Think I screwed up big

springer · 12-15-2002, 03:02 PM

I'm still trying to get the engine running and I've got fuel getting to it now but noticed two things. The first is the big one. The line that runs from the distributor to the warm up regulator was leaking a bit at the fitting on the distributor so I thought it needed to be tightened. In the process I overtightened it and stripped the threads in the distributor. Anybody got any ideas? Of all the things to strip this has got to be one of the worst.

The other problem is one of my fuel lines going from the hard plastic one that comes from the pump to the accumulator has a small hole in it. I was figuring I'd also go ahead and replace the other line that goes back to the gas tank and get them both taken care of. Apparently these aren't available anymore. Anyone have experience with having to replace these? Can I have someone make them.

springer · 12-16-2002, 11:57 AM

Anyone think a helicoil will work in this case or am I screwed?

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Can the fitting on the fuel distributor be taken out and replaced seperately? If the hole in the line to the accumulator is back far enough, can you cut the line and fit a short piece of hose with two clamps? A lot of people use too much torque when tightening, take it easy.

springer · 12-16-2002, 01:43 PM

Just read what I wrote earlier, not really what I meant...

Does anyone think that a helicoil on the distributor is possible?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

I don't know the answer, but great site you've got, and great progress on the resto

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

O.K. If you are thinking of taking the top of the FD off and going to a machine shop for a heli-coil type fix, go for it. You have nothing to lose. If the thread is badly stripped, some contaminants may have been fallen in there already. Great site, btw, best wishes. (There is always something, and it always could be worse)

MotoSook · 12-16-2002, 02:48 PM

A helicoil or timesert should work. Then get a brass washer for the final assembly and tighten down on it, not too tight.

When I was troubleshooting my 78 SC motor, I use an o-ring that came with my CIS test for awhile. Without much torque it seal during testing.

Also, as someone mentioned, make sure there are no bits in the distributor and line from your incident. It doesn't take much debris to cause you problems in there. Best to clean everything with carb cleaner while you got the top of the fuel dist. out. Disassemble everything and be careful of the plunger during removal. If you install the timesert yourself, you'll be in control, but if you farm it out, be very careful to give good instructions to the shop. Be careful not to lose the little o-ring between the fuel dist and the airbox during removal. Do a search on this BBS and you'll find hints on removal of fuel dist... I wrote one when the process was fresh in my head in reply to someone's thread. You might find it, if not send me an e-mail.

No experience on the line fron the accum. Sorry.

Good luck.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Bob,

What a job you're doing! I am truly awed by what you've accomplished with your car having just visited your website. Without a doubt, you're going to have the finest '78 anywhere in the world. I can certainly recognize and appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship in your efforts. My '74 is constantly undergoing some degree of restoration, but only in line with my abilities to fix or replace broken doodads, interior refurbishment, paint, regular maintenance, etc. I sure wish I had your talents to undergo such an ambitious project. I'll look forward to checking in regularly to view your progress. Sorry I couldn't offer anymore of a suggestion than anyone else has already, but I'm confident that your eventual solution will be a successful one.

Ryan

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Oh, btw...thanks for the page about blackening the letters on the rear reflector. Mine was likewise replaced with the clear style and I've thought about doing the very thing you detailed on yours. Now I CAN do that!

Ryan

Sean Hamilton · Sean Hamilton's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by springer
...........The line that runs from the distributor to the warm up regulator was leaking a bit at the fitting on the distributor.......

Gees, you could eat ya dinner off it! - The garage floor I meant!

Nice resto too Bob....... realy nice!!

Those WUR hoses are NLA I'm told. (here at least) Mine was leaking at the union fitting too. I had to replace it with a second hand part complete after having to scrounge around for a week to source it.

springer · 12-16-2002, 05:25 PM

Thanks for the compliments.

I've been told that there is the posibility of taking the fuel lines to a hydralic shop and have them put new hose in using the old fittings on the ends. I think I'll try this first and then look for a used one as a backup.

I guess I'll take the fuel distributor off and take it in to have a helicoil put in. I'm concerned about doing this but don't see any other option aside from buying another one. I suppose it's at least worth giving it a shot.

I want to get the thing running, then work on the rest of the electrical and then finally the interior. Hope to have it on the road this spring.