I really need to get this thing finished, but at the same time, there is no way I am going to rush the last part and not be satisfied that I did a good job. While it is a weekend, it is also busy around the house with chores to keep the place for falling down around us, and social pressures with the FIL staying for the next couple of months. The weather is also a significant factor, although the fan and the shade of the shop and multiple bottles of water make it much less uncomfortable that it could be.
My goal for the weekend is to get everything underneath buttoned up. I have the truck half in and half out of the shop, it is fine while I am working on it but I don’t like leaving it that way over night. I don’t want infiltration by any critters. This morning I get started with the starter motor. The wiring is already hanging in place and I hooked up the knock sensor before getting started. Hopefully I got the bell housing rod in the right position that it doesn’t block the starter going in. I’m not proud, but since the starter was not oily I didn’t really clean it before replacing it. I got the wires connected first and the nose slipped into place easily the power ratchet got the two bolts in place without issue and the bell housing bar was never a factor, Here is a picture of the win!
you may notice the motor mount through bolt has no nut on it. I found it in the suspension mount at the very bottom of the picture, It was hanging out the bottom. So with a magnet I rescued it and installed it in it’s rightful place.
I installed the engine last week and pushed the truck outside till this weekend. In the meantime mud dauber wasps have used 4 bolt holes as incubators for their larva. Sadly this is one generation that isn’t going to make it. using a pick and the air blow gun I cleaned them out to prepare for use. I need at least the other two of them open for the exhaust manifold. Speaking of which, I spent some significant time cleaning and painting them, I really hope the paint holds up to its 2000ยบ promise.
Here is an update on what needed to be done under the truck.
Connect the three flex plate to torque converter boltsinstall the bottom bell housing coverInstall the bottom rods from the bell housing to the engine mounts.connect the O2sensor wiring.Install the starter motor and wiring- install the upper bell housing bolts. (maybe easier from below) NOT!
Install the exhaust to the manifolds
Not bad, I think for the most part and I am done crawling under there. But I’m not going to jinx myself by saying I’m done. Experience and disappointment from many years has taught me better. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.
