Lots of work over the past two months on the Engine- a Dodge 400 ci V8.
The van was put to bed for winter in November and during a periodic Start/Run to warm up the engine a leak developed in the Cooling System that I believed was from the Heater Core. I started work and after draining the coolant decided to quickly change the thermostat out for a new one. This involves pulling two bolts out of the waterpump housing and sadly, the rear bolt seized- would not budge. I drenched it in PB Blaster over several days, but to no avail. Pic of Area
I tried drilling it out or tapping it- didn't work
Finally I called a Mobile Mechanics Service- Angel's Mobile Mechanics to get the bolt out. They came out and on their attempt the housing broke on the back end of the bolt hole.
Here is a pic of the housing after removal that shows this-
I purchased a replacement housing which was Used and cleaned it up.
Here is the Engine block with all the stuff off.
I also purchased a new waterpump, heater core and radiator hoses.
This took some time as parts had to be found for a 1977 engine on the internet and shipped to me. Even gaskets were hard to find for the pump housing, but eventually I had everything and Angel came back out to remove the Heater Core housing and the Heater Fan to get at the Core. Here is the whole unit in place.
An old vehicle has many graces, but some sad realities, one being that plastic/fiberglass parts get brittle. In taking the Heater Core Box off a large section broke off. Angel and his assistant were able to use a fiberglass repair kit and re-fabricated the Box for me so that it is stronger than ever! Picture showing the box repairs:
When the old Heater Core was removed you could see where it had failed and leaked into the Box. After it was removed and the Box was repaired things went quickly and all was put into place.
The engine was difficult to start and we needed to put a jump box on it, but when it was running there were no leaks! Yea!!! After a short run the engine ran easily and smoothly and the heater began putting out very hot air from the Defroster vents. Victory and after spending $ 300 on parts and $ 450 on Labor I now have a Cooling and Heating System that is new except for the radiator.
Now to re-insure for the season and get out on the road!
Thank you for following my restoration of this fine old Class B!
