Cold Feet

[Jim Yergin]

Last December the number three piston in the engine I had rebuilt disintegrated and punched a hole in the cylinder wall.

The cylinder has been sleeved and I have reassembled the engine. After discovering the replacement connecting rod I had installed was for a 218 and not a 230, I replaced it with the correct one. So after these many months I am finally at the point where this weekend I will try starting it. Years ago I would have been looking forward to the event but now I find that I am almost apprehensive. My confidence is not the greatest. On the flip side, I really miss driving the car and look forward to hopefully getting it back on the road. Does anyone else ever experience such feelings?

Jim Yergin

Edited September 10, 2010 by Jim Yergin

[james49ply]

you followed the correct proceedures in building the engine, now the engine is 'healthy' again, and as anything that is healthy it wants to RUN! it wants exersize, been sitting still for far too long. start it up, and listen to it purr!

[Young Ed]

Yes everytime I do something that costs lots of money. Probably the biggest time was when I ordered 11 custom fit full replacement windows to install in my house. Based on all my own measurements and there was no returning any that didnt fit. Plus I had never installed a window in a house before! Good luck and I'm sure you got a good one this time!

[1940plymouth]

Jim,

I have had that same feeling many times over the past 22 plus years with my old Plymouth, but to cure it, you have to drive it, so put your worries aside and get the Wagon out on the road, and naturally good luck, and take lots of photos please,

enjoy your upcoming weekend,

Bob

[TodFitch]

... Years ago I would have been looking forward to the event but now I find that I am almost apprehensive. My confidence is not the greatest. On the flip side, I really miss driving the car and look forward to hopefully getting it back on the road. Does anyone else every experience such feelings?

Jim Yergin

Yep.

[claybill]

others have much confidence in you.!

GO FOR IT JIMMER.!

bill

[greg g]

Gotta go for it Jim. First step is always the most important. Really hpe you can get it sorted, and you car becomes a reliable driver.

[pflaming]

Jim, YES! I'm 72 next week, had to renew my driver's license and feared the event, finally read the book two times, and took it, missed one question. Join the club. Start it in the morning confidence seems to be higher with the rising of the sun! Good luck wish I could see your face when it starts.

Paul

[Don Coatney]

Jim;

If you dont start it what will you do? Join the Procrastinators club? I have been thinking of joining but I keep putting it off.

Ten things you should know.

1.Twenty percent of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. For them procrastination is a lifestyle, albeit a maladaptive one. And it cuts across all domains of their life. They don't pay bills on time. They miss opportunities for buying tickets to concerts. They don't cash gift certificates or checks. They file income tax returns late. They leave their Christmas shopping until Christmas eve.

2.It's not trivial, although as a culture we don't take it seriously as a problem. It represents a profound problem of self-regulation. And there may be more of it in the U.S. than in other countries because we are so nice; we don't call people on their excuses ("my grandmother died last week") even when we don't believe them.

3.Procrastination is not a problem of time management or of planning. Procrastinators are not different in their ability to estimate time, although they are more optimistic than others. "Telling someone who procrastinates to buy a weekly planner is like telling someone with chronic depression to just cheer up," insists Dr. Ferrari.

4.Procrastinators are made not born. Procrastination is learned in the family milieu, but not directly. It is one response to an authoritarian parenting style. Having a harsh, controlling father keeps children from developing the ability to regulate themselves, from internalizing their own intentions and then learning to act on them. Procrastination can even be a form of rebellion, one of the few forms available under such circumstances. What's more, under those household conditions, procrastinators turn more to friends than to parents for support, and their friends may reinforce procrastination because they tend to be tolerant of their excuses.

5.Procrastination predicts higher levels of consumption of alcohol among those people who drink. Procrastinators drink more than they intend to—a manifestation of generalized problems in self-regulation. That is over and above the effect of avoidant coping styles that underlie procrastination and lead to disengagement via substance abuse.

6.Procrastinators tell lies to themselves. Such as, "I'll feel more like doing this tomorrow." Or "I work best under pressure." But in fact they do not get the urge the next day or work best under pressure. In addition, they protect their sense of self by saying "this isn't important." Another big lie procrastinators indulge is that time pressure makes them more creative. Unfortunately they do not turn out to be more creative; they only feel that way. They squander their resources.

7.Procrastinators actively look for distractions, particularly ones that don't take a lot of commitment on their part. Checking e-mail is almost perfect for this purpose. They distract themselves as a way of regulating their emotions such as fear of failure.

8.There's more than one flavor of procrastination. People procrastinate for different reasons. Dr. Ferrari identifies three basic types of procrastinators:

◦arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush.

◦avoiders, who may be avoiding fear of failure or even fear of success, but in either case are very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability.

◦decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.

