Engine Swap Questions and Progress (was "Rebirth!")

[launieg]

Yes, I am super impressed with you and your "helpers". I must say that this thread has been one of the most informative and fun to read. I always go to it first, so I can live the experience vicariously I wish I could be there.

[fiasco]

I don't want to wish bad luck on anyone, but once this is done, I'm actually looking forward to my chance to be the guy that comes over to help someone else put their blown up engine back together. Better yet, maybe someone wants to break theirs down before it blows up, and fix it up by choice instead of necessity. Just let me know and I'll be there!

-- se

[pope]

Really impressed on the quality of the build that all the helpers and Steve have done. My hat is off to you all.

[rlux4]

Steve, I think you may be trying to pull a fast one. Those pictures of the engine all ready to go in look exactly like the engine you pulled out of your car...... NOT!
Ace and I were talking, it looks like a full weekend of Fiat fun. The drive on Saturday, then stay down below overnight somewhere and be at your place Sunday.
See you then.
Ron

[ventura ace]

Can I just buy generic V-belts at Kragen? If so, how do I know what kind to get? I have one belt that I originally bought for the smog pump on the old engine, but with the alternate configuration on the new engine, it doesn't fit anywhere.

Option 1: Check with Mark. He's familiar with the different engine configurations, and may have the belt in stock or can tell you which one to get.

Option 2: Use a piece of rope similar in thickness to the v-belt, to wrap around the pulleys and mark for length. Take the rope to Kragens and buy the closest belt size to the length. Exchange with Kragen, as necessary. The belt should just fit over the edge of the pulley when adjusted fully loose, and should tighten up within the range of adjustment. You should get these in advance so it won't hold up the installation.

See ya Sunday, . . . or Saturday, if you are out with the planned drive! (I used to go on these drives in my Ford Festiva when my Fiat was apart in a zillion pieces).

Alvon

[fiasco]

Belts are done, and I got some Lucas 80w-90 Heavy Duty Gear Oil is that the right stuff for the steering box?

I'm cleaning the garage and prepping for Sunday (Saturday is my 9 yr old's birthday party, so most of the day is committed to the family rather than the car).

Should I put the car up on stands or down on the ground?

I'll see you guys on Sunday. How does between 9 and 10 sound? That way we can all sleep in a little.

-- se

[spiderrey]

i would put the front up on stands at the vert least.

[fiasco]

Can I clean up the radiator with Simple Green and hose it off, or will that do something bad?

-- se

[spiderrey]

it wont hurt it at all

[fiasco]

Reyy - come by on Sunday if you get a chance - I have something I want to give you.

-- se

[spiderrey]

ill do my best.

[ventura ace]

Ron and I will be getting there about 9:00 or a little earlier. We had a great day with all the Lancia folks yesterday, and stayed with Maureen's Grandmother in Corona overnight. See ya in a bit.

A

[fiasco]

SUCCESS!!

Yes it's true, the engine is in the car, and running great! Ron, Alvon, Rey and Ryan got here this morning, and we got right to work. Torqued up the last of the bolts and took off a couple of things that I had put on for pictures, lifted up the engine on the hoist and started jiggling it around in the engine bay. Mark stopped by at just the right time and help us get the engine and trans reacquainted. Gary got here early afternoon as we got busy putting the rest of the parts back on, and hooking up all the various hoses and wires. Then, at around 4:45... click the link below for the video

http://s369.photobucket.com/albums/oo13 ... ebuild.flv

Not actually driving it yet. While flushing out the radiator before reinstalling it, Ron discovered that it has a good-sized leak. So, as soon as that is repaired...

Once again, huge amounts of gratitude to the guys for all their help!

-- se

[So Cal Mark]

congrats! Sounded like the timing was retarded on your first few tries. Once the radiator is repaired, make sure you run it through at least 2 cooling fan cycles while watching for other leaks before driving

[rlux4]

What a sweet sound eh Steve? Krissy wants me to thank you again for your thoughtful gift. She thinks it's neat that she gets to enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Ron