327 - The Engine Started - We are Safe at First Base!

Since the last posting Ty and I have re-looked at everything associated with the fuel.  We identified 3 items that we felt needed to be corrected.  The first item was the spill plunger.  As you recall we had to make a valve for the spill plunger that came with our 327.  That valve is shown in the spill plunger on the left.  Since then I was able to find an original NOS spill plunger, the one on the right.  Our valve does have a little more mass than the original so we decided to swap them out.  

The second item was the "filter support" as shown in the picture below.  This item was never installed in our unit.  The filter support keeps the spill plunger up tight inside the fuel bowl and it's a critical part.  Without it the spill plunger drops down and away from all the valving mechanism which means the fuel just recirculates. There are several different variations of this support and they range from rings to springs.  We decided to use the o-ring as shown.  It was a perfect fit.

 The third item we examined was the Cranking Signal Valve.  It's circled on the lower left of this picture.  This is a small check valve that has a long history of not working well and it's essential for starting the motor when cold.  If this valve fails closed the engine won't start.  Period.  I removed the valve and found the diaphragm couldn't hold a vacuum.

I tore it down and found the 5 components as shown.  I cleaned them up and reinstalled them using silicone along the edges.  It works better but needs to be replaced. 

Having tried to start the engine previously with little success I wasn't optimistic about it starting today.  In fact, I forgot to ask Gerri to film the event.  We cranked it over and it started.  Woo hoo!  We let it run for only 20 seconds or so, but it ran!  Gerri came running out with the camera and got the last few seconds and this short video captures our jubilation.  The motor needs to be tuned but that won't happen until after the radiator support is installed, the radiator is refurbished, correct hoses are purchased, etc. etc.



Our focus is now leaning more toward the body.  We modified the body dolly today to make access to the underside easier.  This winter we will remove the old undercoating, make fiberglass repairs and install bonding agent where needed.  We will work on the wheel wells first followed by the transmission tunnel, engine compartment, interior, then the exterior last.  That's plenty of work to get us through the winter.

Thanks for watching.