keithb7

I recently pulled a bell housing and learned a couple of things. Yes the tranny would have to come out. I assume you have a manual tranny with a dry clutch? Bell housing cannot come off without removing clutch presure plate. Then flywheel too. Then bell housing can come off. Was it one of these rear upper block frost plugs?

There is no need for an external regulator when you upgrade to an alternator. It is a very good upgrade. The regulator is built in to the alternator. The alternator puts out more amps than a generator, even at idle. It can keep up to all the demands of the various loads in the 6V system. Using an alternator I don’t think there will ever be a negative draw shown on the ammeter. Unless the alternator is failing. That’s when the dummy light comes on in a modern car. That’s my understanding. Please correct me or add to my comments if I’m mis-understanding of the alternator. The alternator keeps everyone happy except the Mrs who monitors the finances.

Doing engine research, I am comparing 218 vs 228 Canadian built 25” engines. They are very close. Same bore at 3 3/8”. 218 has 4 1/16” stroke. 228 has 4 ¼” stroke. A difference of only 3/16” on the stroke. That sure isn’t much. Is this slightly longer stroke in the 228 made up in crank throw? Or connecting rod length? Does anyone know? I wonder why Chrysler would bother? To keep up with the engine displacement race probably. On another note I did compare my 201.3 crank vs my 218 crank. Side by side. Aside from the length difference, the 218 is considerably larger and has more steel in it. Larger bearing diameters. Its quite a more robust crank. I’m impressed.

My son came by for day #2 of the 218 teardown. We lifted the crank out with the flywheel and clutch attached. Then we pounded on the pistons from the bottom side. We used a round piece of wood from an actual small tree that we cut up a few weeks ago. It all came apart. Cam out. Tappets. Valve train. Everything. I am still going to tear into a few more parts to learn a few more things. For example a good internal oil pump imspection sounds interesting to me. The water distribution tube is being stubborn on this one. I will attempt to get it out. That’ll be fun. Next I’ll degrease and clean up the block and mic it up. See where it’s at. Likely then I’ll coat it, wrap it up and store it for future consideration. Here my son is taking the valve train apart. I am happy to teach him this stuff. He basically tore down the engine. I just passed him tools and advice. He said he’s learned a ton. This foundational engine stuff still applies in new cars and trucks today. He can at least talk somewhat intelligently about engines in his life.

I picked up my fuel tank. Its like new again. The fellow did a fantastic job. All the old rubbery sealer is gone. I ‘ll be putting it back in after I finish buildling and installing the rear chassis harness. I’m Working on that now.

Pull drum and have a peek. A little brake fluid on the shoes can do this. Or How about a partial collapsed flex hose holding return pressure?

Does amyone have a pic of a ‘54 gauge cluster? I’d be interested in seeing one. Here is my ‘53.

53 vs 54. I have intrests in the conversation! I like the 3 or 4 stars on the front grill emblem in ‘54. My understanding is the temp and oil gauges were taken away in 54. Replaced with dummy lights. My ‘53 still has actual gauges.

The oil on the dipstick tube does look good to the naked eye.. White smoke..Blue smoke...Depending on how bad/thick it is, it all kinda just looks like smoke to the average person. Experienced folks can see and smell the difference between burning coolant, burning oil, or black smoke from a rich A/F mixture.

Here at my elevation 90-100 psi is ok. 100+ is decent. Dry. Lower than 90, the engine is getting tired. More than a 10% difference between cylinders also generally means repairs should be considered. If you add oil to your cylinder and your psi goes up at the next test, the rings are worn. In my opinion if you have 90 dry, add oil, and hit 100 that’s reasonable for a old engine. Not necessarily due for an overhaul in my opinion. Over the past 2 1/2 years I’ve put 5,000 miles on my 265 engine with 90 dry, 100 wet compression test numbers. If you have a low number, for example 75 psi, you add oil and the reading does not go up, you likely have valve sealing issues. A valve grind, or replacing a burnt valve will likely get the psi back up. Unless you have both worn valve surfaces, and worn piston rings. Look at your plugs when you pull them. Look for signs of burning coolant deposits. A bad head gasket or a cracked head/block could allow this. Also look for black soot from burning oil on the plugs. My #1 plug is always a little darker as #1 has a worn valve guide. It sucks oil into the cylinder when going down hills, when using engine braking. Be warned! Before removing the spark plugs, blow compressed air around the spark plug base in the cylinder head. These areas are prone to hold dirt, lost tiny screws, or anything else. Its just waiting to fall into your combustion chamber as soon as you lift the plug out. I learned the hard way here.

Yes. Perform a dry and wet compression test. Post both sets of numbers. Ensure battery is fully charged and strong. Remove all spark plugs. Mash throttle wide open then crank engine over. That outta tell ya some clues about whats causing smoke.

Great find!

Good one @Worden18. Some good entertaining stories to read here! Keep ‘em coming. I should have taken more time to add some color to my story about my mid-‘70’s Dart slant six. You folks took the time so I will too. I was turning 16. I wanted a car so bad. I was working nights and weekends in a restaurant. Dishwasher was my best skill at the time. Good grades and home work were about #10 and #11 on my list of interests. Girls, car, electric guitars, buddies, & my job being probably the top 5 back in the day. My older brother bought a rusty, but running 1974-ish Pinto. 4 speed manual if I recall. I had $300 in my bank account. I offered it to him and bought it. He spent 5 mins with me in a mall parking lot late after work one Friday nite. Then that was it. I was driving stick, had my wheels and freedom! 2 weeks later I was laying under it, on a piece of plywood installing a new clutch. Outside in the rain. Hang with me for a Mopar minute. I had to tell you that story to tell you this one. After a few months and a ton of hours working in the restaurant earning about $3 an hour, I was ready for an upgrade. My father was adamant that I had to buy an American built car. No imports. “Junk” he said. “POS that won’t last 65,000 miles” he said many times over the dinner table. I was buying the paper Auto Trader every week. Scouring for something for sale that was cool to attract chicks. Something I could afford. Countless times I went to Dad with another import I was interested in. Not even a German VW Scirocco. No way, no how. Finally the mid 70’s Dart appears. Dad pointed it out to me. He said, “look this is a decent car. You and I meed to go look at it.” It was affordable. By now the Pinto was broke down. Electrical fire. I was desperate. I sighed and said “Ok Lets go.” The Dart was very clean. It was a two door. I could live with that. It had a front bench seat. I could sure use that when I round up some girls for a cruise. Automatic tranny. The 225 engine was pretty anemic. But, Dad approved. I think I paid $700 for it. I had to wait for another paycheck to buy insurance. I asked the boss for extra shifts. “Late nights too” I pleaded. School grades be darned. Once the Dart was on the road the issues began to develop. Hard starting when hot. It was not happening. I was scared as I had little money to spare. Plus, I had a new girlfriend who liked to sit right beside me when we went out on dates. School, girlfriend, job and car repairs...I was stressed. Little did I know how well the situation was preparing me for adult life. A short time later my brother and I yanked the slant 6 engine. I sold my Pinto to a guy in school for $50. He dropped by with a few tools and some electrical tape and drove it away. That was mildly embarrassing as my Dart was down with the engine out. Week after week of no car. Extra shifts at work again. Every dollar I earned was going into parts and machine shop services to rebuild the Dart’s engine. My brother and I rebuilt it outside. No roof over us. I was walking and biking everywhere. I kept seeing that dumb old Pinto of mine around town. Driving. I was doing my best to keep my new girlfriend happy. I felt like a fool with no car. I could not take her on dates for a while. Finally we flashed up the slant 6 engine. All was good in the world! I was riding high again. The little lady hung on and we used that bench seat again. Allowing her to sit right next to me. We cruised and got ice creme often. Then one day it happend...I was sitting at a red light in my Dart. A buddy of mine in the car with me. My old rusty yellow Pinto pulled up beside me at the light. Revving his engine. The guy I sold it to was behind the wheel. It was race time. I had rebuilt my Dart’s engine myself! I was confident and proud. The light turned green. Off we went......And the Pinto beat me. My buddie in the passenger side nearly died laughing. That was a humbling event that sour’d me. A few months later I sold the Dart. I did not bond with it. The Pinto humiliation stuck with me. I think I sold the Dart for $700. My Dad shook his head. What a fool I was. He never said it. I saw it on Dad’s face. The cutie in the front seat is still with me today. Now we cruise in my ‘53 Wndsor. She doesn’t sit in the middle of the bench seat any more. Lol. I never see any Pintos on the road any more either. Probably best anyway. The only photo I can find of my Dart. Here we are pulling the engine. Dad and my brother yanking on the hoist. Nice grass floor hey? Me in the coveralls. Worried sick, thinking how am I going to pay for this?

@Dennis Detweiler I am working on re-wiring my ‘38 Ply currently. Do you have any pics you could share of your fuse mount location? I am allowed interested in seeing the type of fuse block you used. Also mention of a master. Details would be great. Thx.

I thought this might be a fun thread. Tell us a few details on your earlieast Mopar and your most recent Mopar experience. Could be anything. Maybe a memory as a young child, washing your car last week, or anything related. We’d love to hear your story. Pics for extra bonus points! I’ll start: 1987 I was 16. I bought a 1976 2 door Dodge Dart. 225 slant six engine. 1 week later I pulled the engine and rebuilt it with my brother. He was 18 and a much better mechanic.I learned a ton. Today my wife and I drove my ‘53 Chrysler on a 120 mile trip. Then later my son and I tore down a 1949 218 flathead engine. Odd point: By chance every vintage Mopar car I’ve owned has been green. What say you?

I had the top end of my 265 engine apart 2 years ago. It was my first time in there. I had low compression on two cylinders. I did my first valve grind. The car was new to me. At the time I was not aware of any smoke while engine braking. I wanted to get out cruising, enjoying it. I overlooked the valve guide clearances. #1 exhaust felt a little looser than the rest. I pushed ahead and completed the grind job. I’ve had a great time with the car since then. However, I regret not changing the guides now every time I see the smoke. Which happens on steep declines, regularly. I should have done it right. If you are considering your next move to deal with the smoke, might as well start with a compression, and oil preasure test. Then you’ll know how far you’ll be going into the engine.

