Re: IT RUNS!! WOOHOO!!!

[FMags2@domain.elided]

In a message dated 5/2/99 8:39:59 PM Central Daylight Time, 
trstag@domain.elided writes:

<< I'm still planning on changing the timing chains and 
 >spockets and cleaning out the oil pump pickup strainer as recommended by 
the 
 >Practical Classics book.
 If the chains rattle or the tensioner is out too far then change the chains,
 I wouldn't bother with the strainer unless the pan is down for something
 else.  I've never seen a clogged one.
 
 >I do have a few questions:
 >1.  Oil pressure was right at 40 psi at idle (40 wt; 65 deg F).  Does this 
 >sound about right?
 Sounds fine
 >2.  If the oil pressure is where it should be, is there any point in 
pulling 
 >the oil pump and measuring the clearances?
 Not unless the oil pump o rings are leaking,  If so replace with Viton
 orings. 20-50 oil would be better too unless you drive in Saudia .
 
 >3.  Voltage is at 12-12.25v up to 2000 RPM; didn't run it any higher.  Does 
 >this sound about right?
 If the meter is correct that would be low...but the voltmeter is notoriously
 unreliable.  Check it with a multi-meter. You are looking
 for a figure over  13.6 volts (say 13.6-14.1)  The battery is actually a
 13.6 volt batery not a 12 volt (2.2 X 6)
 
 >4.  Prior to starting, the fuel pump ran rapidly until the system came up 
to 
 >pressure, and then slowed to about 1-2 pulses/sec.  Is this right or do I 
 >have leak somewhere?  I didn't see any gas pouring out and I just replaced 
 >both float needles.  On my Healey 3000, the electric pump pulses about once 
 >every 5-10 seconds after it is up to pressure.
 The Healey is right, the Stag Wrong.  The initial fast pulses are just the
 carbs filling.  I would guess a leak on the vacuum side
 (Fiber washers) as a first place to check.  After the car has pumped up,the
 pump should not click when the engine is not running.
 I suggest as another "Fire-up" duty that you remove the pickup from the
 gastank and clean it as they tend to gunk up with rust etc.
 
 Walter
 Stag Specialist
 520 792 0294
  >>

Thanks, Walter.  I can pull the timing chains off the sprockets about a half 
a tooth high; sounds excessive to me.  I'm running some straight 40W right 
now - just trying to get rid of some cheap oil; not planning on leaving it in 
there for more than about an hours worth of running while the car is up on 
jackstands.  Planning on some Castrol 20W-50 once it's on the road.
Two more questions:
1.  The workshop manual calls for Champion 12Y or 14Y plugs; the car had 9Y 
plugs in it.  Is this a hotter or colder plug?  Are 9Ys O.K.?  Seems to run 
well.
2.  With my other older cars, I run a lead additive in the gas.  Should I do 
so in the Stag?  I know the benefits of this are widely debated, but I figure 
it's cheap insurance.  Do I need it, though, with an engine with an aluminum 
head?

Thanks,
Frank M