Okay Stovebolters, I got a great story for you all. For the first time in 10+ years, fire has once again coursed through the cylinders of my 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton 4x4 engine! After several agonizing failed attempts (see thread below for the gory details or to boost your electrical ego), last night was the charm. When I got the truck, the engine had no wires under the hood as mice/rats/hoodlums had greater need for them? I had to start from scratch. With the help of fellow Stovebolters I managed to wire a rudimentary primary circuit. The engine unfortunately is a SBC transplant that a previous owner had installed. The engine is of unknown condition, an apparently common theme on this site. It was a classic IRWIPI, so I assumed it "could" run again. It turned over freely, had pretty good compression (120-150), and after solving some spark/timing issues it attempted to turn over. A couple of more attempts with breaks in between to let the starter cool, I got it to run. Working the throttle linkage while touching my hot wires together to energize the starter solinoid simutaniously is no easy task! Once I got the engine warmed up, it idled very well as though it was a daily driver. Reving up the engine, I noticed a good amount of smoke coming out of the left tailpipe. Initially I thought it was just burning off residue from sitting for such a long time. Smoke persistantly poured out of the exhaust, but only the left side. I then came to the realization that the smoke smelled more like wood smoke than oil smoke. Showers of sparks blew out of the exhaust each time I cranked the accelerator. It was eviction time for the mouse condo! After about 10 minutes the smoke ceased and the engine ran rather smoothly. I suspected a blockage hindering my starting problems. No singed rodent projectiles were reported.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=891652&page=1 The engine is now ready for a new home, as I plan to go back with a "more original" 1954 235. The SBC has block stamps V1121TKL and T8J506642 which I believe to be a 4-bolt main 350 from 1978-80. Can anyone confirm this? It also has a Holley spreadbore 4360 and a points type Delco distributor. I realize that there are regional differences in value, but how much is a complete running engine worth? I plan to put it up on Craigslist very soon but need some guidance on asking price as I need the cash to support my Chevy addiction.
Success and progress, that's what I like to see!
Thanks to all that have helped so far.
Paul
