The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 261 1st start

I found myself a Canadian 1954 261 out of a grain truck. I would like to hear it run. It is not presently in a vehicle. Thought I would strap it down add a battery and a rad and let her have a go at running. Also gas to the fuel pump. Will I have any problems running the engine with the 12volt generator spinning but not having any out put wires to a regulator ? Does the generator need a regulator and gauges or lights so as to have an outlet for the power being produced by the generator ? Eventually it will replace my 216 in my 1950 gmc 1/2 ton if all goes as it should. Thanks

The generator will simply act as an idler if no wires are connected to it. You'll need a well-charged battery, and some way to keep the engine cool such as a garden hose adapted to the water pump inlet. Actually, if you don't have a radiator connected, the generator and water pump don't need to run at all. The engine can be run for quite a while with a slow, steady flow of water running into the water pump inlet and out of the thermostat housing without the water pump turning. Be sure to remove the thermostat first, however.
Jerry

Can,
I test ran my 261 after a rebuild doing what you proposed. I installed the generator but did not hook it up to anything. It was simply used at this time as an idle pulley on the fan belt. I hooked up a battery to my coil and starter and hit the stomp starter. Vrooom. It won't run forever this way as it is drawing directly off the charged battery.

Here is mine running for the first time.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/J05p239EsYVutKOf2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NbHUtK7wGTD7cw3o2

Jerry,
You're a fast typer! 😀

I'm really not that fast- - - - -my wife says I'm sort of "Half-fast"- - - - -at least that sounds like what she's saying!
LOL!
Jerry

Thanks for all the good advise guys. I plan on mounting a rad out front. I have the trans still attached. I'm missing the throttle return spring so will need to find something remotely doable. Any ideas ? Napa? Also the clutch lever is hanging out the side of the bellhousing and seems to want to rest mid way in the opening slot. Which way would be engaged forward ? Thanks

With closer inspection. The clutch arm just flops forward and back in the bell housing slot. Inside the fork is as should be on the shaft but doesn't seem to have a bushing on the shaft to fit into. Is it possible it has been broken and lost. Thanks

A couple of small bungee cords will fix both problems, one for the throttle return and another to secure the clutch fork and keep it from flopping around. Hold the outboard end of the fork forward to keep it away from the rotating parts. "This ain't rocket surgery!"- - - - -improvise!
Jerry

Ha ha rocket surgery. Now i have an image of brain surgery by a rocket scientist. Or maybe inside a rocket. All kiddin aside i sure appreciate all the help. Thanks shouldn't my fork sit inside a bushing and slide back and forth. This is just on the shaft thanks

The fork is supposed to engage a slot on the throwout bearing, (which slides back and forth on the front bearing retainer) and a ball-shaped pivot that is bolted into the bell housing. The ball socket on the fork has a retainer spring that's supposed to snap over the ball, but they get broken or lost pretty regularly. Most of the resto-ripoff vendors have replacements for the retainer springs available.
Jerry