So F***ing pissed rant. RUNNING WOO HOOOOO Q??

[K85 Octane]

Kinda long rant with help needed.
I don't know what to say, I'm so pissed with a few people right now.
I have done everything on my truck, without ever having done it before. I pulled the motor, rewired the truck, put a new motor in, wired my gauges, fixed any existing electrical, etc etc. Everything is new to me. I only have minimal knowledge of DC systems and motorcycle engines. It has been a great (at times no so great) experience and I've learned a lot. This is DEFINITELY the hard way to do something.

I'm so close to getting this started. I only have to drop the distributor in and it's startable. I have some gauges temporarily wired (temp, rpm, oil). All the sparkplug wires are in, power, etc etc. The wires I will clean up after its broken in. I have holders etc.

I have two people I've been asking questions. My cousin and a friend. Both have 100000000x more knowledge than I. I'd argue my cousin (and uncle, both are machinist) have the level of knowledge that 4X4High has. (more or less I dunno, whatever) Anyway, I can't get either of them to help. They'd rather just talk, tell me what I did wrong, or make plans and flake on them. I have people asking me when it's going to be done, if it's running, when are we going out.
I reply "I sold it".

20minutes ago conversation with friend over AIM: F=friend, M=me

F- Is it running?

M- No

F-you said it would be running Friday

M-I didn't get the help I thought I was going to get (from my cousin who said he would wednesday, thursday, and friday. Got nothing)

F- Whats up today

M-working outside

F-got any beer

M- Y?

F- I want beer

M- then come over and help me drop my dizzy in

F- set to TDC and drop in. I would but I'm lazy, lol. What kind of beer?

M-Dr. Pepper
(I signed off after that)

This guy text messages me "It's blazer weather" and "Is the beast alive?"

I can't believe how selfish people can be with their knowledge. My cousin decided to trim a tree instead of help me on Friday. Funny thing, I drove up and offered to help trim the tree. So pissed. I don't EXPECT help, I just hope for it. If anything, this start up is the most important part of this project, but nobody gives a sh1t past asking me if it's running or giving me tips.

 

[K85 Octane]

To get to my question today.
I’m going to try and start it myself. I’m never going to get help and at this point f-them, I’m not waiting any longer. I feel completely lost and helpless, but I don’t care any longer if something bad happens. I started this project, I guess I’ll be the one to bring it back to life. I’ve watched videos and read stuff about the initial start up. Still a little fuzzy on some things.

I’ve primed the motor a few times over the last month, for shiggles. I’ll do it again right before start up. I’ve got some high zinc oil in for break in, then I’ll switch to semi-synthetic w/zinc for normal operation. I know once it’s started, to try and keep it around 1500rpm to properly break in the cam. That lasts about 10-15 minutes I guess.

I have a timing light, but have never used one. Looks simple enough, but it’s hard to tell where timing is on the crank. It has a line and timing plate, but it only goes to like +/- 4 I think. Unsure how that works. I know turning the dizzy counterclockwise advances timing. It should be around 8* for break in. I’m running ported vacuum for now.

Once it’s running, is it ok to time the motor while idling, or should I bring it up to 1500rpm and then time it?

I can’t seem to get the dizzy all the way down. It’s getting through the gear, but I think it’s hung up on the oil pump rod. I have the dizzy and priming tool marked to show the rods orientation. You can see the lines. I keep trying to rotate it different ways but no mater what it wont go down. The dizzy body turns fine, the rotor is tight on the gear, and nothing is in the way. I don’t get it. Can anyone help guide me? I’m nervous and frustrated if it’s not obvious already ahahahaha

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok, you have to remember that because the gear is a helix as you drop the distributor the rotor will turn so therefor you can't point the distributor exactly where you want the rotor since it's going to move. Now, you are correct that the dizzy gear is starting to mesh with the dizzy gear on the cam. If you have a remote starter button you can hold the dizzy and bump the remote starter button and the dizzy will drop all the way down when the dizzy shaft is lined up with the oil pump shaft. If when you're done the rotor doesn't point where you need it to just repeat the process but make sure to move the rotor appropiately in the direction needed for it to drop where needed.

I have my own method of dropping them without bumping the engine over but it's too hard to explain on here.

