Food for thought

[Phil Waterman]

Working on the engine for the Chevy Pattern 12 today getting ready to test run engine, went to clean and setup the distributor and discovered that the mechanical advance was stuck, mud wasp nest in the counter weights. But that was more interesting was that the spade end that is the drive for the oil pump was slightly twisted. Wonder if this is just years of starting against thick oil or did the oil pump have a real problem at some time?

[Bob Carriere]

Must have been running on molasse to bend the shaft...... are you sure the pump did not digest some solid particules in its recent past?????

Did you put in a new pump...??? check out the old one for dents on the gears...... by the way if you need a spare dist. for the 216 ley me know..... not new of course but I do have a few.....

Now stop using 120 weight oil in the engine..... or at least use a block heater...

Bob C.

[Phil Waterman]

The oil pump I'm using is from a slightly newer engine and has been rebuilt, end plate surfaced ground to clean up wear.

I am using this distributor atleast for testing though I have several that need to be disassmbled for cleaning.

I suspect that the bend may also have been from water in the oil and trying to turn the engine over.

[Bob Carriere]

Hi Phil

Maybe twisted just enough to make timing sloppy......

Must have been frozen water in the oil pan.... can't beleive oil would get that thick unless you have hydraulic lock!!!!

Good pictures.....

What are you doing for headlights...... sealed or originals???

Bob

[Phil Waterman]

I'm going with a pair of NOS head light units, the units are complete less the lenses, the reflectors are dull, but we will see if the polish up. Just came across source for 6 volt halogen head light bulbs, so I’m looking at adapting them to fit.

[Bob Carriere]

May have some for you.... need to do some trial fitting to see if I am right......

Bob