Almost back in action!

My dad and I got the heads pulled and they are at the machine shop.  Get them back tomorrow!  This has been a really great learning experience.  It was actually much easier than I expected.  We are even completing this without air tools, so in my opinion, we are making excellent timing.  Although my dad does like to mention how much easier this would be with them repeatedly.  :)  After inspection, the two bad valves were not getting any oil.  Plus, one head had been rebuilt and the other had not.  Why would someone do that?!  While I wait for the return of the heads, I am scraping gaskets (which really sucks), degreasing and dealing with other minor issues.  I seem to be permanently oil stained from the elbow down, even after four washes with orange yumminess and multiple Dawn washes.  What the H?  I have also discovered how you memorize tool sizes and can guess which size you need--the cleaning of the tools and putting them away after each days use. It is starting to stick now!  I am so appreciative that I have so much support.  So many silly questions answered, tools loaned and encouragement given--thanks guys and gals!!

It isn't a day in the garage with Jen if something isn't spilled on the floor.  Antifreeze mess.

 

 

 

Bad valves and oil gunk...

Biggest job yet

At the end of the month, my dad and I will be pulling the heads due to two bad valves.  I am upset to be off the road until then, but kind of happy that she will run with full power soon!  It was a great learning experience trying to trouble shoot, although Doug told me what it was...I hoped he was wrong, alas, he was not. So I still went through the motions (changed the plugs, wires, cap and rotor...then did the compression test).  All was going great, saved the bad ones for the end, and of course, the compression test showed 4 and 6 at 0-50.  Bad news because I need help to complete the job, but good news because I finally know what is wrong.  Also, it will be fun to work on the Olds with my dad.  While we are working, I will try to hunt down that pesky tranny leak yet again, change the oil, maybe have the carb rebuilt and any other maintenance I can get done. 

Sometimes, things are bad, but they are learning experiences and kinda fun, even if they are bad!

New tires and hubcaps look fantastic!  Thanks to Dallas and Doug (East Coast Garage-look it up)!
I didn't take a day picture yet, too busy driving.  :)
How strange is it that the drivers side lug nuts tighten counter-clockwise?

On to the bad, but opportunity type stuff.
 The rough ride does not appear to be timing, distributor cap, wires or the plugs. I changed them all and not much change.  Thanks to Miss Jade for her strength and getting those evil distributor clamps back on.  Doug seems to think the problem is a bad cylinder.  I hope he is wrong, but know he is probably right. Tonight, I will teach myself to do a compression test.   After that, my dad will be visiting and we can disassemble, have it machined and get it back together if need be--learning opportunity.  :)  While we wait, I figured it would be a good time to hunt down the transmission leak, again, and beat that pan back into shape.  Might as well be productive, especially when I have my most trusted mechanic around to supervise and advise, yay dad!

Sad part, don't think poor Jezebel will make it to Billetproof March 17th.  She is already registered and it was my first goal.  Always next year, right?