Prepping for the First Start
Looking for insight and advice as we try to start the engine on our 1971 2002 for the first time. We don’t know the history of the car (here's what we do know) nor why someone else abandoned it mid-project. We’ve enjoyed the researching so far (many FAQ searches) and the gathering of parts, all while having lots of fun (see our project car website link in the blog description). Now to put fuel to spark, and see what we’ve got engine-wise.
Current status:
- Mechanical #1: The engine turns by hand; we’ve changed the oil and adjusted the valves.
- Mechanical #2: Still sorting out what’s original and what’s not. This (Photo 1 below) is a later head, correct?
- Electrical // ignition: New plugs, wires, points, condenser, rotor and cap installed.
- Electrical // ignition #2: We have not touched anything around the coil. Any insights into what we’re seeing here? (Photo 2 below)
- Electrical // battery: We just got one; thanks to Mike Self for suggesting (via FAQ) a Group 26R from Wal-Mart.
- Electrical // charging: Old alternator was toast (had it tested) and we have a used loaner from a friend. But the drive belt is off (see below), so this first start (and maybe short run) will be battery-only.
- Electrical // starter: We connected the battery and the starter does engage, yay. The oil got sloshed around with no ignition stuff connected.
- Fuel // tank: The gas tank is out of the car. (But it does look clean, thankfully.)
- Fuel // carburetor: Just dump a bit of fuel down this carb? Help! (Photo 3 below)
- Fuel // delivery: New parts on hand, but not yet installed: fuel hose, fuel line, fuel filter.
- Cooling // radiator: Removed and just got rebuilt. (If the car starts, we can run it for one minute without any cooling system, correct?)
- Cooling // engine block: Drained and flushed.
- Cooling // water pump and thermostat: Removed and will get replaced.
- Cooling // heater core: No idea. But, we were thrilled to see that the heater fan works when we connected the battery.
- Cooling // hoses: Some are off; all will get replaced. What’s up with this hose under the intake manifold that we found plugged with a spark plug?! (Photo 4 below)
thanks,
Eric
6 Comments
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now