Projects 52 Dodge B3B Hemi Project

continuing saga of the black beast.. turns out the water/coolant at the back of the motor was/is coming from the thermostat housing leaking. I used a cheap chrome O ring POS that didn't seal. I tried removing the O ring and putting in a gasket but that was even worse. I found out that O'Reillys carries cast replacement housings, so I ordered a new one and will have it tomorrow.

 

We should have learned from the Chinese food... you know, 20 mins later and you're looking for more food...

 

LOL very true

 

so my quandary at the moment is to use a gasket under the new housing or to use something like the right stuff (or grey RTV) or perhaps even use them both... I have done it all of these ways over the years but I cannot conclusively say I prefer one over the other. Use RTV when I didn't have a gasket, use a gasket with gasket sealer when I did have a gasket and used RTV and a gasket when I thought there was a sealing problem. Now, I even have a gasket that has silicon on it so supposedly no sealer is required (a Mr. Gasket product).

 

Did you check intake & housing for flatness?

 

yes I did and it was. I also checked the new Tstat housing and it is good. I went with some grey silicon on both sides of the gasket and installed it, I will let it dry for a day and then try it again.

 

Looks like the new t housing was the answer, no more leaks. I think I have arrived at the 90% solution (there is always something to fix, change or replace). I think it turned out pretty well








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The 330 hemi is a nice touch

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"SHOP" looking ride! Sleeper with 330 Hemi! How could it be any cooler???

 

Thank you, I couldn't resist the retro touch. Still have a few small things to clean up but overall it is about as done as it is going to get. Definitely different driving an old school vehicle, have to let it warm up some so the idle comes down and all.. It does run pretty well, however I need to adjust the kickdown cable, takes some to get it to shift into 3rd. Have to consult a book on that one, can't remember if I need to shorten it up or lengthen it.

 

Yes, the badge is a nice touch.

Only 20 months from planning to driving! You have accomplished so much in a relatively short time frame.

 

Thanks, I had forgotten when I started it (guess I could have gone back to the beginning of this thread.. lol). I could not have gotten it done without the help of a local Friend Mike Volz of MVP restorations, people on here and especially you Gary. I learned a lot doing this project ranging from new products and tools, techniques and skills. Some of the highlights in no particular order are;

• buy the best products you can afford; having to buy it twice usually makes up for the difference between the cheap stuff and the good stuff
• think ahead as far as possible; any action you take now will have an effect on something else later
• while you can accomplish any given task in a multitude of ways, having the right tools saves time and frustration
• while it would be nice to be able to afford really good tools such as Mac, Snap on, etc; for many things Harbor Freight tools will get it done; spend big money when you have to but not when you don't
• patience is a virtue for sure.. be able to walk away when things are not working out, if even for a few minutes
• work on several small projects/aspects at the same time so while you are waiting on the paint or gaskets to dry you have something else to do
• do not underestimate "thinking" or "planning". You have to have a vision of where you want it to be at this end, you don't have to know exactly where it will be, just a concept but you have to have a direction
• lists are indispensable for keeping you on track, post them where you can see them
• Organization is great for reducing stress and maintaining focus; nothing worse than searching for those unique bolts that were "just there"
• do yourself a favor and clean up periodically; keeps you sane and renews your enthusiasm
• while planning is great, at some point you have to act; nothing is irreversible and it does suck having to take things apart you just put in but that is hotrodding (I had the engine in and out at least 4 times)

 

had the truck out some today, it runs really well. I have discovered an issue with the fuel system, the gauge (after market) shows 1/4 tank but the line isn't building pressure so, either the gauge is wrong (distinct possibility), the line is plugged (doubtful) or the pump isn't pumping (another distinct possibility). So I will add some more fuel to see what effect that has, if nothing then we start investigating from there. The truck does a very nice burn out though... just saying..

 

I guess I should add in case it isn't apparent, the truck stopped running from a lack of fuel which is what led me to looking at the fuel system. I have a gauge on the regulator which is showing 0 which is how I arrived at my conclusion.

 

W/O going back through 24 pages...Yes the gauge may be off, but..are you running an OEM pump or a LA pump with spacer? A lot of problems recently with OEM pumps, even newly bought ones.

 

I am running a Mallory electric pump which you can hear running, I suspect it is simply out of gas and the gauge is wrong. I am going dump 5 gal in it today and see what happens.

I have to correct some wiring issues, I think I have some of the accessory lines on the wrong side of the ignition switch, the radio for example wont store any channels (have the constant hot in the wrong place). I also need to figure out why the wiper and heater are not working.

 

This morning before adding any fuel I tried it again and of course it worked (built pressure), so either something is plugging the pickup or perhaps at 1/4 tank it is just hitting the pickup OR the fuel pump has issues.

 

Check this out

 

Looks good all smoky.

 

The 330 sounds happy

 

yes it seems to be running well. it does "click" when I first start it up (like a lifter tick) but goes away once warm. I was thinking it needed the pushrods adjusted but now I don't think so.

 

Unfortunately the job calls and I will be overseas for the next 6 weeks or so, I haven't had time to do much with the truck this week but it is at a point where I just need to drive it and work out some of the small issues.

 

...travel safe...

 

thanks, I will certainly try to.

 

Hello from the Philippines. Pretty hot, lots of rain and the occasional typhoon.


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...I remember seeing an SR-71 on the tarmac at Clark...yeah, been a few decades ago...

 

The blackbird launched out of Kadena every Thursday, it was amazing to watch, a real hot rod. I got up close to a U2 once in Korea, smaller than you would think.


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Leaving to come home tomorrow, it's been a long trip. I need to fix a few things on the 52 then back on my pro touring Cuda.


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Just noticed that there are over 36,000 views on this project. With all of the detailed info and photos you may be responsible for a rash of clones....

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If they all have hemis that's good!