If you read my post last week I stated I got my engine fired but with alot of cranking and persuasion. After a week to think things over and before throwing money at the carb I got back on my engine yesterday. I had a gut feeling the way she was hesitant to catch, having to play with the distributor position, and the backfires along the way something was up with timing. I had re-checked at some point everything I had been into. I then said to myself yesterday "mmmm...valves?"
I pulled my covers and got the feerler gauges out. WHOOAAA! I don't know what I must have been smoking when I set these the first time around? I could not even fit the .010" gauge in any of them let alone the .013" . One exhaust lifter was so tight it would not turn at all when the valve was supposed to be closed. After kicking myself, and then wondered if this is what happens when you get old or try to hurry? Or a combo of both?
I reset and re-checked each valve lash according to an old post from Charles. Some of the tappets I had to turn down quite a bit. I left the covers off just in case. I hooked up my power, hit the starter, and in about one rotation she fired right up at idle. I grabbed my timing light and set the distributor. She went from smooth to smother! I walked around the other side and watched the lifters moving happily up and down. I got a little oil down the side of my block but I didn't care. I throttled her up a few times and she purred. My wife even came out to observe the "re-birth" I am amazed how smooth these old flatheads run. My frame is sitting on jackstands and there was little or no vibration anywhere. A testiment to the "Floating Power" engine mounts. A good day
David
HingsingM37
1958 M37B1
1968 M101A1 Trailer
MVPA# 33078
"Do Not Take Counsel of Your Fears"
General George S. Patton Jr.
"Those who pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who do not".
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