 

[K85 Octane]

hmmm remote starter
I might ("might") be able to substitute that with a younger brother right?

The rotor turns as it goes down. I start it slightly retarded and it rotates advanced as the shaft goes in. I'm only 1/4 -3/8" away from the intake.

 

[tRustyK5]

The only reason it won't drop all the way is it isn't meshing with the oil pump slot. Remember the shaft turns as you drop is as the cam gear it's meshing with is helical. You just need to try turning the oil pump shaft with a screwdriver a little, and then try to stab the dist again. No need to get flustered, there is nothing wrong with having to make several attempts.

Rene

 

[Big Ray]

O.K., step back, take a deep breath and r-e-l-a-x!!!!


1) does the dizzy have an adjustable collar? If yes, try raising the dizzy (lowering the collar) a bit to seat it properly.

2)timing at idle, o.k.

3) before dropping the dizzy in, turn rotor to #1 post on the cap. HoW, you ask? Install cap, mark on dizzy body with a sharpie or something similar where that post is.

ensure the piston is near TDC on COMPRESSION stroke (both valves closed)

this should get you in the ball park.

don't do this while you're upset...you will screw up and that will cost$$$...ask me how I know...

 

[blazinzuk]

I have my own method of dropping them without bumping the engine over but it's too hard to explain on here.

I think most guys do.

If it makes you feel any better I am very free with information to folks but its starting to get annoying sometimes when people don't listen to me, or take what I tell them and pay someone else to do it. When they could just pay me to do it.

I am sure Scott has experienced this too.

It is certainly frustrating sometimes but when you are done, you will have all the knowledge. Trust me on this one I made my bro in law put in his disty with my watchful eye but letting him make some mistakes and then prodding in the right direction. He can put a disty in a SBC now in about 5 minutes, have it at TDC and all the plug wires on in about 10.

So keep trucking man, it will be done soon and someday soon someone is going to ask for your help.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I think most guys do.

If it makes you feel any better I am very free with information to folks but its starting to get annoying sometimes when people don't listen to me, or take what I tell them and pay someone else to do it. When they could just pay me to do it.

I am sure Scott has experienced this too.

It is certainly frustrating sometimes but when you are done, you will have all the knowledge. Trust me on this one I made my bro in law put in his disty with my watchful eye but letting him make some mistakes and then prodding in the right direction. He can put a disty in a SBC now in about 5 minutes, have it at TDC and all the plug wires on in about 10.

So keep trucking man, it will be done soon and someday soon someone is going to ask for your help.

I have experienced that MANY more times than you even care to imagine.

 

[4x4orbust]

The only reason it won't drop all the way is it isn't meshing with the oil pump slot. Remember the shaft turns as you drop is as the cam gear it's meshing with is helical. You just need to try turning the oil pump shaft with a screwdriver a little, and then try to stab the dist again. No need to get flustered, there is nothing wrong with having to make several attempts.

Rene

this^^^

the oil pump isn't lining up. i went through the same thing, and got just as frustrated, then, had a beer and a smoke, and started looking at things a little more carefully.
do the whole screwdriver to turn the oil pump thing. it may take many tries, but it will work eventually!!

 

[K85 Octane]

hmmm
Kinda feeling pretty good about some of the things I've done so far.
I thought marking the dizzy body where #1 is was a good idea, so it's already done.
Motor is on tdc, both valves are closed and balancer is lined up @ 0
No adjustable collar.

I marked the dizzy cap and my priming tool. I did this just so I didn't have to guess where the oil rod was. I KNOW where it is. But I guess I'm just missing something, its all good. I'm not getting frustrated so much with this, just people. They know how little I know.

Personally, I love helping people. Maybe I haven't been asked enough, but anything car related or construction related is fun to me. I've had friends come over just to use my parking, tools, air compressor, and my knowledge. (invited of course) It's fun for me. However, I don't have rug rats running around or wife to get annoyed.

I had a friend with a brand new gas RC car(1999ish). I told him I'll help with his start up since I had one too. He got anxious and did it himself. Seized the motor and seriously scared his finger. I wish I could have helped, I really do.

 

[Big Ray]

did you ask here?....

