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Cam burn-in aborted

Moseso

Jedi Knight
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The TR3 project is moving along.
Since I last posted my progress in mid-June, the body tub has been replaced on the frame, all the wiring laid, the hydraulic systems buttoned-up, the rear end of the body is back together including boot lid and tail lights. All of the accessories are back on the motor. Sunday, I finished wiring the dash and put all the gauges and switches in. It was time to fire this thing up and break-in my new cam. I filled the cooling system. I cranked the motor without the plugs or the valve cover until oil pressure was up and oil was merrily pumping out of the rockers. I put in the plugs, opened the fuel valve and primed the fuel system with the hand lever. I turned on the ignition, hit the starter and ---- it started right up! A screw driver tip under the fast idle cam produced the desired 2800 RPM and I set about adjusting the oil pressure relief valve, watching for rotating pushrods, putting the valve cover back on, watching the gauges and looking for water or oil to be coming from anywhere it shouldn't be.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(AND THE OVERDRIVE WORKS!!!!!)

Sadly the water pump did not pass the initial run test. After about five minutes, it was throwing enough water all over the place that I had to abort the initial run. The new (rebuilt) pump should be here in a couple of days and I'll pick up where I was so rudely interrupted. I also need to fiddle some more behind the dash. It's blowing the fuse now, when I turn on the key. I think the temp sensor line must be touching something it shouldn't be, or something like that. It's awfully cramped back there.

There's WAY more fiddling and fitting to do, but I see light at the end of the tunnel. I am committed to make <span style="font-style: italic">at least</span> one test drive before the snow flies. It should be pointed out that the geese ARE flying South these days. I gotta keep my a$$ in gear!
 
Very nice update. Your enthusiasm is gushing so got me all lathered when I read about your project. Keep up the good work and post a photo but only if that won't slow progress.
 
I agree. But pictures, pictures, pictures please!

Randy
 
OK -----
I get out my camera this afternoon -- Pics tomorrow.
It just looks like a 75% assembled TR3.
No picture could capture that <span style="font-style: italic">SOUND</span>.
 
WOOHOO!!!

Great Len!!!

This is th' stuff to motivate the masses. :thumbsup:

Did th' pump lie about for long before ya fitted it or was it an old one? Just curious.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Speak softly and wear a loud shirt[/QUOTE]

Or for the ladies out there, "walk slowly and wear a short skirt".
 
DrEntropy said:
Did th' pump lie about for long before ya fitted it or was it an old one? Just curious.

Both, Doc. I have cut corners on this job. It is NOT a 100% ground-up new car resto. The old pump, when last used, neither leaked nor grumbled. It was deemed reusable, until proven otherwise. 2 years off the car and away from immersion must have killed the seal. I've heard of this and worried about it but, dang it, it had been a good unit. Note that the front body work is not in place before the initial motor test -- precisely to make this sort of "Well, that didn't work. Better replace it" job easier.

The pictures:
Being a "financially challenged" (as opposed to bronze, silver or gold) member of this fine forum. I am upload challenged as well. I, therefore, direct you to https://www.moseso.com/tr3/ on my own server -- where I can put as many pictures as I like. It <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> just looks like a 75% assembled (or 25% <span style="font-style: italic">disassembled</span>, depending on one's mood) TR3.
 
I am so sorry I asked for pictures - now I'm jealous! Looks great!

Did you just buy the offy valve cover, or is that an original? Those look substantially better than other aftermarket options, in my opinion.

Randy
 
Great pics. Thanks for sharing. It is looking real good and I am
excited for you that she fires well and all.

Just a curious side note: You have a white wire going from your coil over
to your fender well/side in your first picture. Curious to know what
that wire attaches to.
 
Nice job. Summit Racing makes some great hold down brackets especially made for the new battery that you have there. I used one with mine it it looks great.
 
2wrench said:
Just a curious side note: You have a white wire going from your coil over
to your fender well/side in your first picture. Curious to know what
that wire attaches to.
That is the white wire from the (new) wiring harness running along the inside of that fender. Ignition switch --> white wire --> coil.
 
Brosky said:
Nice job. Summit Racing makes some great hold down brackets especially made for the new battery that you have there. I used one with mine it it looks great.
I've seen that in your pictures. While pretty (and undoubtedly functional) it seemed a needless expense to me. Note that that is the <span style="font-style: italic">original</span> brass battery hold-down on mine. While eaten at by a former battery, it is not eaten through sufficiently to be scrapped. It's holding the battery (on top of the thoughtfully provided "extra height" spacer) just fine.
 
TR4nut said:
I am so sorry I asked for pictures - now I'm jealous! Looks great!

Did you just buy the offy valve cover, or is that an original? Those look substantially better than other aftermarket options, in my opinion.

Randy
I bought it from Exeter Auto Supply where it is, not only prettier than the others on the market, but <span style="font-style: italic">cheaper</span> too!

Notes about installing it:
1) It is taller than stock. New, longer, studs were required in the head to hold it down. Not a very big deal.
2) Note in pic #2 that I have opted to use the TR4, and later, cable controlled heater valve. This, wider, valve will not fit, upright, next to the Offy valve cover. A 45 degree brass plumbing elbow was employed to lean the water valve away from the valve cover. This may be a problem with other alloy valve covers too, though I've never seen it discussed.
 
Mos,

You are correct, it is somewhat of a needless expense, and not cheap at that.
 
Well, in all fairness, the Offy valve cover was a needless expense too. It was a moment of weakness when I bought it. I am trying to keep those down to a dull roar.
 
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