1979 Invader 340 Finally In the Shop

[mswyka]

Day 34

[Interceptor398]

At this rate you will have time to polish it up before the snow gets here.

[mswyka]

At this rate you will have time to polish it up before the snow gets here.

We live in hope. Today's photo

[mswyka]

Handy alignment tool

[mswyka]

I just realized I don't have a key for this one.  I have switch nos. 20, 21, 23, 28, and 54, but no keys.

[mswyka]

Day 45:

Finished plumbing oil injection and fuel.  These systems are ready for fuel and oil.

Found ignition switch that works with every key and installed. 

[Interceptor398]

A switch that works with every key?  Is there a story with that one?

[mswyka]

A switch that works with every key?  Is there a story with that one?

Like all of these sleds I am sure that there is a story.  In this case I don't know the history.  Somehow this lock has been abused and whatever key, or even screwdriver, is used, the lock will turn.  So for this sled I am just going to set it to "on" and use the switch on the throttle side when it needs to be turned off.

[mswyka]

Day 54:  First Fire

https://youtu.be/6Co74BTNarU

There is quite a bit of uncertainty when putting together a sled from spare parts.  They can all look decent, but we never know for sure until that special moment of truth of the first fire.  Today's progress was very encouraging.

[mswyka]

... Although there appears to be some coolant leaking out of  the bottom of  the belly pan.  More research to be done...

[Interceptor398]

It's alive!

[Ameritude]

Sounds good, did it not want to idle? Anywhoo, always relieving when it actually runs after all that work. 👍

[mswyka]

Sounds good, did it not want to idle? Anywhoo, always relieving when it actually runs after all that work. 👍

The video show the actual initial start and we found that the idle was set too low.  After turning in the idle stops it idled quite nicely.  Now to put the rest of the cosmetic parts in place and she should be ready to go. 

[mswyka]

... Although there appears to be some coolant leaking out of  the bottom of  the belly pan.  More research to be done...

Finally got some time to follow up on the coolant issues.  Had one spring clamp that was not tight and was leaking.  After sitting overnight leakage is less, but coolant continues to be leaking from somewhere.

[gixxer6]

I find the old, weakened with age, spring clamps do not work well with the old, hardened with age, rubber hoses.  I swap them out with a good ol hose clamp. 

Hoping it's not a leaky water pump!  Those are a bear to change once the motor is installed... 

Good Luck!