72 304 Rebuilding Questions.

The usual steps are 0, 30 and 60. Sometimes 10, 20 or 40 but less often. First rebuild 30, second 60. This is usual for a conventional gray iron block like the 304. What diameter are the bores now? The shop told you it needed to go to 40?

 

How much do you owe the shop? I'm thinking you're better off with a Jasper reman complete. Or wherever your local Napa gets engines. I would certainly check it out.

 

Tim, Not sure exactly what I owe around 1000 but that is the heads as well. I did look at a long block but most of them I see are in the 2200 to 2500 range and by the time you get the shipping and the return of the core it was around 3000 or so. Jasper around here has a bad rep as well wouldn't feel comfortable with them. Another thing that is I have had this one for 21 yrs and I know the history another 6 as well know how it was taken care of and how it has been driven.

 

Well I have all of the engine that was at the machine shop. Waiting on piston rings now. Tomorrow or Thursday. I have to sent the rebuild kit back they did send replacement pistons the correct size after I had the machine shop order the correct ones and a new cam. Fun then begins putting the jigsaw puzzle back together. I hope to have things all back into the jeep by the end of next week if things go ok.

 

The fun part is beginning. The crank, pistons an the cam are back into the block. Working on the timing cover now. Oil pump rebuild under way. I have the bottom plate (oil filter cover) cleaned up now need to get the clearance for the timing cover surface set.

 

Nice and clean!

 

I have a question that I'm sure someone out there know the answers to. Was the intake manifold painted the same color as the motor was?

 

Yes.

 

Thanks Tim

 

I upgraded my alternator and have been extremely pleased. Due to having a big stereo system my alternator was not up to the task:

Powermaster 8002 100 / 70 Amp Alternator in Natural Finish for 75-80 Jeep CJ-5, CJ-6 & CJ-7

 

Continuing the process. Got to here last night

 

Looking good. Keep up the good work.

 

Well the saga continues. Motor is in only priming the oil pump, cooling system and reconnect the wiring. But just an FYI ARP head bolts interfere with attaching the exhaust. They are about 1/8 to 1/4" higher than the stock bolts. If i had the stock manifolds there is no way that they would fit without serious mod of the manifolds or the bolts themselves. I have headers but even those would not fit without grinding relief into the flange. I did get them to fit but it was about 2hrs time for a job that would have been 10 min. Should be ready to start it tonight or tomorrow

 

Another night and more fun. Last night I finished getting things mounted made sure I had everything I could think of buttoned up and nothing in the way. I was going to first turn the engine over just to make sure everything moved ok and nothing sounded bad. Took the plugs out so things would move easier went and turned the key and.... Nothing. Did more checking didn't see anything obvious thought maybe the battery was dead as I haven't had it running since early May checked with my meter 13v well that isn't the issue. Thought maybe I had a problem with the wire from the key switch took a jumper from battery side of the solenoid to the "S" terminal still nothing, then jumped the solenoid still nothing. Removed starter used jumper cables with it out dead as a door nail just sparks when I touch the ground to the housing. Well just had to shake my head and laugh. This whole saga rebuilding the engine all started because the original starter had trashed the ring gear and itself. So back to the FLAPs for a replacement. just gotta love our Jeeps

 

What color did you use and where did you find it? I've been using Ford Blue on some bits and pieces but there's basically no factory paint left on my engine except a little bit on the valve covers.

 

I found it on line I'll have to get the info when I get home from work. It is like $12 a can

 

I ordered it on Amazon. Here is the description
Compatible with AMC AMX Javelin Rebel Gremlin High Temp Engine Blue Metallic Spray Paint 1 Can (C-1-6) Company selling was inline tube

 

Picked up a replacement starter on the way to the office this morning. Going to test it before I bolt it in. lol

 

Linkage

https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Javelin-Gremlin-Engine-Metallic/dp/B07L2Z6VZ8