9.There are big costs to procrastination. Health is one. Just over the course of a single academic term, procrastinating college students had such evidence of compromised immune systems as more colds and flu, more gastrointestinal problems. And they had insomnia. In addition, procrastination has a high cost to others as well as oneself; it shifts the burden of responsibilities onto others, who become resentful. Procrastination destroys teamwork in the workplace and private relationships.

10.Procrastinators can change their behavior—but doing so consumes a lot of psychic energy. And it doesn't necessarily mean one feels transformed internally. It can be done with highly structured cognitive behavioral therapy

[Barabbas]

but now I find that I am almost apprehensive. My confidence is not the greatest. ... Does anyone else every experience such feelings?

Jim Yergin

Yep, every time I attempt a new project. Funny thing is, I know that eventually I will get it right--may take a couple of iterations but I will get it right--- still there is that apprehension just before I tryout my latest "improvement"

[Joe Flanagan]

Jim,

I haven't even put my engine back together and I'm apprehensive about starting it up. The problem is what you're facing if something is wrong: Taking it apart AGAIN. No one wants to go through that. So yes, I know exactly what you mean. It's one thing if you know exactly what the problem was, but if there's some question, you're always going to be wondering if it's really fixed.

[Big_John]

Jim;

If you dont start it what will you do? Join the Procrastinators club? I have been thinking of joining but I keep putting it off.

Ten things you should know.

1.Twenty percent of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. For them procrastination is a lifestyle, albeit a maladaptive one. And it cuts across all domains of their life. They don't pay bills on time. They miss opportunities for buying tickets to concerts. They don't cash gift certificates or checks. They file income tax returns late. They leave their Christmas shopping until Christmas eve.

2.It's not trivial, although as a culture we don't take it seriously as a problem. It represents a profound problem of self-regulation. And there may be more of it in the U.S. than in other countries because we are so nice; we don't call people on their excuses ("my grandmother died last week") even when we don't believe them.

3.Procrastination is not a problem of time management or of planning. Procrastinators are not different in their ability to estimate time, although they are more optimistic than others. "Telling someone who procrastinates to buy a weekly planner is like telling someone with chronic depression to just cheer up," insists Dr. Ferrari.

4.Procrastinators are made not born. Procrastination is learned in the family milieu, but not directly. It is one response to an authoritarian parenting style. Having a harsh, controlling father keeps children from developing the ability to regulate themselves, from internalizing their own intentions and then learning to act on them. Procrastination can even be a form of rebellion, one of the few forms available under such circumstances. What's more, under those household conditions, procrastinators turn more to friends than to parents for support, and their friends may reinforce procrastination because they tend to be tolerant of their excuses.

5.Procrastination predicts higher levels of consumption of alcohol among those people who drink. Procrastinators drink more than they intend to—a manifestation of generalized problems in self-regulation. That is over and above the effect of avoidant coping styles that underlie procrastination and lead to disengagement via substance abuse.

6.Procrastinators tell lies to themselves. Such as, "I'll feel more like doing this tomorrow." Or "I work best under pressure." But in fact they do not get the urge the next day or work best under pressure. In addition, they protect their sense of self by saying "this isn't important." Another big lie procrastinators indulge is that time pressure makes them more creative. Unfortunately they do not turn out to be more creative; they only feel that way. They squander their resources.

7.Procrastinators actively look for distractions, particularly ones that don't take a lot of commitment on their part. Checking e-mail is almost perfect for this purpose. They distract themselves as a way of regulating their emotions such as fear of failure.

8.There's more than one flavor of procrastination. People procrastinate for different reasons. Dr. Ferrari identifies three basic types of procrastinators:

◦arousal types, or thrill-seekers, who wait to the last minute for the euphoric rush.

◦avoiders, who may be avoiding fear of failure or even fear of success, but in either case are very concerned with what others think of them; they would rather have others think they lack effort than ability.

◦decisional procrastinators, who cannot make a decision. Not making a decision absolves procrastinators of responsibility for the outcome of events.

9.There are big costs to procrastination. Health is one. Just over the course of a single academic term, procrastinating college students had such evidence of compromised immune systems as more colds and flu, more gastrointestinal problems. And they had insomnia. In addition, procrastination has a high cost to others as well as oneself; it shifts the burden of responsibilities onto others, who become resentful. Procrastination destroys teamwork in the workplace and private relationships.

10.Procrastinators can change their behavior—but doing so consumes a lot of psychic energy. And it doesn't necessarily mean one feels transformed internally. It can be done with highly structured cognitive behavioral therapy

I'll have to read this sometime... maybe tomorrow or maybe next week...

[Joe Flanagan]

As I always say, Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?

[Jim Saraceno]

A few years ago, I bought another engine, rebuilt it and swapped it out. Of course everything took much longer and was more expensive than I thought it would. After the rebuild I couldn't get her started. Come to find out the timing marks on the harmonic balancer didn't match the indicator on the timing chain cover.

After the swap out, (which took till the 4th of July when I thought I'd be done by Easter) it seemed every time I took the car out, something else would break.

