Keep us posted.. It will work out. I do have to ask, the crank turned over fairly easy after pistons were installed? What wrong bearings were used? Was the crank cut? You should really get in touch with Tel Riv or the few other nailhead guys or your rebuilder should. Just free insurance and piece of mind for you Chuck. Maby ask a Mod to move this to the Nailhead section for more views.
Hello Peter: Yes, we had the engine completely out and apart. Once we took it apart Ray asked me where the Connecting Rod bearings were. Ummm, if not in that stash, then I didn't order them, didn't know about them. We went to town and ordered a set of bearings, making certain to specify a 1966 Buick 425 (7.0 Litre). When we put it together, it seemed to turn over a bit stiff, but we attributed that to new bearings on the crank and cam shafts. Ray had torqued them down and we put everything back together. It started fairly easily and, other than generating excessive heat, seemed fine. It was the connecting rod bearings that failed. I have to rely on the opinions of people who have more experience than myself, but I had us pull over on the way to town as there was a new sound I couldn't recognise. I now know what it was.
So, Ray has located a new crank and bearings to match. With shipping, $1020.00. So far, this rebuild is costing around $3500.00. Now, I know that I bought some things I didn't really need, such as a new starter, alternator, oil pump, water pump, .... and more, but, I felt that this was the time to replace worn out parts, avoiding having things fail later down the road. I am really having a hard time waiting, but. such is life. I really appreciate everything Ray is doing for me. I wish I could be there, but I can't.
So Ray video called me today. He told me he has received the new crank and matching bearings. He is test fitting everything together, but the bearings are supposed to be a match for the crank, they came from the same place. When he is done, the complete bo0ttom end of that engine will be rebuilt/new. Loving it! He told me he would work on it for me on a regular basis to get it done, but I told him to shelve it for now. He has Bronchitis and I told him to go to bed. I don't need the car as much as I need him. Well, I hope everyone is having a great evening. Chuck
So, My Mother-In-Law (a great lady, like a Mom to me as well. ) called by mistake yesterday morning. She called by accident, but it turns out that she had information for us a well. It seems Ray woke up last week and couldn't get up without back pain. He was taken out in an ambulance not once, but twice. They say he has to get part of his spine "fused"...?). Being Ray, he was concerned that he couldn't put the car engine back together right away. I told Mom to tell him to put the car completely out of his mind. He isn't allowed to do anything to it until his Doctor says he is fit. Do I miss my 'Cat? Yes! Would I miss Ray's company more? Way more..... he's my brother-in-law, but more like a brother to me, as well as a great friend. I can wait for my car.
So, Ray has been talking to me lately (There isn't a lot he can do but slow walking and talking), and he started telling me about what he has done to the car. I had a bend upper rear control arm. I purchased one and bushings for 2 from Tom T. This was supposed to be a summer project. Ray did it. He put the new bushings in both. Ray pointed out some worn out rubber bushings in the front suspension. He told me I needed to fix this or it would affect the steering. He did it. Had a ripped engine mount, replaced. The list goes on, but he won't tell me how much I owe him. I am going to have to ask Mom, she might know. Well, goodnight all.
I talked to Ray in the hospital today and he told me of a few of the things he has picked up for the car for me. My hair started to stand on end because I am already about $2,000 into debt to him. He then apologized for not being able to work on the car. I told him that he is far more important to me than the car is (And he knows how much I love my "Cat), and there will be time enough in the spring for us to work on the car together when I get up there.
So, Ray has started to re-assemble the engine for the Wildcat, a little a day. I told him that I didn't want him doing too much at once. If he gets tired or sore, go in and rest. He has the bearings in an torqued and said that he can spin the crank easily by hand, much better than last time.
