The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre It's been a Veeeery long time since I've been here..

A few weeks away from firing up my latest toy but having a few issues.

Haven't been here in so long, that I don't recall the rules concerning buying and selling stuff here. So I'll tread very lightly.

I managed to toast the thermostat housing on my '84 292, and after a day at the boneyards, I found 3 different GM housings that fit - but they just make another problem with upper hose fitment (and the bodged hose way above the top of the rad).

Man, stuff for these engines was a lot easier to find 15 years ago.

Anyone know of a source where I might find such a part? I'd imagine the housing from the 250 would be identical (different years with different threaded ports for emission vac temperature switches and senders - but the same overall dimensions and outlet angle) - I'd be very appreciative - been working on this for 7 years and I'm SOOOO close.

And speaking of 7 years...

The fresh engine has been sitting for 5. I've given it a few squirts and hand turned it every 6 months or so, but I'm worried about firing it up. a few questions:

Is the cam assembly lube going to be toast after so long?

I like to run a diesel 20/50 in the 292.I've filled it with the recommended 10/40 for the initial fire (I then change the oil and filter after it comes up to temperature for the first time). Can I go straight to the 20/50 - or should i put the first 50 hours or so in on the 10/40. Do the rings even care?

Thanks, Jim.

Oh yes, and priming the oil pump.

I pulled a late 80's HEI from an 8cyl (305 I think)to make a priming tool - but the drive is different.

Anyone have a ghetto solution? I'm thinking greased aluminum tube with one end hammered to a flat shouldn't hurt anything.

Hi Jim, welcome back. I'm not too far north of you.
It's best to ask these questions in the "engine shop" There are some very knowledgeable people there that may not see your post here.
Leo

Thanks.

It's been a long go of it - so many hacks and incompetents out there now. Parts drones on computers who can't think beyond "year and model sir?", sub standard machine work (having my manifold come back with the incorrect size taps for the studs, and one cocked about 10 degrees - but they still wanted $200. Aftermarket parts that don't fit.

Last week I noticed that an aftermarket rocker cover didn't line up to the rail - as well as incorrect grommet holes - and so I decided I'd have the original (that luckily I'd saved) sand blasted and I'd paint it. I know the shops have to make a buck, but in the day the guy running a job would toss it in for a tray of coffee for the boys - maybe the price of a pizza .. remember those days?

Quoted $65 to look at it, and $110 for the hour of labour. Thanks but no. I'll go the wire wheel route.

Finally got insurance . Silver wouldn't take it because it's "commercial", and everyone else said it was too old - so facility it was - $5200.

It's been like that.

I've hacked a hose together just to tell myself I'd gotten something done today - but I don't like it.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz79/Jimvicious/IMG_2255_zpsmmefkzdh.jpg

Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but here she is:

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/...14_4780735423880127639_n_zps0ualbrho.jpg

Ready for the apocalypse.

Jim, welcome back. There are, as I'm sure you remember, different forums for each area of your truck. Very few member actually visit the "Welcome Center" once the introductions are done. You will find more answers to your questions by posting in each area and not lumping questions together. Glad your back at it, you know it's fun.

welcome back!