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| The SWEET sound of Vrooom.... |
| Author |
Message |
    
Al Lombardo
Advanced Member
Username: knuckle47
Post Number: 172
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 09:04 pm: | 
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Well guys it is finally over. The last few days I had stolen some time to try and get to a stage where I can start the engine I have been working on since December 2007.
Each time I crawled down in between the engines and bend and twist to add this and that or tighten something etc.etc.etc. You have been there before I am sure. From lugging those old manifolds and cylinder heads DOWN the ladders, the new ones UP and into the engine compartment, making trips for parts and pieces I needed but forgot about, painting the old parts, washing the gooey oil and water paste out of the parts, wet sanding the valve covers so the looked shiny and perfect and to the point of replacing ALL of the original decals, logos and warnings. Today she looked brand spanking new
When I saw Ricks post about removing the raw water fan belt to eliminate the problem of ruining the impeller, a light bulb went off. Added all the oils and fluids to the right spots today as well.
Turned the switches on and the ignition key to start. After enough cranks to fill the float bowl with fuel about 5-6 seconds or so.....vroom. Not a puff of smoke, no weird noises, 50 lbs of oil pressure and 40 seconds later I shut her down. Started it up about 6 more times within the next 30 minutes but she started as well as a new fuel injected car.
To everyone: Thank you for all your help, suggestions and advice. NONE of my success would be possible without the excellent sounding board that MARINEENGINE.COM and you all provide.
Some of the regulars ( you know who you are ) I can't thank you enough as without your knowledgable advice, this would have cost me enough that between the repairs and fuel, this could be another floating condo. Instead, she's goin' fishin'!!! AL |
Jb
Member
Username: jbthehut
Post Number: 32
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 02:15 am: |
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Congradulations Al, go have fun, you have earned it.
JB |
Fastjeff
Senior Member
Username: fastjeff
Post Number: 4394
Registered: 09-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 10:27 am: |
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Pat yourself on the back!
Jeff |
Al Lombardo
Advanced Member
Username: knuckle47
Post Number: 174
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 05:46 pm: |
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It all catches up with you....its tough on an old fat guy...but it was worth it. Imagine the thoughts of standing there with a fire extinguisher expecting who knows what and just hearing it start right up? That was the sweet part ! |
Andrew Menkart
Moderator
Username: andrew
Post Number: 1555
Registered: 03-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 06:05 pm: |
|
Way to go! 
Thanks for taking the time to share the feeling of success and for thanking those who helped. |
Bondo
Advanced Member
Username: bondo
Post Number: 991
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 07:36 pm: |
|
Ayuh,..... Glad to hear it Al,....... |
Todd Moore
Advanced Member
Username: concritter
Post Number: 147
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 08:04 pm: |
|
Well Al ole buddy ole pal(hint)...now that you have it down pat and a true master,what are you doing this upcomming winter?hahaha
Al,I see you often here helping others out and trying to make their efforts easier and less costly.Guys like you deserve to have things go right.Look at the post numbers of the guys above, and you see nothing but top boaters wishing you the best.Do not forget Rick Sweeten, as he did not get a chance to post yet and he helped you alot also. Since joining last fall, I have been watching your ordeals and its a true sucess story.A tribute to Andrew as well for making this site all possible I might add....Todd |
Brian Roderick
Member
Username: brian_from_boston
Post Number: 20
Registered: 05-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 08:53 pm: |
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Congrats Al!
I have a lot to learn about these motors. This site is a wealth of information and a priceless group of members. I want to thank you for posting as you progressed. I read all the posts on here for the knowledge. If something goes wrong or doesn't work on the Blackfin, I can hopefully remember reading about a similar symptom. Now it's time to wet some lines Al! |
Al Lombardo
Advanced Member
Username: knuckle47
Post Number: 175
Registered: 09-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 11:05 pm: |
|
I could not agree more gang and thank you for the kind wishes. I surely had Rick in mind when I said "regulars". We have had a few emails back and forth to clear up some issues and even my brother knows his name. Thanks ALL... I sincerely mean it. This is NOT my area of expertise. I have restored a bunch of vintage American motorcycles and the avatar( 1925 Henderson In-Line 4 cyl 1340cc) was one that received national recognition in magazines and a calendar. Those engines are so much simpler in design and function. I felt with a little mechanical ability and what I had read here...I could surely try to do it. When I opened up this Crusader I had NO IDEA what I would be looking at or even how to begin to diagnose the problems. I just thought I would try to succeed or have to spend the money to succeed by having a pro do it all. You guys have added to my knowledge along the way and have allowed me to gain the confidence to go out an enjoy the trips we may take without the hesitation and fears of getting stuck. I am glad to help provide someone with details IF I know something about it.
Back in the early 30's, our modern day hero Harley D, was using a continous loss oiling system which means every few miles you pumped fresh oil into the bearings and you kept going. Every old Harley I ever restored I rode hundreds of miles...some on the very first trip knowing that I have had every part and wire in my hands and IF it broke down, I could get it going again. I am no Orange County Choppers but I do have a passion for that kind of stuff, Vintage of course....
I love working on the boat, wiring, engines, electronics it just gets me to a different place I have yet to explain. I feel like part of a special family and have made some very nice acquaintances. I don't plan on missing anyone...after all I have 2 engines !!!!
On another note: Once that 1925 Henderson was started for the first time, I took it out for a ride with a friend of mine. He rode his 1946 Knucklehead and I was on the Henderson. The copper fuel line snapped and gas was pouring out onto the exhaust at 40 mph. Soon there was an orange glow behind me as the flames creeped up my leg. We pulled off the roads of Jackson, NJ and threw handfuls of sand onto the engine to put out the fire. This engine had exposed valves and springs, $400.00 worth of gold pinstriping, BEAUTIFUL blue lacquer paint, all re-plated nickel( no chrome until 1928) and decals that were custom made from photos...NOW IN A BLAZE OF FIRE.... To make it short. The paint on the fuel tank was a bit charred in black but that was the extent of the damage. That was 1995.WHEW! That March she made Daytona Bike Week and the magazine spread. |
JUST-IN-TIME
Senior Member
Username: justintime
Post Number: 4104
Registered: 09-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 07:32 pm: |
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good job!! |
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