living at this.
Next it was time to reinstall the exhaust elbow on the outboard side. We used a new block-off gasket between the top of the manifold and the Chrysler-specific adapter. That adapter plate allows the use of a very common exhaust elbow (used on lots of small block GM installations) on the Chrysler manifold. Then we installed a second gasket between the top of the adapter and the elbow.
Lots of people recommend installing these exhaust pieces dry but we've done this before and we like PermaTex Red gasket sealant because it works and those joints never leak.
Finally, we picked up the elbow with the exhaust hose still attached, slid the hose over the muffler inlet and gently put the elbow down over the studs on the top of the adapter. It was great seeing that PermaTex ooze out a little all the way around the joint.
Here's the elbow finally installed.
The elbow isn't new. We installed it two years ago to replace the ones that came on the boat. It was in good shape, so we re-used it.
The brass fitting at the left end of the riser is where the seawater is injected to cool the riser a little before going overboard with the exhaust. The angle fitting just below it routes coolant (50% antifreeze and water) through the manifold to cool it.
Now we'll tackle the inboard side of the engine. That should be much easier because everything is right in front of us. No leaning over and fighting the proximity of the water tank.
All of this isn't a lot to show for 4-1/2 hours of work, but we're happy to have that outboard side of the engine complete.
Next it was time to reinstall the exhaust elbow on the outboard side. We used a new block-off gasket between the top of the manifold and the Chrysler-specific adapter. That adapter plate allows the use of a very common exhaust elbow (used on lots of small block GM installations) on the Chrysler manifold. Then we installed a second gasket between the top of the adapter and the elbow.
Lots of people recommend installing these exhaust pieces dry but we've done this before and we like PermaTex Red gasket sealant because it works and those joints never leak.
Finally, we picked up the elbow with the exhaust hose still attached, slid the hose over the muffler inlet and gently put the elbow down over the studs on the top of the adapter. It was great seeing that PermaTex ooze out a little all the way around the joint.
Here's the elbow finally installed.
The brass fitting at the left end of the riser is where the seawater is injected to cool the riser a little before going overboard with the exhaust. The angle fitting just below it routes coolant (50% antifreeze and water) through the manifold to cool it.
Now we'll tackle the inboard side of the engine. That should be much easier because everything is right in front of us. No leaning over and fighting the proximity of the water tank.
All of this isn't a lot to show for 4-1/2 hours of work, but we're happy to have that outboard side of the engine complete.
No comments:
Post a Comment