More Engine Assembly - September 5, 2020
More engine work...this is pretty fun stuff. It's one of the few parts of the project that is pretty clean work, and is really just bolting stuff onto the engine.
1) New water pump and gaskets installed. I went for an AC Delco unit, which I hope lasts a long long time, and also some ARP SS screws. Notice that the Orange is quickly getting covered up. A new thermostat\thermostat housing is ordered and on the way.
2) New AC Delco serpentine belt tensioner also installed:
3) For the exhaust manifolds, I bought a pair of ~2010 Camaro LS3 manifolds - they were brand new off of a crate engine. The rear dump fits great for Jeeps, and they are common and very cost-effective. I wanted to get the exhaust manifolds ceramic coated to keep them looking nice, but at $300, I just couldn't justify it. Especially when a huge portion of them is covered by the heat shield. So I used this stuff called "Calyx Exhaust Manifold Dressing", which looks like a black graphite toothpaste. It's also installed with a toothbrush. It was easy to rub it onto the two manifolds, and it looks good for the moment. We'll have to wait to see if it works over time:
Finished with heat shields installed. Also a set of ARP SS
Exhaust Bolts:
Passenger side installed:
Driver's side installed:
4) The alternator\power steering pump bracket was cleaned (it
was very dirty), primed, painted with aluminum paint, and
installed.
Installed with new Idler Pulley and the Power Steering Reservoir mount:
5) New Alternator installed - the old one wasn't bad, but was for a manual transmission car. This new one is for an automatic transmission car and has a special clutch on the pulley.
6) Valve covers installed with all new gaskets:
And coil packs installed:
7) Power Steering Pump...I should have addressed this sooner, as
I knew it was dirty and leaking.
I looked at replacements a couple of months ago, but a new AC Delco unit costs $500. (yes, $500 :-( ). I could go for a cheap China import for $125, but I really don't want to go that route. So I ordered a seal kit for $12, and will try to rebuild it with new seals in the next week or two. If that fails or if I find severe wear inside the pump, then I'll go to Plan B.
I did clean it up today:
It's close to going back in the Jeep, so that I can get the motor mounts welded in, .
I'm going to leave off the intake for now, as I may have to lift it from the valley cover - it depends on how recessed into the firewall\cowl, which depends on the radiator, which is in limbo...
More to come...Happy Labor Day!