My new stock stroke 400 build

[qkcuda]

Got the exhaust system installed today. I also made quite a bit of progress on the top side. Basically I just have to replace the rear u-joint, fill the transmission with fluid, and finish hooking up the wiring. The end is in sight.

 

[qkcuda]

Based upon my experience with the Holley on the 361, I decided to rejet the carb before I put it back on. I dropped the primaries from 68 to 66 and upped the power valve from a 6.5 to an 8.5. Hopefully the 400 likes it.

 

[qkcuda]

Zero steps forward and two steps back today. I went out to the garage this morning and found this. It appears that the leak is coming from the bottom tank of the rad. It is not much so I think I am going to try some stop leak to get me through next weekend. I also tried to install the rear u-joint today and f...ed it up. I have a spare so I am going to take it to the machine shop tomorrow. Hopefully a step or two forward once I get that back.

 

[Don Frelier]

If it leaks cold without pressure, it's certainly going to leak more when hot under pressure.

You might want to consider an auto city classic from eBay. I have one in my Plymouth and it looks and fits nicely. Seems to work well.

 

[qkcuda]

There might be hope Don, at least temporarily. I put a bucket under it last night and there were only a few drips. I checked the tank level and it was down only about 1/4 inch since I filled it. I will try the irontite and see if it gets me through the weekend. The rad looks good otherwise, so I may see if I can get it repaired.

 

[qkcuda]

I got the driveshaft back in last night. I'm not sure if I found my radiator problem. When searching for the leak I noticed that a portion of the rad shroud was shifted and contacting the core. I will pull the shroud back tonight and see if I can spot any damage. Things are extremely tight with the power steering and A/C.

 

[qkcuda]

If I do find that I have nicked a tube installing the shroud, can anyone recommend a temporary repair to get me through the weekend? I was looking at some JB Weld high temp epoxy that seems like it might work.

 

[Dave6T4]

Are you any good at soldering, Dave? Sand the affected tube down to brass, and then try solder. That's what rad shops used to do.

 

[qkcuda]

Trying to do a temporary fix for the weekend Dave, so hoping not to pull the rad. I am not even sure that the plastic shroud could have damaged the core?

 

[qkcuda]

I believe I found the problem with the rad, obviously user error when I was wrestling the fan into place. I am going to find something tomorrow to patch it temporarily and add some leak stop. After this weekend show I will pull it out and have it repaired or recored.

 

[Don Frelier]

Oh fuuudge

 

[Don Frelier]

A piece of cardboard works well there.

 

[qkcuda]

I made the repair to the rad, fingers crossed. I also finished adjusting the kickdown linkage. Mine was originally a two barrel linkage so it was a little short. I made an extender similar to what Edelbrock sells, and everything seems to work well. I also added a second throttle return spring inside the main spring for safety.

 

[HawkRod]

I'm sure you'll have it purring like a kitten!

I hope the JB weld repair holds...