Here come the problems....

[Baz]

I guess y'all suspected a first time engine rebuild couldn't be this easy....
Major ooops #1, I took the old radiator out without removing the cowl, now I've got it all back together, guess what? Yup, new raditor won't fit without taking out 3,000 fins. Is the radiator cowl worth undoing everything, or can I have fun with my cutting tools?

I don't like the look of the rocker assembly, pushrods are in and back nicely, currently I'm at #1 piston compression with rotor pointing to #1 on the dizzy. Where should I idealy be for timing and valve clearances? I didn't dissasemble the rocker assemby, and have no reason to suspect that the clearances would have changed.

I am having some serious anxiety in turning that key. I have this 'expectant father' thing going on where I have a feeling something is going to go wrong.
For the record, I feel like I'm missing something......
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[drooartz]

Did you have the old radiator recored and made it bigger, or is it an aftermarket one? Smarter folks than me would know if the cowl is important, but I do know that on some cars it can make a big difference in air flow.

Could you trim the cowling back a bit? Took my 74 radiator and cowling off a month ago, and can't remember how it all went together.

Check your manual for clearances and procedure, but I seem to remember that you set clearances on each cylinder when that piston is at a particular spot.

 

[Baz]

It's an aftermarket radiator and does look bigger.
There's about 1 1/2 inches between the securing bolt holes on the cowl and the end of the lip nearer the engine, I think I could slide it through if I could afford to trim that.
My Mk II persuader is on standby.

 

[Baz]

Just figured out what I was missing.....
The rocker pedestal studs are different lengths aren't they?

I'll get my coat.....

 

[jlaird]

Yes the ones that hold the rocker cover on are longer.

And you must adjust valves if you took the head off, sits different with new gasket and such.

 

[Baz]

The radiator <u>IS</u> bigger!!!
The left side hits the expasion tank and the bolt holes (in the cowl) don't even remotely line up, but I can make new holes!
Belay my operator error thought, this clearly is a 'defective' product, which is good because I can finally introduce my Mk II persuader under the hood. Assuming the bonnet will even close with this oversized radiator in. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[drooartz]

Was it supposed to fit, or is it a universal application? Was your old radiator non-functional?

Does feel good to pull out the handy persuader. Just don't "persuade" anything else that you'll have to replace later. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

Oh great... a mad Englishman loose with a BFH... my day's complete. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

If the rad doesn't fit, don't use it. Do a recore on the old one or get the right replacement... how frustrating.

 

[Baz]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh great... a mad Englishman loose with a BFH

[/ QUOTE ]

And a very large drill with a 5/8 masonry bit.
The radiator fits now after our little chat, the hood closes too.
I've now become someone I've always feared, a DPO. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

*swoon*

~!THUD!~

 

[fmichaels]

hey barry, there are no problems only oppotunites! keep up the fight.

 

[drooartz]

Ya make it work, that's the important part. And you're only a DPO when you sell the car, so just don't sell it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif