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Have a rebuilt 218 short block on a dolly. I am bolting on the ancillary components and getting ready for the first start. I would like to just see if it will fire off before I install in the vehicle. What are your recommendations concerning the cooling and exhaust systems. Could I just fill the block with water and leave the exhaust pipe and muffler off. I have seen farm "hit and miss" engines cooled with an open reservoir of water and I would wear ear muffs for the noise. Or do you recommend hooking up the the radiator and muffler? Regards to all.

Need some help with my '53 B4B. First startup accomplished, not running great, not willing to idle. Here's a link to a first startup, skip to 2 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Qjoi5J9t4&feature=youtu.be Solved the oil filter leak problem with a thicker gasket, but it's running a bit rough. Idle screw adjustment didn't seem to have any affect on getting it to idle properly. The first and second freeze plugs were dripping a little, (reminder: this engine was re-built in Los Angeles 8 or so years ago, finally just running now). I'm hoping they seal themselves! Question: Does the oil gauge line work by having oil in it, or is it just transmitting air pressure? Oil is definitely going up into line to gauge. Gauge seems pinned off scale. I have the gauge line attached to port between cyl #2 and #3. The filter is hooked up as per photo in thread below ("Oil Overflowing!" ) The ignition is electronic, no gap to set. Wires are in the right order. I just installed rebuild kit parts in carburetor from Mike's Carburetor, followed his video too. But I could have done something wrong. Carb is Carter BB DTL2, with extra dashpot for semi auto transmission. I'm assuming that whistling sound is carb intake with no air filter on top.

I have been slowly getting things together to start my rebuilt engine, which was re-done about 8 years ago or so. (Long story, don't ask...) After carburetor stuff, distributor stuff (including electronic ignition), much tinkering, flipping the rotor 180º, etc etc, the ol' flathead began to start today!! BUT, after running only about 5 seconds, THE OIL FILTER OVERFLOWED!!. I have drained the oil, and was going to refill but not all the way, (including zinc additive), but first I must ask, WHAT MIGHT CAUSE THIS???? OR WHAT HAVE I DONE??Photo attached.

Another 1949 Dodge B1B breathes again! Been a long road to this point and plenty still to do but this truck got a complete frame off going over. Nothing perfect and never going to be a show truck but I've learned a ton from the guys here and a little knuckle busting of my own. So together we should celebrate this milestone - Thank you! I had some health issues this year and this project is where I poured my time to keep my mind off it. I went all-in in January. Put the cab back on, put an engine from my 50 parts truck in the 49, used the tranny that came with the 49 (was hooked to a desoto that was seized). Rigged up a radiator and hooked up a gas tank from an old lawnmower. I painted the dash and put gauges and switches back, rebuilt a new wire loom, and metered out all connections - so far so good. Wiper motor was shorting, pulled it and found it full of rust too. Pulled coils and brushes out, cleaned it all up, re soldered coils and that now works. I dropped marvel mystery oil in each cyl and worked it over a bit and found the starter stuck. .....Yesterday I pulled the starter apart cleaned out a pound of rust wire brushed it, cleaned up brushes and it worked ....so - judgement day. A little fiddling with distributor and a good dose of gas down the throat she sneezed that marvel right out, ther'll be no mosquitoes in my shop for a while. Still too much snow to even get out of my shop, so I put rear end up on jack stands to run it through the gears... ha no first gear due to an "obstruction".... Had to torch and bend the shift lever because it hit the dash and couldn't get to first gear ;-), Need to finish sandblasting floor so I can POR it and get it back in - need me a gas pedal again! Sitting atop my milk crate seat at the helm of my "pilothouse" was a pretty good day! Progress my friends! Just like I'm 8 again counting the minutes til I can get back in the sandbox....Can't wait to get another day playing with my truck. Cheers, J 49 Dodge first start.mp4