“It smells like gas…”
…yeah, that’s what it is, the sweet, sweet smell of gasoline! And why is that? Because yesterday I finally accomplished what I intended to do, remove and replace the intake manifold and carburetor. And yes honey, there is a STRONG smell of gasoline fumes. Sorry about that, nothing a bit of fresh air cannot clean.
The more time I put into the Cougar the more things I think need replacing. I continue to tell myself, “Self, this is not a concourse car. This is going to be a drive on the weekend/project car, you do not have to go balls out on it.” Now I recall why I gave up drafting, because I am a perfectionist. Every line, shape and texture had to be perfect. The Cougar I fear is turning out the same way.
This “rebuild” all started with the detection of a leak from the water pump was the conclusion drawn by myself and those enthusiasts on Mercury Cougar Forums. So I picked up a new pump, painted it and then started to say, “what if I…” Well, that statement has led to more of the engine being dismantled. Which is not necessarily a bad thing because the last complete rebuild was 1988 by the previous owner.
This gives me a chance to clean inches of grime and gunk, wipe down all the parts. The previous owner did say, “there were some oil leaks I neglected to take care of, I suspect much of the crud belched out from under the valve covers, I constantly forgot to tighten shit up.” Yeah, and now, 17 years later it shows. No worries, this was work that needed to be done, the nasty, tedious part of the job. Working my way back from the water pump, I now have the manifold and valve covers off. I also unbolted the alternator, since it was in need of “freshening up” and the wires are very brittle and corroded.
I hesitate removing the distributor, as if you don’t mark it correctly, you could find yourself having one hell of a time replacing it. But after the manifold is in, I might consider it. Yet another remove and replace part. That really is all I am doing, no toying with the internal components, with the exception of the timing chain, I will remove the fuel pump and move it around with a screwdriver and see if it loose.
I need to order an engine bolt kit from AMK Products Inc. since most of my bolts, washers and fasteners are rusted out or stripped. My target date continues to be April 22, the date of the first 2006 Spring Cougar Run for the Stray Cats. Not sure I will have enough time to finish the work, but progress is being made.?
