keithb7 Posted December 5, 2020 Author Share Posted December 5, 2020 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted January 3, 2021 Author Share Posted January 3, 2021 (edited) Engine block was sent to machine shop. It was boiled and crack checked. Passed! Good to go. Now I am awaiting engine parts to arrive. I ordered everything from Vintage Power Wagons. While I am layed up waiting for engine parts, I took the rad nose cone off. I also pulled my Gemmer steering gearbox for overhaul. Parts for it have also been ordered. New bearings, seals, shims, gaskets. Edited January 3, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted January 13, 2021 Author Share Posted January 13, 2021 (edited) After some research I was able to determine that there was good chance that the Gemmer steerting gearbox in my 38 Plymouth, would contain the same parts used in a same period Ford. The housings and design of the Ford and Plymouth Gemmer steering gearboxes are likely different, however I estimated, "Why would the same company redesign all the internal wearing parts?" Indeed they did not redesign all the internal parts. I ordered my Plymouth steering gears parts from an old Ford cars parts business. The bearings are Timken so good quality. The company I bought from had good selection and photos for every part. Between my Hollander Interchange and my 6th edition Motors manual, plus having my gear box apart, I was able to nail it all down. I rolled the dice and ordered the parts. They arrived here in Canada, shipped from California, in only 2 days. The pricing was better than anything I'd seen on Ebay. Or any of the Mopar suppliers. I feel like I got good quality parts, great selection, good prices, and reasonable freight costs. Do your homework folks. Check the parts out here: https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/selecttitle.php?c=1&s=7&g=64 Comparing the new parts that arrived, I think I have a perfect fit! Edited January 13, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted January 13, 2021 Share Posted January 13, 2021 38 minutes ago, keithb7 said: After some research I was able to determine that there was good chance that the Gemmer steerting gearbox in my 38 Plymouth, would contain the same parts used in a same period Ford. The housings and design of the Ford and Plymouth Gemmer steering gearboxes are likely different, however I estimated, "Why would the same company redesign all the internal wearing parts?" Indeed they did not redesign all the internal parts. I ordered my Plymouth steering gears parts from an old Ford cars parts business. The bearings are Timken so good quality. The company I bought from had good selection and photos for every part. Between my Hollander Interchange and my 6th edition Motors manual, plus having my gear box apart, I was able to nail it all down. I rolled the dice and ordered the parts. They arrived here in Canada, shipped from California, in only 2 days. The pricing was better than anything I'd seen on Ebay. Or any of the Mopar suppliers. I feel like I got good quality parts, great selection, good prices, and reasonable freight costs. Do your homework folks. Check the parts out here: https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/selecttitle.php?c=1&s=7&g=64 Comparing the new parts that arrived, I think I have a perfect fit! Smart shopping Keith. I have done the same in the past. I needed a gas gauge float for my 1948 Packard, $23 in the catalog. I found in an interchange manual the dimensionally identical float (brass) for an early Mustang. $5! Always good to save $$ when you can so you can spend them when you want. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted January 16, 2021 Author Share Posted January 16, 2021 (edited) Today I put some quality time into the rad nose cone. Grinding and drilling out very rusty, seized 83 year old hardware. Got it all out! Using a hammer and dolly I beat old damage straight again. It should be a lot easier to reinstall hopefully. Edited January 16, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted January 25, 2021 Author Share Posted January 25, 2021 Yet another Sunday afternoon in the shop with my '38...I sure enjoy being able to do this. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 (edited) Well its Feb 25 today. As she lays in my garage, can be seen in the pic below. I’m still waiting for engine rebuild parts to arrive. I won’t take my block to the machine shop until I have all of my needed rebuild parts. Parts all shipped today. Hopefully within 2-3 weeks I be taking the block, crank and head to the machine shop. Its been a fairly long boring winter waiting for parts. I’ve been reluctant to tear more things apart while I wait for my engine parts. I don’t want to end up with a large pile of metal that needs 6 plus months of reassembly. I’ve thought about all the cosmetic things I could be doing while the engine is out. Really doll the engine compartment up. I could. Yet something picks at my conscience about the original old car look. Looking like it has been driven daily for 80 plus years. Like it may have come just from the farm. I don’t know why, but there’s something oddly attractive about the car’s worn look to me. Building a reliable daily driver that looks worn and tired is attractive to me too. We shall make progress soon. I am getting excited for the new 237 ci Desoto power plant. 