Ray has the engine re-assembled and sitting in place in the engine bay. He got tired and called it a day (Still did far too much at once for my taste.). In between his golfing, the Wildcat, garden and life in general, now they have been told to prepare to evacuate if the fires get any closer. Ray has loaded his old motorhome with his and Mom's things and fueled it up (That's not cheap with Gas in Saskatchewan running at $1.59.9 L ($7.19 Can gallon, $5.75 U.S gallon)). It's expensive enough filling up my F150. I won't be going up there until the first week in July. I told Ray that if he wants, drive the car until then to work out the kinks (And his Mom loves the Wildcat, that's the one he gives away!). I am so looking forward to seeing how it drives on all 8 cylinders.
So Ray called me yesterday afternoon to let me hear the car running. He ran her for 1/2 hour at 2,000 RPM. We have 40 lbs. of oil pressure. (My best before was 24 lbs. at 1800 RPM). The temperature never got over 170 F while running. It went up to 180 when shut off, but that makes sense with no fan cooling it off, My wife says on Monday I can go get it if the Escape will drive up there. It was making a funny noise so I am not that confident, but I do have AMA, so.... , hmmm, I really Miss my car. It has been since August last year since I drove it.
Well, I took the Escape for a short burn.... clatter clatter clatter, but only in forward gear. Reverse... quiet. Jenny asked Ray by text if we could pay him to bring the car down on his trailer and bring the Escape back up to repair. Here's hoping.
So Ray texted me the other day to let me know that he had replaced the rear control arm on the drivers side (I bent the old one... Watch where I put the jack from now on!). He also replaced the bushings on the passengers side for me. I am starting to feel that old itch, you know, the one that makes you go out and, well, just cruise in your car. It's just not the same in my F150. My brother in law has been so incredible to me. He stayed with us for 18 months back in the early 90's and says he wants to make it up to us. Sorry, you already did when you lived with us by helping out and doing the chores I didn't have time for. He says he is forgiving the 2500 I owe him. Well, maybe, but, maybe not! I may be retired on a small (really small) pension and CPP (Canada Pension Plan disability), that just covers the bills, food, and gas with a little left over at the end of the cheque, but I really want to pay him back.
Ray video called me today on Messenger. He had to show me that there is not a single drip underneath the engine of the Wildcat. Wow! I live in a Condo and to protect the asphalt I had a board under the car. She leaked, not really bad, but enough that I knew it would eat the pavement. I love it.
So Ray spoiled Jenny's surprise for me today. He is planning on bringing down my wildcat around the 15th of the month. Am I happy? Yup. Can't wait to see Ray.
Jenny's sister Jill said that Raymond is doing a few more things to the car (?). I don't know what is left. I have arthritis in both hands, wrists, elbows, lower back, neck and knees (boy, sounds like I should be in a wheelchair). I know that there is a lot that I cannot do anymore, but, so should Raymond. He is still recovering and should be taking life easy and doing his physiotherapy exercises, not working on the car. I can't get him to agree though.
Ray and Gord showed up yesterday around 3 with the car. I am so ecstatic. My Grandson Luke, who is 3, starred at the car for 20 minutes and is insisting on a ride. I need to get the engine timed and the carb set up.
Took the car for a short. well, 50 mile drive today. The idle is a little lumpy and she runs a little rough until it warms up. Ray said he didn't time the engine with a light, but by ear. Humm, might be time for my friendly mechanic Bob. Once out on the highway, it ran great at 90 KHP (55 MPH). Speed limit is 100 (60 MPH), so I was cheesing people off, but I didn't care. Ray said to keep it around 2000 RPM, which it turns out, is about 55 MPH. Works for me. The temperature went up to about 210 while we were driving, but everything is new and working in, so I kind of expected that. Plus, it is hot here today. She didn't overheat and ran like a dream. I am in heaven. Once again, I am getting "Thumbs Up" from people. I can tell the difference now that all eight cylinders are firing instead of seven. I didn't realize how much I liked my wing windows and vents, they really cool down the interior. I hope all of the people on this forum, and their families have a splendid Father's Day. I don't know what my kids have planned, but I know they are up to something. "I see nothing! Nothing!!!"
