57 pathfinder 2 door project, finally in my garage
Spruce Laker said
Mar 14, 2016
A fellow mentioned here that after a valve jb engines use oil. That is because they didn't flush out the antifreeze with water before taking the head off and it got down into the rings and antifreeze is a sugar based alcohol. I noticed this problem and figured it out about 40 years ago.
Just thought I would mention that
Hugh
57 Pathfinder said
Mar 14, 2016
No worries on that. The rad didn't survive the wreck in '67, the remaining coolant that was left maybe filled the lower half of the block. The only thing that was in the cylinders was penetrant to get it unstuck...
Hopefully it runs OK and doesn't burn much oil.
57 Pathfinder said
Apr 2, 2016
Well, I've been picking away this for the last couple of weeks hoping to get it to run. It's been frustrating but...
It will require some further tuning, right now it won't idle and is rough down low. I need a cooling system before I can dick with that. Anyways, forthe first time in 49 years and 3 months it runs again!!
timbuk said
Apr 2, 2016
nice job hope it pans out
57 Pathfinder said
Apr 2, 2016
I think next up is some timing. My gut says it's quite a bit too retarded right now. I'm hoping things free up the more it runs.
rabbit64cs said
Apr 2, 2016
hawkeye5766 said
Apr 3, 2016
Nice, always a good feeling when they flash.
2drpost said
Apr 3, 2016
nice work, first drive isn't far off!
long stroke said
Apr 4, 2016
Rene, those inline sixes had a fiber camshaft gear originally and they broke teeth and wore off teeth easily. Have you ever had a look at the timing gear set on that engine. The replacement timing gear sets are always aluminum cam gear and steel crank gear. That might be the timing issue on your 261. GM was asleep when they put those silly fiber camshaft gears in the 55-62 235/261 sixes and some of the small block V-8's like the 265/283. They were obviously meant to keep the engine running quieter but i find my 261 runs very quiet with the aluminum cam gear. I am really enjoying following your 57 Pontiac threads. Cheers. George
GLHS60 said
Apr 4, 2016
57 Pathfinder wrote:
I think next up is some timing. My gut says it's quite a bit too retarded right now. I'm hoping things free up the more it runs.
I think your gut is correct!!
Thanks
Randy
long stroke said
Dec 10, 2018
Rene, what happen to any updates on your fine 57. Hopefully all is well.
57 Pathfinder said
Dec 10, 2018
No real updates. I've been working 65 hours a week for the last two years paying off a surprise Canada Revenue debt ($40K...ouch!)
As to the 57 I want to get my work space tidied up and get the car turned around and centered so it's easier to work on. Some of the issues with the engine running are all "sticky" related in my best guess. I am thinking of pulling the 261 out and dis-assemble on a stand and do a thorough clean and re-assembly. I have done several compression tests and get some wildly fluctuating results suggesting valves and lifters sticking and unsticking. I guess I could also try some varsol in the oil and "hope" that does the trick.
Scott from Cold War Motors has offered to help get the front sheet metal on the car, take care of some minor dents and paint to match the rest of the original paint on the car. The idea is to have it appear as if it was parked in that garage in 1967 a day before being wrecked.
None of this stuff is a big expenditure, so it could technically be driving around this summer coming.
I will be posting any updates here first, I haven't gone anywhere.
Thanks for your interest!
4SPEED427 said
Dec 11, 2018
Glad to hear you're still at it, and hang in there.
It would be great to see it back on the road.
long stroke said
Jan 23, 2019
Rene, still looking forward to any updates on your 57 Poncho. Cheers.
Just thought I would mention that
Hugh
Hopefully it runs OK and doesn't burn much oil.
Well, I've been picking away this for the last couple of weeks hoping to get it to run. It's been frustrating but...
It will require some further tuning, right now it won't idle and is rough down low. I need a cooling system before I can dick with that. Anyways, forthe first time in 49 years and 3 months it runs again!!
nice work, first drive isn't far off!
Rene, those inline sixes had a fiber camshaft gear originally and they broke teeth and wore off teeth easily. Have you ever had a look at the timing gear set on that engine. The replacement timing gear sets are always aluminum cam gear and steel crank gear. That might be the timing issue on your 261. GM was asleep when they put those silly fiber camshaft gears in the 55-62 235/261 sixes and some of the small block V-8's like the 265/283. They were obviously meant to keep the engine running quieter but i find my 261 runs very quiet with the aluminum cam gear. I am really enjoying following your 57 Pontiac threads. Cheers. George
I think your gut is correct!!
Thanks
Randy
Rene, what happen to any updates on your fine 57. Hopefully all is well.
As to the 57 I want to get my work space tidied up and get the car turned around and centered so it's easier to work on. Some of the issues with the engine running are all "sticky" related in my best guess. I am thinking of pulling the 261 out and dis-assemble on a stand and do a thorough clean and re-assembly. I have done several compression tests and get some wildly fluctuating results suggesting valves and lifters sticking and unsticking. I guess I could also try some varsol in the oil and "hope" that does the trick.
Scott from Cold War Motors has offered to help get the front sheet metal on the car, take care of some minor dents and paint to match the rest of the original paint on the car. The idea is to have it appear as if it was parked in that garage in 1967 a day before being wrecked.
None of this stuff is a big expenditure, so it could technically be driving around this summer coming.
I will be posting any updates here first, I haven't gone anywhere.
Thanks for your interest!
It would be great to see it back on the road.
Rene, still looking forward to any updates on your 57 Poncho. Cheers.