3 7/16” bore x 4 ¼” stroke. Edited February 26, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted March 24, 2021 Author Share Posted March 24, 2021 Block and parts sent to the machine shop about 2 weeks ago. Waiting...In the mean time I continue to tinker away at more projects. A little update here: 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted April 19, 2021 Author Share Posted April 19, 2021 (edited) 2 more weeks at the machine shop they tell me. Then I can take it home and start reassembly. Edited April 19, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted April 21, 2021 Author Share Posted April 21, 2021 (edited) Today I rounded up some steel and hardware. I went to see my hobby-machinist friend. We tag-teamed a bit to build this con-rod vise. It should allow me to install, torque and crush the rod bearings. Then measure bearing to crank journal clearances. Fairly accurately I think. Better than plasti-gauge I think? It was a fun project. Bonus working with my buddy too. All for the ‘38! Edited April 21, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 9, 2021 Author Share Posted June 9, 2021 I went back to the machine shop this week....A guy really has to be patient these days it seems. All the work I requested has been done except turning the mains down .010. That will be done by day's end today. I am to pick up my block and related parts this evening. I am ambitious to start putting this engine back together. I look forward to the upcoming work I will do. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 10, 2021 Author Share Posted June 10, 2021 Looks what is finally home....Finally I can start reassembly. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodneybeauchamp Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Keith, I used a chart that was in one of the engine blueprinting books I once had. It identified what you need to measure and provided a place to record your measurements, before you do the final assembly. This included ring gaps, bearing crush, thermal contact, crankshaft thrust and other things which we often ignore or take for granted that they are correct. Just because it has been in a machine shop, never assume they machined it correctly. ALWAYS check and recheck what they have done, the sizes they have machined to etc. They do get it wrong sometimes, ask me how I know. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 Reassembling an engine properly takes a lot of time to assemble, measure, check and adjust to obtain the proper clearances and tolerances. Near enough is not really good enough, it must be within the specifications. The extra time you take to do this will make for a smoother running, quiet and more powerful engine. Checking and filing ring gaps, checking piston clearances and selecting for best fit all takes time but we’ll worth the effort. In the end, that is what you are doing, “blueprinting” the engine back to factory specifications. Enjoy the journey! Just my two bobs worth. Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I agree with 100% of that. Check and measure EVERYTHING. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyred Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 Keith, Glad you received it back and all's looking good. I'm excited to see some assembly videos!! Looking at your pics and by no means am I an expert but does the bearing have a crack in it? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARY F Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 I saw that also, but I figured Keith knew what he is doing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted June 10, 2021 Share Posted June 10, 2021 They probably are scuff marks from when a telescoping gauge was used to get the measurement of the bearings for the crank. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 20, 2021 Author Share Posted June 20, 2021 (edited) Hi folks, there is no crack in the main bearing. Just a mark from the dial indicator used to check specs. I have all the assembly parts here staged and ready to go. All machining work done. I have not started reassembly yet. Perhaps I should start a new thread on engine reassembly from scratch, for the beginner. Then I will pick up on everyone's helpful comments. It's been 35 years since I last rebuilt a car engine. I reassembled the first couple of engines I rebuilt somewhat correctly. They ran well and made good power. Longevity? I can't say. I sold them off a few years later. Time is hard to come by right now, to reassemble this engine. I am working diligently on my newly acquired 1938 Chrysler Coupe. I have been working out all the little gremlins. Getting it sorted and in a fine state of tune. I wait all winter for good driving weather. We're in the peak of great weather now. I want to enjoy driving my 38 Chrysler, and attend car events right now. I'm quite busy . The engine reassembly will have to wait. I will probably poke away at it a little here and there. The majority of work to be done over the coming winter months. Edited June 20, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted October 15, 2021 Author Share Posted October 15, 2021 We’ll fall is here. I am back at it. I hope to have a nice new running 237ci in my ‘38 Ply sedan by spring. Tappets and cam are in. I dropped the crank in tonight. Feeling good about it too. Very satisfying. I Mic’d mains and rods. Seem perfect. Ring gap well within spec. Measured bore, taper and out of round. Good. 1 valve guide was too high. 1 valve would not lap-in. Dropped down the one guide. Hand lapped all valves. Oil gallery port parts sealed up. Oil Pressure valve and spring in. Off to grab some plasti-gage now to check main bearing clearances. 11 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted October 25, 2021 Author Share Posted October 25, 2021 Some more progress on the engine rebuild. Enjoying the relaxed pace. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36 D2 Coupe Posted October 25, 2021 Share Posted October 25, 2021 Love the care and detail on your instructive videos. Very helpful. Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 5, 2021 Author Share Posted November 5, 2021 (edited) Preparing for next exciting steps. A clean work table. I’ll try my hand at crushing rod bearings in-place. Then mic-ing clearances versus rod pin size. I’ll scrub down the pistons before rings go on. Edited November 5, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 7, 2021 Author Share Posted November 7, 2021 All rods and pistons are in. That was fun. I had no trouble. I offset the top 2 compression ring gaps 180 degrees apart. Oil scraper band upper & lower rings too. Plenty of engine assembly lube used. No tight spots felt as the crank turns nice and smooth. A major step completed. Crank, & bearings, cam, rods, pistons, timing chain, are all in. All valves lapped and cold set. It was pretty much exactly a year ago that I began exploring my options for this engine. Measuring things to decide how far I’d go into it. I probably went too far, spending the farm on it. All new parts and machining. However the education and experience so far has been awesome. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 Swwwwweeeeeeeet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lahti35 Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 4 hours ago, keithb7 said: I probably went too far, spending the farm on it. All new parts and machining. You won't regret it, nothing more fun that a car that runs good and always starts easy. You'll get many miles out of that rebuilt engine before you ever have to open it up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted November 8, 2021 Share Posted November 8, 2021 14 hours ago, keithb7 said: I probably went too far, spending the farm on it. All new parts and machining. However the education and experience so far has been awesome. Keith, you will be rewarded for you efforts when the Plymouth is back on the road…highlighted by the big grin on your face! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 11, 2021 Author Share Posted November 11, 2021 (edited) More progress this week. I had made a video, however I mis-interpreted the orientation of the snap ring installation at the piston pin. Going back in! Better now than after a failure. Took the video down to edit it. Correct it for anyone who references it in the future. Edited video is back up! I think I got things right this time! Edited November 13, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 22, 2021 Author Share Posted November 22, 2021 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimKB1MCV Posted November 22, 2021 Share Posted November 22, 2021 "Like" on YouTube, "Like" on AACA forum is the only way I can give you two likes. I don't even own a MoPar. ☺️ Good job, Keith. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 5, 2021 Author Share Posted December 5, 2021 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 13, 2021 Author Share Posted December 13, 2021 (edited) Been a slow week for engine progress. I’’ve been hand sanding. Media blasting too. Painting. It looks good but not entirely brain stimulating. Lol. Continuing to make progress. Edited December 13, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 19, 2021 Author Share Posted December 19, 2021 (edited) Doing a garage shuffle today. Getting ready for the engine install. Its sure good to see back her out from under the car cover. Its been a while. Edited December 19, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 She's staged and ready. Just need to bolt on the bell housing, flywheel and clutch. Then pick a good warm-ish day to set her back in the car. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 With all that white stuff all over the place it doesn't look like it will be warm anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 20, 2021 Author Share Posted December 20, 2021 Warmish is relative to what one climatizes to. -10C or above is a warm-ish day around here in winter. I will not attempt to install this engine until we hit those temps. Fingers and toes don't handle the cold very well any more. They ache like someone smashed them with a hammer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted December 20, 2021 Share Posted December 20, 2021 Yep, ya gotta be tough to live up north! Sure looks purdy sittin’ hanging that stand……..Can’t wait to hear the motor run and see the old girl move again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 24, 2021 Author Share Posted December 24, 2021 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 24, 2021 Author Share Posted December 24, 2021 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted December 25, 2021 Share Posted December 25, 2021 Another fine video Mr. B. ……a most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all the family! Diane & Jeff P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted December 27, 2021 Author Share Posted December 27, 2021 (edited) -8F ambient temp here today. Colder tonight. Colder yet factoring in the wind chill. Our daily drivers need work and routine maintenance. Sorry girl, you’re spending a few days out of the garage. I need a warm garage this week! No engine in it so block anti-freeze is not a concern at this time! 😀 Edited December 27, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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