Hey everyone.... I wanted to update all of you on the rebuild for the Skylark. After finally getting all of the individual parts squeaky clean, and painted, I have begun re-assembling the engine. The crankshaft is installed, the pistons are finally in, and now it is time to install the cam and heads...So far so good on everything as this was a repair, not a complete rebuild. The engine was rebuilt 6 years ago, but never ran well. I knew it was low compression in cylinder 3 and cylinder 5, and after changing the head gasket and checking the head, the reading were exactly the same. So I took her apart.. In these 2 cylinders, the compression rings were stuck in their grooves due to carbon buildup and could expand fully. Why? Because after breaking in the engine and taking her out for a few miles back in 2004, I injured the transmission during a burnout ad run... Funds were limited at that time due to an accident my wife was in ( she's OK now) and I let the car sit for some time...which seems to be so bad for cars. A new Hastings ring set is installed now...They fit great, BTW...I'll bolt her back up as everything else is A-OK, and we'll see what happens this spring. I would like to suggest something to you all.....If and when you tear down your engine to rebuild it...purchase the BEST ring compressor and expander you can afford....My ring compressor left me stating a few choice words, but in the end the job got done. It just took a bit too long for my patience!:rant: I'll post some photos soon! Russell 1970 Skylark Convertible 1973 455 (.030) :3gears:
