Thanks everybody. At least now I know for sure what is happening. But after hearing Jerry say that I could end up with a massive leak if I do something wrong, along with the fact that until we get our new place built in the country (complete with a shop building to work in) that i'll be doing all the work on the curb, on a hill, in front of our house, I'm inclined to take it to a shop to do.
When I bought the truck, it had about 2-3k on the odometer post rebuild by a professional engine rebuilder, and the odometer is showing 30k now. I'm a little puzzled how this could go at less than 35k, but it is what it is. I'm also surprised, sort of, that it went after driving it all day/week/year without problems. Like I said though, it didn't turn over the first crank or two, so I had pulled the throttle cable out, which when I do it, anyway, can lead to a high rev when it starts. But nothing more than usual. It's not like I pull the knob all the way out, or even half way. But for a couple of seconds, the rpm's were up to "notify the neighbors" level.
On the other hand, the way my other truck has been messing up on me at the strangest times with it's electrical gremlin, sometimes after driving it 300 miles the day before and towing bobcat's on trailers or a bed full of gravel, it doesn't surprise me this is happening to me. Maybe I'm supposed to be getting a message here. I hate to say I even considered it, but I talked with my wife yesterday about selling it. We're getting ready to build a house, drill a well, sell our present house, yada, yada. I told myself I'd have this truck till I die, but sometimes when "major repairs" come along at a time when my plate is full, I get thoughts like that. My latest revised thinking is to get it to the property we're building on, put it on blocks until everything is done and I have a shop, and do the major rebuild I've planned on doing from the start. Just use the other truck until I get to that point. But first, I've got to get the 4x4 reliable, and know that I have something that will not fail me.
On a happier note, ZZ Top was great last night! First time I've seen them since I worked security for 2 nights at the Houston Astrodome back in the early 80's when they warmed up for the Rolling Stones. Beautiful night at the Riverport Amphiteater in St. Louis. And now...back to reality! Thanks everyone, for all the help and ideas and answers. I'm going to have to think on this, but as of right now, I'm leaning toward sending it to a shop. I just have to find one, or someone, who is 'in tune' with the older engines and not a newbie that wants to learn on mine. For now, as a cartoon I once saw said, {Mechanic talking to a preacher about the church van), "What you have here, pastor, is basically a 3,000 pound radio."
Or maybe a curb ornament. Thanks again all. I'll report back when the chores die down. Lee Butcher
