500 mile service...

My engine builder and I will be performing the first service on my new engine.

I havn't talked in depth with him to find out exactly what we will be doing. I assume oil change and valve adjustment. What else should I be sure to check out.

What should be on the checklist?

Jerome

Jerome, There isn't much to the service because the engines are soooo simple. Oil, valves, look for loose stuff 'cuz you're still fresh out of the box, but the first few checks on my new engine build was pretty anti-climatic!
Done.
MM

Jerome:

In addition to changing the old oil in the engine, also be sure your builder does a complete clean out of the old air. There is nothing worse for an air-cooled engine than to have old air in the system - it's just like old anti-freeze for a water cooled engine.

Any other advice I can give?

Okay, I'll be quiet...

RJC
(Message Edited 9/17/2003 3:38:59 PM)

I do hate it when my speedster leaks air on the garage floor.

You know, Bob and Kurt, you joke about old air, but this is serious stuff. Old air creates bad karma, and this is especially true if you drive a Ghia.
Okay, Bobby, I'll help you out AGAIN. 'Karma'-Ghia...air cooled...bad air....come on Bob...work with me here.

Ron

Seriously Jerome, check your nuts (not those, the ones on your car!). After 200 miles I found that the bolts for my carb manifolds were not tight and two of my exhaust header bolts needed a fair amount of tightening.
Ron

timing, intake manifold nuts [vac. leak], evidence of oil leakage
[rear main seal, p. rod tubes, cooler]. otherwise very simple,
thats part of the fun.

Put the car on my engine builders lift last night. Everything looked great. The valves were just right, oil looked good, no evidence of overheating, etc. We found a spring off one of the rear brakes and a loose bolt in the steering linkage, what a difference!!! The drive home was like driving a different car, the steering used to have slop and the brakes were squishy. Now it turns and stops like it should.

What a blast!

Jerome

As stated above but add checking the exhaust system nuts, the two engine case relief valve plugs, and the engine/trans mounts for tightness. Also, check the tie rods, Pittman arm, shocks, rear bearing carrier mounts, and front suspension mounts (axle to chassis).
(Message Edited 10/10/2003 10:27:41 AM)