One time it was the fuel line rusting and gumming up the fuel pump (had to replace all the fuel lines). One time it was a pair of brake shoes disintegrating. One time it was the pin in the fuel pump slipping out (I had staked it but apparently not enough. Then the gas started leaking from the carb (turned out to be a float gone bad).

I got very discouraged and seriously thought about selling the old dog.

Finally things got fixed and she's been running fine ever since. I'm hoping I've run out of things to break. Rebuilt engine, transmission, fuel system, brake system, front end/steering, drive shaft and u-joints, sent the lever shocks to be rebuilt, re-arched the front springs, on and on....

Now I'm doing things like replating the bumpers and replacing the wiper blades. I sure am glad I didn't sell her!

[Harvey Tank]

I know how you feel Jim. right after I rebuilt my 218 I drove about 12 miles, Blew it up. it took me a year to rebuild it again. and it scard me to death on the day it come time to start it. varooooooooooom. started right up, and been running fine ever sence. now every body is happy.

just go for it JIM.

[Jim Saraceno]

after I rebuilt my 218 I drove about 12 miles, Blew it up.

:eek:I remember you telling us that happened, I don't remember why that happened. What did they (or you) find out when the engine was rebuilt again?

[Jim Yergin]

Thanks to all with the encouraging words. It's nice to know I am not alone.

Gave it a try today but it did not start. At least it cranked over fine which is better than the last time with the 218 connecting rod keeping the engine from turning over.

I confirmed that I have spark by pulling a spark plug and laying it on the block while still connected to the spark plug wire. When I cranked the engine I could see the spark. I also have gas going to the carb. I loosened the gas line at the carb and gas came out when I cranked the engine. I also tried using some starter fluid but not even a pop.

I guess that leaves the questions of timing or compression. I do not have a compression gauge so first I will double check the timing and go from there.

Jim Yergin

[P-12 Tommy]

You gonna try again tomorrow? You've got spark and fuel and air. I guess it could be the timing. When your cranking it, put your hand over the carb and see how much suck and blow ya got. When you get the timing right, you'd think as long as you got some compression it should fire.

Tom

[Olddaddy]

I have been building engines for just over 40 years and I still get a little worried when I start one for the first time.....insecurity I guess. My current and last engine build is a fairly seriously built 230 for my Suburban wagon. I finished it up a couple of years ago and it will probably be another year before the car is assembled to the point of starting the engine. Plenty of time to worry over it until it starts and runs like all of the ones before it did.........

[greg g]

Make sure your firing order is correct, and not a tower off on the dizzy cap. That little detail has stumped a good number of us over the years. Everything looks good but further investigation reveals the rotor is not aliged with tower for wire 1 at tdc.

[james49ply]

Dose the engine have a plug in the top of the head where #6 cylender is? if so pull the plug out, you hand turn the crank till piston top dead center ( 3" srewdriver insterted will do the trick) pop cap off distributor and if the rotor is at 7 O-clock that is #1 or #6 firing position. You can also check to see if the harmonic balancer has moved that would give you a false tdc. also you could be 180 degrees out of time. when I tried to start my replacement whoever rebuilt the motor installed the oil pump out of time and I had to modify the distributor mount to reposition to correct the timing.

[TodFitch]

I have been building engines for just over 40 years and I still get a little worried when I start one for the first time.....insecurity I guess. My current and last engine build is a fairly seriously built 230 for my Suburban wagon. I finished it up a couple of years ago and it will probably be another year before the car is assembled to the point of starting the engine. Plenty of time to worry over it until it starts and runs like all of the ones before it did.........

It was several years between when my engine was completed and when it was installed and run. By that time the car was almost totally back together. And then I discovered that it leaks badly at the front. Not sure if its the crank seal or chain cover gasket.

On my car you have to pull the front sheet metal and unbolt a frame cross member that holds the master cylinder to get the engine out. I have been procrastinating on that, adding a quart every 500 miles, and pretending that the coating on the bottom of the car is a preservative.

Were I to do it again, I'd follow the lead of Don C and others and run the thing on a test stand to get all the leaks and other possible bugs out before installing it in the car.

[Jim Yergin]

Verified that the distributor is not 180' off by rotating the engine with my finger over the #1 spark plug hole until I could feel the compression stroke. Also double checked the placement and sequence of the spark plug cables in the distributor cap. Re-set the static timing. Everything appears to check out but still no start, not even a pop. Any suggestions?

Jim Yergin

[P-12 Tommy]

I wish I was there to see what you got going. It seems you have everything in order. Must me some minor glitch everybody's overlooking.

Tom

[1940plymouth]

Jim,

This is a shot in the dark, but one time I had my dipstick short out the wire on the dizzy and cause the car not to start. It would turn over great, but not fire, it was by sheer luck that I noticed the dipstick up against the wire, moved it, the old Plymouth started right up.

Hope it is something as simple as my problem was,

Bob