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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

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

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

Joe

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

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.

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

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

Hi Gary,

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



bob

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

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.)

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