The Beast Lives Again

["John Stricker" <jstricke@domain.elided>]

Just thought I'd send a note about my 392 conversion.

It started right up Friday with no major difficulties or bad words.  The 345
had a 4V Thermoquad on it and that's what went on the 392.  I haven't had
any problems with the TQ in the past, even in the racing days, as long as
you were always EXTREMELY careful to evenly tighten the screws that hold the
three main pieces together.  I had tuned this one a couple of years ago
since I had an old TQ strip kit from Carter in the shop and it seems to run
pretty well just as is, although it does seem a little rich, but not too
bad.  I suspect that when we changed all the vacuum hoses, gaskets, and
blocked off the EGR it made the mixture a bit richer than it needs.

We did have some accessory problems.  My starter was very oil soaked and
needed a good cleaning, so rather than do that right now, I got a rebuilt.
Wrong drive on it as it stayed engaged all the time.  Took it off, put on a
different one and it had a really bad growl and sound on disengagement.
Changed it for the third time and now it seems OK.

I also had a spare Nippon Denso alternator so I decided to put it in.  I
took it to my electric rebuild guy since I didn't have the right bearings
and told him to rebrush it and put in new bearings (since they are in such a
handy location if you have a/c).  Should be a no brainer since it was
working fine when I took it in.  Well, no charge.  Had to put a Delco on
while he figures out how he messed it up.

There were some questions about EGR vs non-EGR manifold head combos.  I
can't vouch for all applications, but I can say that the EGR manifold is
fine on the non-EGR heads.  To block my EGR, I just removed the valve and
machined a plate to match the gasket from 5/16" plate, used exhaust sealer
and a new gasket and bolted it down.  This way if I ever need to activate it
again, all I have to do is replace the valve and thermoswitch and I'm good
to go.

The Scout seems to run great.  I used the 345 heads and the pistons have
about a 1/3 area dish for what appears to be valve clearance.  I have the
timing set at 10 deg BTDC and haven't had a hint of detonation.  I may bump
it to 12.  (This is on 87 octane unleaded, BTW).  I didn't cc the heads or
the piston dish to figure the compression ratio, but just eyeballing it I'd
guess maybe 9:1 (??)  My heads had the hardened seats in them, but needed 4
new valves (exhaust).  I used the stock (new) springs with Perfect Circle
valve stem seals.  I've had good luck with these seals on the trucks.

My flex-plate and spacer (extension) from the 345 worked perfectly on the
392.  Next time I'll remember to mark the converter and plate though, so I
don't have to keep guessing when I'm under the vehicle on the hole
alignment.  You'd think I'd learn to remember to do this some day.

None of my 345's or 392's have ever had the little tin tabs on them to hold
the valve cover gaskets in place but that doesn't mean that some of them
didn't have them.  It would be nice.  Next time I think I'll get some studs
and nuts to use instead of the bolts.  That, and some adhesive will keep the
gaskets in place better than bolts.  Normally this isn't a big deal on the
pickups and trucks where you have some room to work (especially with a tilt
hood (-:  ) but it's a major PIA in the Scout.

I never reuse coolant.  Period.  I know I probably could and many do without
harm.  I just don't.  I replace it with a high quality antifreeze and
distilled water.  I then add an additive that helps to control electrolysis
and corrosion.  I use Case/IH DCA, 2 units per gallon.  I change and flush
my coolant every 3 years in everything I own.  I have never had a radiator
develop corrosion or blockage doing this and some of them are over 10 years
since the last repair.

So far I've only got about 100 miles on it but it starts and runs well.
I'll check the mileage over the next week or so and see if it helped or hurt
to go with the 392.  My gut feeling is that it will make better mileage now,
and lot's less oil burned.

John Stricker


jstricke@domain.elided

"I didn't spend all these years getting to the top of the food chain
just to become a vegetarian"