Today my oldest son dropped by for a visit. He put on some coveralls and dug right in to the engine with me. He really made my day. He’s a business career guy. I made sure to teach him about car maintenance and repairs when he was in his teens. We worked together pulling an engine and tranny when he was 16. Then he met girls and went to university. You know how that goes...Cat Stevens wrote a song all about it. I was elated to have him working with me today breaking down this flathead engine. We walked thru all the systems, explaining what each part does. Having a real sample to look at is so much better than a book. Having a large young man to flip blocks around like lego, impressed me the most. The extra muscle was greatly appreciated. Turns out he’s got time and wants to come see me on Saturdays, to work on vintage mopar car stuff with me. I welcome him and am quite happy to learn of his interest and enthusiasm in my old Mopars. We pulled the oil pan to get a good look at the bottom side of the pistons. We now know what we are dealing with. We’ll lift the crank out next Sat, with the flywheel & clutch still attached. Then go from there. At least everything will be out of the way.

Some new wallpaper for the shop:

Today my wife and I hit the pavement at about 7am to go to a local bi-annual, vintage car swap meet. This is the same swapmeet we went to about 15 months ago and ran out of gas on the hi-way. You may remember an earlier post about learning the hard way, about fuel gauge inaccuracies. Today we made it there and back trouble free. Its about 60 miles each was. My Chrysler ran perfectly. I maintained 50-55 mph on the hiway. It’ll go faster. However based on their idea of safety features back in ‘53, I’m slightly more comfortable at 50 mph. I Chatted with some locals who said they recognized my Chrysler and liked it a lot. One fellow saiid he “almost bought it back in 2017”. He went to say he was pretty sure it didn’t have wire spoke wheels back then. He’s right, and that’s when I bought it. We picked up some great deals there. I landed an original parts book for Canadian built Mopar cars in 1938. A great find for my other car, $15 US I paid. Good shape too. Also some old car calendars from 1915 to 1919. All with brass era cars from the day. Free! Some cool old ads for a 1941 Plymouth, 1948 Plymouth and 1931 Dodge Bros. I’ll hang these all up in my garage. My wife is always happy to tag along to car swap meets. She always finds something unique to bring home. This trip was rewarding for her as well. Some antiques to be used for outdoor flower pots. Here we are stopped, grabbing a coffee as the sun was low in the sky.

Thats been my exact experience too. Bleeding completed, never fixed the need to double pump. A good adjustment got everything feeling right.

Too true. Maintained, they certainly are adequate for what we do with our cars.

Looking out my back window while in the parade. I can’t believe he didn’t overheat. An hour at idle speeds.

Reading back a few posts, I mentioned towing my Chrysler to a car show. I forgot to post some pics. It was a great show. The parade the night before was a ton of fun. I had a blown alcohol big block dragster behind me the whole parade. People were gaping yelling “holy crap”. Grabbing their kids to pull them away from getting sucked into the blower. It was quite a parade. Never to be forgotten. I met some real nice Mopar guys who thanked me for bringing the Chrysler out to be seen. That felt good. These girls dropped by and let me take a pic in their period correct attire.

The 6V headlights lights doing a good job on the way home tonight. Radio on. High beams on. Heater blower fan on. The generator doing a fine job.

My Mrs. and I went out for cruise on this wonderful September evening. We toured the old neighborhood where we lived for 15 years. Raised our boys there. I was nice nostalgic ride in the old Chrylser. The big old car knows how to bring in the lookers. She’s big, but darn classy and oozes character. What she lacks in speed and acceleration she makes up for in big curves and big chrome. The wire spoke rims say “I’m not your average old car”. I pulled up to my regular favorite gas station tonight. Other side of the gas pump pulled up a roaring 1958 Corvette. Lean and gleaming in the dark like a stealth fighter. Driver got out and surrounded my Chrysler. Walked around all sides....Paused and said to me “Pretty F’n clean man. Pretty F’n clean!” I laughed...Here was the one and only car in the entire universe that my wife actually drools over. A ‘58 Corvette. She really has zero real interest in cars. Sure she likes riding in the Chrysler, however I could tell her that I just installed a brand new Hell-Cat engine in the Windsor. She’d say “That’s nice dear” as she turned to stir soup on the stove. So imagine her drooling over this Corvette while the owner is “show judging” our Windsor. Wife was sitting in the Windsor’s front seat with a big smile on. I had a good laugh. Corvette guy and I chatted for a minute about the Windsor. He loved it. I said “I think my wife would like me to ask if you’d be interested in a trade”. More laughs. I got back in, about to hit the starter. I thought “come on baby, don’t crank over for 5 seconds like you often do before you flash up.” The corvette guy is looking now, waiting to hear the engine. I hit the key... The crankshaft never made a half turn and she was purring. I patted the dash and thought, “Right on. You show that Corvette how classy you are.” We turned the heat on for the first time since summer. Its cooling off here now quickly after the sun sets. We went for dinner. It was a fun night out. Here’s the garage door going down as we are just about to head out.