- more pictures
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the new, hardened valve seats are clearly visible here
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exhaust valve before and
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… after. The car won’t be a race car but a travelling car, therefore a friend dissuaded me to polish the ports.
Gentlemen,
- may I present you the world’s probably youngest Mopar mechanic?
- My son Francisco decided to help me with the 361. In fact he already shot a lot of pictures you have already seen before,
- … but this time he is responsible for the proper fit of the head gaskets.
- The heavy stuff is for daddy then.
- “Fresh” overhauled cylinder head meets block
- and Francisco closes the gab.
- … some anti size for the new head bolt set
- the little fellow does it all alone,
- except the torque wrench of course.
(These pictures are not posed, I promise you)
Wow, Stefan, you sure are bringing Francisco up right! Soon we’ll have another mechanic prodigy on our site – another Matthew! 
Dan
Sure Dan, let’s hope so!
Here is something else I’d like to know:
Who is really watching this topic?
I know you are here Dan, and Ron and most likely Matthew, also Curt, Big M John, Tom and maybe Merle too….. who else?
Leave a note and let me know!
Stefan
Well, I know Ed Ober is, Stefan (hi, Ed! 
) – I spoke with him just the other night, and he’s been following closely.
Dan
I watch it, but I never get any pictures.
Dick
Hmmm… That’s odd, Dick. That’s typically what happens when you can’t log in – but, you can’t post if you can’t log in, either. Not sure what’s up with that.
BTW, Stefan, your post has been viewed 2996 times (as of this post) – I’d say you’re getting some heavy traffic…
Dan
Some thing very strange going on, now all the pictures are there ??? Stephan the oil pump on my 261 is leaking, where can I get a gasket kit for the oil pump only. Anybody.
Dick.
361
I bought the O-rings in a local hardware store. And then I bought a leaf of gasket paper and cut the gasket where the pump is bolted to the housing – very simple!
Gee Dan, I forgot to mention Ed. Ed sorry about that!!! I knew you were locking but it passed my mind! And also Roger sent me a private mail… Great!!!
Well guys, let’s go on with the pictures:
Now is the time for all that little work to reassemble the block
- a set of lifters – new of course
- all together – well lubricated for breaking in
- and a set of brand new push rods
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I also use the cam shaft lube for the push rods
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and valves – This should withstand the first minutes after the start up
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an a new Double Roller Timing Chain – Thanks Merle for the advice!
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Just for now I have to install the old rocker arms again. The new ones haven’t arrived yet.
Of course I’ll change it before firing up the first time. -
In fact - nothing shows the progress better than these before …
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… and after pictures.
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Rear main seal with – before
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… and now with the new seals. These little edged side seals come from a later Pontiac model because the seals of the later BB won’t fit the early Blocks.
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I really hope the seal holds. I hate it when oil drops out.
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The new Valley Pan and the Timing Cover are held in place with only two bolts. The Oil Pump is already installed to stay.
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Well, seems the block is finally ready to receive the new paint – Here the first color match - “Kawasaki Racing Green” Not original but extremely aggressive!
I have been too, excellent work!
Bob