IronMike Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 I try to browse the site weekly, but until recently I have had little time to work on my 50 Dodge. I getting some fall/winter projects planned and I am going to try to post updates in this thread as I go. It is my hope that the input/advice received from you guys will keep me motivated and on track. I plan on posting pictures of my adventures to keep things interesting. My main winter project was going to be a re-wire, but as you guys know one project creates others and I figured while I have everything apart I might as well give the engine compartment a good detail. I am in the process of stripping everything down to the block for a re-gasket and paint. I have a Fel-Pro Engine set for the job. One question I have was whether I should mess with pulling the head and replacing the head gasket while everything is apart. Part of me thinks "leave it alone", but it very well may be the original gasket. Any opinions on this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 If its got decent compression why mess with it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martybose Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 I left my original 218 alone, until it blew the head gasket between 5 and 6. That's when I found out that half of the head bolts were only finger tight. I'd pull the head! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronMike Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 What I started with today. Some progress made. Water Distribution tube looks pretty good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronMike Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 The engine has low mileage (44,000) and has always been a strong runner. Probably should have checked the compression before I jumped into it, but to be honest I was excited to get the chance to turn a wrench. No prior drivability issues. I am more concerned about the length of time aspect. The car has been in my family since about 1969 and the only other person to work on this car was my grandfather, who was a mechanic by trade. I recall that he may have had it apart in the early 70s to replace a burnt valve, but I was a snot-nosed kid back then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 If your engine runs good, carries good oil pressure, and does not run hot what are you trying o fix? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronMike Posted August 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 If your engine runs good, carries good oil pressure, and does not run hot what are you trying o fix? Not really a fix needed, I was just wondering if while I have everything apart to detail the engine compartment/re-wire etc. if: A. I should replace the head gasket as a preventative maintenance, or B. Leave sleeping dogs lie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldodge41 Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Head gasket replacement is fairly easily done at any time, I would leave it alone, if it isn't broke, why fix it? You could re-torque the head bolts if you want. Have fun with your project. I look forward to updates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scruffy49 Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 Retorque the head bolts, paint the engine, maybe add some dress up bolt covers, snap on style or glue on style acorn nut covers or such. If it isn't broken, don't invite trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_shel_ny Posted August 18, 2013 Report Share Posted August 18, 2013 You know the engine history. Leave the head alone. Maybe check to see if the bolts are tight. (Granddad likely did it right) I would not loosen and re-torque. Running good, not leaking, I would leave that head alone.Don't create problems where they do not exist. One thing that I would do. You have the water pump off. I would pop the welch plugs out and flush the engine until it cries uncle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pflaming Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 I would pop the welch plugs out and flush the engine until it cries uncle. That is GOOD advice, a clean block is a cool running engine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronMike Posted August 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Thanks for the input. I will check torque on head bolts and leave it be. Good advice on the welch plugs. I hope to get the starter and intake/exhaust manifolds off this weekend and flush the block out. The car sat for about 10 years because my grandfather was unable to drive. I have only put about 400 miles on it the past few years. I rebuilt the brake system when I first got the car. My intent now is to freshen everything up to make sure the car is reliable enough to take my wife, 5 year old son, and 3 year old daughter on pretty big road trip next summer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronMike Posted August 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2013 Didn't accomplish as much this weekend as I would have liked. I did manage to get the intake and exhaust manifold off. The only casualty was a broken stud that mounts the Sisson choke to the intake. I will plan on flushing the block next weekend. I am rebuilding the Generator and was able to get it cleaned up and ready for paint. 63 years of road grime cleaned up. The case has several rebuild dates stamped into it. The tape on the field coil windings was crumbling to the touch, so I decided to redo them. Unwrapped windings. New friction tape, new shrink wrap on the wiring to replace the old insulation, ready to be soldered back together. Next, I need to get the Armature cleaned up, source some miscellaneous pieces and parts and I should be able to get one component refurbished and marked off my list. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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