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.

327 - Gentlemen, Start Your Engine - Strike 2

Dennis K., Max H. and Ty came over today to help with the second attempt to start our 327.  We started the day very optimistic but we were soon disappointed.  We believe we still have a fuel problem.

We looked at everything that had anything to do with fuel.  In this short video Max is simulating manifold vacuum to push gas through the injectors, Ty is running the starter and coil wire, I am running a drill motor to turn the high pressure fuel pump, and Dennis is spraying starting fluid and running the throttle.  It was pretty comical and we did laugh about it, but the engine did run for a few seconds.  We all agreed it was lack of fuel. 

We examined the fuel line from the primary fuel pump up to the fuel injection unit and it was dry.  Max and Dennis removed the fuel lines and the primary fuel pump for further inspection.  The pump was bench tested and it worked fine.  Something else was wrong.

The culprit was a bent fuel pump push rod.  You can see the bend when it's put against a straight edge.   The push rod was wedged in the block which means it wasn't functioning.  Fortunately Dennis had a spare one and now the pump works perfect.  We tried a couple more attempts to start the motor  but now we have too much fuel.  We decided to give the battery and the starter a rest and try it again in a few days. 

Ty and I spent the rest of the day installing the drive shaft and shift linkage.  When we were finished we looked for something else to do and there was nothing.  The rolling chassis is done!  We couldn't believe it.

The next post will be an update on the fuel injection unit.  I was able to find a new spill plunger and it should arrive in a few days.  I'll replace the one we repaired last week and take another look at all the vacuum connections and diaphragms.  Ty took several of my fuel injection books home with him so hopefully we can noodle our way to a running motor.  Stay tuned for more.  Thanks for watching.