Rolling Thunder's Charger Restoration Thread *PICS* *UPDATE!*

[autodynamics]

Alex, wtf it's years now just think you still need to shake it down a while after you put it together, he'll after almost 6 seasons I'm still tweaking!!!

[Rolling_Thunder]

Life gets in the way bro -   Believe me - I know how long it's been.   I wish it would just build itself but it is what it is. If I could simply drive it in the next month I'll be excited. Not holding my breath though. 

[Rolling_Thunder]

Well this thread has been drug up from the bowels of the forum...   

Short update - seats are in, mounted, and my finances have allowed for me to finish this damn project for the time being.   

Situation - Time limit.  I am going into the USAF in a few months - gotta get this project wrapped up before then.

PCM has been programmed, tuned, etc. Engine fires and runs.

Well - after running the engine up to temp I realized I have a few issues...

1) valvetrain noise... originally I thought it was typical "Hemi tick" but...

2) Burning oil... light blue smoke at idle and lots at high RPM


Solutions - I pulled the driver's side valve cover today and found a bent exhaust pushrod... I believe this stemmed from the original owner of the engine. I ordered a complete exhaust pushrod set and going to go from there.

The smoke is bugging me so I am thinking what could be causing the hemi to burn oil... thinking it may be intake manifold gaskets or a high vac rate and just pulling alot of oil vapor through the PCV. Ordering a catch can to see if that gets rid of most of the oil consumption. My engine is a 2007 model and apparently they burn quite a bit of oil... I figure it can't hurt.

So - to be continued.

[redmist]

Ugh man...

What about valve guides?

[Rolling_Thunder]

Ugh man...

What about valve guides?

hope not...   don't have the time to continually deal with this engine...    if it gives me any more problems i'm going to pull it and slap a 318 in its place.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Well - that's it...    went to re-install the rocker shafts and one of the hold down bolts snapped as I torqued it...   

I swear to god if I wanted something this expensive, high maintenance, and aggravating I would be married by now.

[JB400]

It'll be alright.  It happens   Did you snap it off flush or can you still get on it?

[Rolling_Thunder]

It'll be alright.  It happens   Did you snap it off flush or can you still get on it?

After about 10 minutes of constant cussing at it -  i got it out...     

[JB400]

Good to hear.  Now, don't replace just that one, replace them all.   I done the same thing while torqueing down rocker arms on a 2.6L Mitsubishi.

[Finn]

Did the same on valve cover bolts recently. Sh!t happens.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

That's a bummer. 

Hopefully the catch can will help with the burning oil. Good luck and get that sucker on the road.   

[1970Moparmann]

One thing is constant with this cars, they always need something done.   You made it this far, just take your time and finish it correctly.  It can wait.  Nothing will put a bigger smile on your face then having it finished and driving it.

[Rolling_Thunder]

One thing is constant with this cars, they always need something done.   You made it this far, just take your time and finish it correctly.  It can wait.  Nothing will put a bigger smile on your face then having it finished and driving it.

I told myself that about 6 years ago...       still working on it -  now i'm just pissed enough to finish the project.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Well - good news...    I finally found a radiator car that fits my oddball (normal) neck.

Also - replaced the bent pushrod that I found and still had a ticking...     I went with a wooden dowel to try and locate the noise further and accidentally hit an injector with it...   and the noise immediately stopped....      I'll take it as the sound has not returned yet.     

I installed my oil catch can from Billet Technologies and there is absolutely less oil in the exhaust - This could be from letting the engine heat up further and allowing it to burn some assembly lube and oil out or something but there is practically zero smoke at idle and almost none at 6000rpm.

SOOOOO  -   in short I am going to mock up an air filter, mount the passenger seat, get it aligned, and start driving this pig.

[redmist]

Woohoo!!!

Gunna need pics as always.

[Charger-Bodie]

Sweet!  Gotta be stoked and relieved both?

[Rolling_Thunder]

Sweet!  Gotta be stoked and relieved both?

RGR THT  - - -     Very much relieved...     last thing I wanted to do was pull the top end off this engine yet again.

Engine runs well and idles now - I have driven the beast around the back yard a couple laps and it's doing well.  As soon as I get the little odds and ends resolved i'll begin to hammer on it and see what it'll take.

[JB400]