Spring recommissioning - JP's project thread

[JPSmit]

Not a lot to do to get the car running for the spring, but, some.

I have been anxious about the oil pump since I freshened the engine - it got me to Wisconsin & back so I am sure it is fine but it drops pretty low at idel when warm. Besides I actually have a new pump (doh!)

A year or more ago we discussed 1500 oil pumps and one issue that came up was lapping the casting of the pump where the two halves come together - I did this with the old pump and it did help. I have done the same with the new pump but now I am wondering whether a bead of sealant between the two halves would be even better. any thoughts?

 

[SaxMan]

I'd be concerned if the sealant deteriorated and bits of silica either get sucked up into the pump or start circulating around the engine.

 

[SD Bugeye]

Check for oil restriction on the suction side pickup tube.
also poor quality oil filters. You want as much surface as you can get -lots of pleats
worn rocker shaft will deminish oil pressure too. Cheap easy fix after a good oil filter.

 

[JPSmit]

Well the oil pan is off - and a new gasket is in my future - I have had more leakage than usual the last few years - and I think it is from the oil pan - so, as I try to address this, and given that I have to make the gasket - paper? cork? gasket sealer?

 

[nomad]

Well the oil pan is off - and a new gasket is in my future - I have had more leakage than usual the last few years - and I think it is from the oil pan - so, as I try to address this, and given that I have to make the gasket - paper? cork? gasket sealer?

Gasket for what, JP? I'm sure you can buy a pan gasket that will be better than mortal's can cut out of a sheet. I've always liked plain old Permatex "Form-a-gasket" for sealer and avoid silicone for nearly everything.

Kurt

 

[JPSmit]

Gasket for what, JP? I'm sure you can buy a pan gasket that will be better than mortal's can cut out of a sheet. I've always liked plain old Permatex "Form-a-gasket" for sealer and avoid silicone for nearly everything.

Kurt

Sorry, gasket oil pan to block. Yes i can order one but it typically takes a week to arrive and two hours to pick up. OTOH I have a bunch of gasket material under the workbench

 

[nomad]

Sorry, gasket oil pan to block. Yes i can order one but it typically takes a week to arrive and two hours to pick up. OTOH I have a bunch of gasket material under the workbench

To each his own, JP, If you want to give it a go! Lots of holes to punch!

 

[JPSmit]

To each his own, JP, If you want to give it a go! Lots of holes to punch!

No too many - took me maybe half an hour to make - certainly less than driving to pick one up. Got the pump installed, and the pan pinned up - had a slight argument with the grease gun - I won actually though it was messy. anyways, car greased for another year, battery on charger - new oil in and almost <almost> ready for another season! (which, weather permitting might be tomorrow!)

 

[AngliaGT]

When your done,you can come down & help me get
the '74 going.

 

[JPSmit]

When your done,you can come down & help me get
the '74 going.

I'd love to Doug - a bit of a drive though if I have to pick up a forgotten tool!

Actually my daughter has just been invited to have an interview for an internship which could have brought her to California - but if it happens will be in New York City instead. (fingers crossed)

 

[JPSmit]

Well I didn't get to use the Midget for an outing tonight - too much chance of inclement weather. Rain off and on all day. But, was the only LBC driver there with my beloved's Mini. That said, was an inaugural gathering of my club and, with ten there, Spridget owners were in the majority! That has never happened before. 4 of 10 were Spridget owners!

 

[JPSmit]

Well yesterday my attention moved to the horns - which, recently sounded more flatulent than anything else. Had the craziest time - push the button and you could hear something click. Once <once!> it worked. Then could get it to light a light (quieter than testing with the horn all the time) and then finally one horn plus the light. Of course complicated by the relay I had installed and the need to remember the wiring scheme. Got that I can get one horn to work or the other but not both. Decided to take a break and work on the washer pump - only to find I had no real power (even though the interior light was on). So, I think I need a new battery - mine is about 8 years old - and I suspect I had enough juice for one horn but not both.

This was (I think) confirmed by the fact that I then tried to turn over the engine and, almost nothing - not clicking but barely turning over. BTW with a new oil pump, what is the best strategy for a first start (remember 1500!) I disconnected the coil so it couldn't start (but then it didn't turn over anyway)

any thoughts?

Have a great day all!