So now, to the blown head gasket...

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks guys! I put 40 miles on the truck today running errands, stop and go traffic, cruising speeds, down the big hill then back up. Confirm 20mph in 3rd climbing the 10% grades; runs nicely at 40mph on flat terrain, gets a bit loud past 45mph and up to 50mph. I could tell that Veronica got a bit uncomfortable at those speeds with no seat belts so I'm going to address that matter as a priority. I have a set of military lap belts and know how I want to install them-just need to procure the materials. No road test issues other than a little oil seepage on the top of the oil canister so I snugged it down a bit more when I got home. The freeze plug install is solid-no issues there, so other than getting the replacement thermostat in hand and installed, I think I can close the book on this fix.

Next, besides the seat belts, I'm going to get a set of those E3 spark plugs and see if they provide any boost in power (as the manufacturer claims). I'll start a new post on that once I install them.
Gary

[52 M-42]

Congratulations, Gary! It's always nice to get a repair completed (especially when you get an unexpected power boost).

[j mccormick]

Glad your repair was successful, always a good feeling to hear them running smoothly again.

Joe

[Cal_Gary]

Thanks guys-the truck has never run this good since I've owned it, which is understandable since it's needed so much work through the years. Besides the plugs I see the Pertronix upgrade as another on my "to do" list.
Gary

[Carter]

Thanks for the update Gary, nice to have it all go as planned. Please tell me about the E3 spark plugs you plan on getting and from where.

[Cal_Gary]

Hi Carter,
Well I've now been fooled twice by O'Reilly Auto Parts-they lagged on getting my new (defective) head gasket, promising next-day in the store, and have done the same with the E3 plugs. I asked them to get me 6 equivalents of the civilian AC R45s that I currently run. They were to be here on Sunday but the store hasn't called yet so it will be at least Tuesday before I have the plugs.

The E3s have a diamond design electrode on the end-claim to ensure a much more complete fuel burn since there is so much more spark area involved. I hope to install and test before receiving any posts about throwing my money away

More to follow,
Gary

[Carter]

Thanks Gary, I am interested in learning how they work out for you.

[w30bob]

Hi Gary,

Nah.............I won't say it.



bob

[DCook]

Gary,
I am interested in your source for the pertronic points? What is the best, current info available on this conversion?

[just me]

The least expensive to the most expensive spark plugs will make no difference in these engines now with unleaded fuels. (When I was an insultant for an OEM running their engine dyno, we could find no repeatable measurable gains from various spark plug offerings. Heat range made more difference. ( we were measuring hp, torque, egt, fuel consumption, AFR, cylinder pressure and temperatures.)

[Cal_Gary]

Sorry for the delay, Dana. Charles at M-Series uses the Pertronix electronic ignition units so he's a good source of info. The Pertronix website also has a lot of info. I have a civvy distributor and need to record the model number in order to get the correct unit. They go for around $100 but eliminates the use of points and condenser and also provides a greater spark (if you also get their matching coil).

Once I purchase and install one I will post the results. No timeframe for doing this, though.
Gary