Thermostat Change Out Project & It's Growing

[Curt Sprenger]

What fun I'm having! Kevin McKeown stopped by this afternoon. Kevin
described my current project with some other words. I'll let Kevin respond.

The thermostat change out project has grown...I'm replacing the fuel
hoses and coolant hoses in the area of the thermostat change out (mainly
the cross-over tube area), and more. The radiator is out and at the
radiator shop, the coolant and the high lead content solder have made a
mess on top of and below the radiator core tubes. I do believe the core
can be salvaged. There is no seepage at the core/tanks. I have pictures
of the core tubes if interested. I've purchased all new hoses and hose
clamps, etc., etc. I'm building the new hoses using the existing
fittings, cost savings and I have time. I'm starting to feel
broke....goes along with owning a 'Bird, any RV for that matter, and
I've had the feeling for well over 30 years owning RVs, but you got to
enjoy life, work to live, not live to work...

FYI thing 1...removed the fuel pump, 91,000 miles, it looks like new and
no wear. Reinstalled the fuel pump.

FYI thing 2...my mechanic buddy, he's worked on and supervised the work
on these engines for 30 years working for the local transit district.
His experience says the fuel pump should be tested for fuel pressure at
150,000 miles, 20 pressure at idle and 50 to 60 at 2,150 rpms. Also if
anyone sees seepage at the fuel pump and it's fuel, not oil, you can
expect an engine no start because of no fuel pressure. Some members on
this form have experienced that condition.

FYI thing 3...he also tells me that we should not use basic car and
small truck thinking for these engines. They were made to last a lot
longer, at least 400,000 miles. However, the engine needs to be run, not
sitting still for long periods, and it needs to be maintained regularly.

Enough for now.

Enjoy your holiday weekend.

--
Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, Calif.