engine and drivetrain Update on the beast

[wagnerf15]

Thanks to Toby for the Weber 38 tips, got the linkage perfect now with throttle butterflies fully closed with throttle off and I think I even have the choke right. I can idle down to about 1 rpm now, of course it doesn't run worth a shit. I also discovered that a couple of my vacuum plugs weren't, and it idles a LOT better with those leaks plugged (Why do I keep learning the same old shit?).

Additionally, I could never figure out why everybody timed the ball at 2500 rpm instead of the pulley mark at 1400rpm....now I know. Who in the f*** made this thing? I don't see any way to get a good look at the pointer and pulley marks. But I can find the ball just fine. Hard to reach the distributor and I think I've permanently scarred the 18 year old after he touched the old wire to the points while helping....guess I should secure that.

Let's see, radiator leak, think I need a new one. Bottom studs on header leaking oil, guess I'll pull that bitch and re-do the studs while I can get at it easily. Not sure if alternator is charging, that's no big deal. But it sounds great with it's open header and revs like a beotch. Man am I looking forward to drive #1.

Oh yeah, waiting on driveshaft #2 from Driveshaft Specialists. Previous post described the process of trying to find driveshaft here in STL and how I came to settle on these guys. Anyway, I finally said "send me 59 11/16" driveshaft and I'll be responsible if it doesn't fit". 1 week later, my 60 1/16" driveshaft arrives and it fits.......if I stuff the shit out of it and push the engine against the mounts. Not happy. To their credit, they said "new one coming and it'll be 59 11/16"". More to follow.

Meanwhile, 60 deg here today and I'm gonna take a break...go ride Harleys with the wife.

[jetdog]

How much did Driveshaft Specialists charge to do the driveshaft (if I may ask)?

[wagnerf15]

Uh, I don't have the invoice handy, but it seems like it was around $450 and then a core charge that gets refunded when you kick your old one back. Not a great price, but the work looks nice, and if it fits and is nicely balanced, it'll be worth it. No one around STL can even cut because there are no jigs IN THIS CITY!!!! YGBSM.