 

[4X4HIGH]

I'm telling you, once you have the dizzy where you think it will drop correctly just bump the starter and it will drop down then just bring it to TDC again (compression stroke) and make sure that it is infact where you need it.

EDIT: Did I mention it's a good idea to have the phone number handy of a certain person who has lots of knowledge?

 

[K85 Octane]

did you ask here?....

I guess I am now I thought live people nearby would do the trick, but I guess not.

I'm telling you, once you have the dizzy where you think it will drop correctly just bump the starter and it will drop down then just bring it to TDC again (compression stroke) and make sure that it is infact where you need it.

EDIT: Did I mention it's a good idea to have the phone number handy of a certain person who has lots of knowledge?

haha
sorry scott, was just trying to get around driving over to grab my brother. Plus he's been sick for the last few days, so I'll try some other suggestions tonight and if I still need him, maybe tomorrow or so. Hopefully the rain coming isn't early.
I have phone numbers of knowledgeable people. lol I'd ask for yours, but don't want to be a bother to anyone. If knowledgeable people don't mind replying here, that would make me SUPER happy.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I guess I am now I thought live people nearby would do the trick, but I guess not.


haha
sorry scott, was just trying to get around driving over to grab my brother. Plus he's been sick for the last few days, so I'll try some other suggestions tonight and if I still need him, maybe tomorrow or so. Hopefully the rain coming isn't early.
I have phone numbers of knowledgeable people. lol I'd ask for yours, but don't want to be a bother to anyone. If knowledgeable people don't mind replying here, that would make me SUPER happy.

Ok, so you have numbers of knowledgeable people other than mine (don't seem they're helping you) and it's no bother about having my number and calling for help (there are several others on this site that have my number and aren't afraid to use it when needed). I don't mind replying here with my knowledge but sometimes it's ALOT easier to diagnose or give directions over the phone rather than trying to type.

 

[thatK30guy]

F-you said it would be running Friday

Theres a guy (a Jeeper) who stops by often to see what I'm working on or building and he's one of those people who likes to remind or correct you with your own quotes. Drives me ****ing nuts when he does it. Lately my replies to him whenever he starts the "you said..." quote will have me starting to raise my voice and start repeating stuff he's said in the past. His wife knows how I feel about his constant badgering and each time we start this bickering, she just steps aside and just shuts up. He doesn't just say this on anything automotive-related. He says the "you said..." thing on EVERYTHING life in general, too.

I don't need to be reminded of what I've said in the past or present. I know what I said. Sometimes things happen that I have no control over and plans change. So don't ****ing remind me with a "you said..." or I'll tell you what I'm going to say pretty soon. ****er!

 

[K85 Octane]

scott
appreciate it, beyond thankful if I had more help
If you PM me it, I'd take it with honor and respect that's for sure
I'm not calling anyone till I try some of these tips, I think more effort on my part is needed.
Now that I finished lunch, I'm happy and ready for another try.

 

[PapaSmurf]

i live nearbyish in orange county, im off work sundays and mondays i know im a complete stranger but if you need the help i can make the trip up and see what we can do. i just did heads on my truck so dist. installation is fresh in my mind and im well versed in timing lights and electrical. getting the oil pump rod to line up with the dist is tricky in my case i took mine apart at tdc and dident move anything till it was back in so i did not have this issue. someone mentioned just getting it lined up correctly for tdc #1 and then spinning the engine over until it seats personally thats how i would do it if it was my engine. i think i would turn the engine over by hand and not the starter until it seats again thats just how i would do it i tend to be overly cautious though.

 

[DEMON44]

I know the frustrated feeling. But i am of no help to you in dizzy and carb land. On the other hand I CAN change the VP44 injection pump on your 24v cummins on the side of the road in Denver the 3rd week of January with basic handtools while 1700 km from home.

 

[bot0611]

Ahhhhggg fun times... i remember when i went through this and man i know where you are at... no help and sometimes the info you read dont help cause in my case i didnt get it after a couple of times ive done it i learned to play with the dizzy and the oil pump sometomes you have to turn the gear a few tooths back and play with it a lil cause when it goes in it will move due to the angle of the dizzys gear. hope you get it done man

 

[82355]

Just bar the engine to get the oil pump drive slot lined up if you don't have a remote starter.

Martin