"Rustless Money Pit" Engine start up, (Finally)

[Gary LaBombard]

Hello Guys,
Well I finally am submitting the results of a successful test run of my 1973 05 Eagle 8V71 engine.  It is on a test stand with everything hooked up, radiator etc. for a test as if it were in my bus.  I am so relieved and happy to report that after the burn off of all the (Marvel Mystery Oil) I flooded my cylinders with a year ago was done that this engine does not appear to smoke at all.  We had a little difficulty at first priming the entire engine and also had to purchase 3 new 31 batteries to have the energy to crank it for some time to get the systems all up and running.

I now need to complete modifying my engine compartment, (the access from the back bed room).  I need to study how to make this a safe area and be sure no carbon dioxide is able to seep into the bus when running.  If anyone has photos of their installation of this area and the sealing of it and materials used, (lead sheet etc.) please post here or send to me via email to consider.  I would sure appreciate it ahead of time.

I hope this video confirms somewhat I do own a bus after all these years but now I can look forward to re-installation of the engine in her bay and being able to move the bus off the Wooden Blocks she has sat on for 13 years now.

I had help to do final injector installation and a running the rack etc. from an ole GM 8V71 mechanic, Mike Cezmat from Greer, SC whom had the greatest time helping me as he is sure a bus nut at heart.  I had a school buddy I have known for over 50 years also here visiting us that helped on March 24, 2015 and support this occasion for us that we have been looking for many, many months now.

Here is the Youtube link to the video of the Initial 8V71 start up I hope you enjoy.  There is a few funny moments you may enjoy as well, (3 Stooges) but thanks again for viewing if you do.
http://youtu.be/bcNctTQYziA
Gary

[pabusnut]

Gary,

Glad to hear the test run was successful.  Also glad to hear that there is at least one other busnut out there who is moving at about the same pace that I am on my bus conversion.  My daughter asked me the other week how long I have been working on the bus, and I said -- you were one month old when I went to pick it up!!  SHE IS NOW 13-1/2!!

Keep plugging along!

[krcevs]

That sure sounds nice Gary. Great job! send us some pictures when you get it installed.

Ken

[bevans6]

Sure is neat the way they fire on one, then a couple and then just light off.  Sounded great, I couldn't identify the kind of whiny sound on top of the engine note, but I figured it was just from the recording.  When I started mine the first time I didn't have the exhaust piping on, just the manifolds, and it was very loud!

Brian

[Gary LaBombard]

I think the whiny sound was from the (Air Horn on the engine) being open and not connected to the air filter system and you are hearing the blower which was newly rebuilt also rotate.  At least I hope this is it, but it was not as noticeable in person when running the engine.

I purposely assembled the exhaust mufflers to minimize noise to listen for anything wrong at start up.  It was worth the time to assemble to me, we were able to talk, (loudly) when needed as the engine ran this way too. 

[uncle ned]

Gary   I guess I am now the second proudest bus nut.  I know it was great to hear if fire off.
and we are just as happy as you and for you.

look forward to see you at Palmetto cove in a few weeks.

uncle ned

[niles500]

Gary - you are the very definition of perseverance - congrats and future good luck 

[boxcarOkie]

My daughter asked me the other week how long I have been working on the bus, and I said -- you were one month old when I went to pick it up!!  SHE IS NOW 13-1/2!!

Mine was about nine years ... would not do it again.  If I ever get another, it will be wash, wax and drive.

BCO

[Dreamscape]

So glad it went well for you! She sure sounded great! I remember the first test fire up on ours, I about wet my pants!

[Paso One]

Awesome Gary  So glad for you,

[TomC]

Hopefully with all the work you put into the engine, it will last many years without problems.

The whiney noise is the open air intake and the blower noise. Very distinct sound. Good Luck, TomC

[oltrunt]

Congrats!  As with all things bus, way too much fun!  At my accelerated age though, only one thing bothers me---13 1/2 years?  I'd better get crack'n if I expect to get my bus done before I'm in my eighties!  Jack

[luvrbus]

Gary, I enjoyed the video but to me that seems like a lot work to check out a Reliablit engine with 50,000 mile on it that Ed drove everyday it looks good and sounds good now install it and use your bus  

[Gary LaBombard]

Hello Everyone,
Thanks for the comments, I am quite thrilled to have achieved this much so far. Cliff, I built the test stand to also move the engine out and in the bus to work on as the engine compt.  needed upgrading etc.  I also had to remove and reinstall a new clutch plate and other stuff.  The blower was atrocious, it had heavy black grease on the blades the entire length and it was difficult to remove as well as finding out that the blower bearings were installed wrong.  So (While I was at it) I installed as many new bolts as possible.  The bolts on the flywheel that take the copper sealing washer, (was a mixture of bolts and lengths, one copper washer missing was sealed with RTV??  This convinced me that taking the time on the engine to find things and repair or replace them was well worth it.  And the engine is pretty right now in color too.  I always make more work of a project it seems.

Tomc, thanks for the reassurance that the whiney noise we all heard in the video was from the opening of the blower, that is what I thought but again, what in heck do I know.  I am learning though.

I will be 70 years old in a matter of weeks, I just gotta get done and enjoy this thing before my replacement gets to do it!! kidding now
Gary

[luvrbus]

I am not criticizing you Gary I helped you find the parts but man you do a lot of extra work I wouldn't do, if it gives you satisfaction that's all that is important JMO