Ugh. Issues abound. That turkey runs fine, has plenty of power, seems to run smoothly. Once it's started, that is. Getting it started is a little like firing up a diesel that's been sitting for 10 years. Sometimes it just doesn't want to start, and when it does, it runs rough until it warms up a little. I thought the cylinder bores would be ok. I knew they were worn, but I had hoped they would be good enough. It turns out, maybe not. My cold compressions range from 70-110, with numbers a little higher with oil added. Warmed up, those numbers go from 90-115, similar gain when oil is dripped in there. So, right off the bat, the numbers don't look good; too much range among the cylinders. It shouldn't be more than a 20% difference across all 4, and my numbers are out. I did a leak down also, and that's supposed to show no more than about 10% loss. I'm showing 60/80 on all 4, or 25% loss. Most going past the rings. Some is going past the valves though, on every cylinder. It is an old engine, and maybe that 25% wouldn't be such a big deal if my compression numbers were closer. I did nothing to the head, so I'm wondering if I just gave it a good valve job, that might bring those numbers up enough to make it run ok.
In other news, my lift cylinder is still sealed up fine, and I replaced the blown hard lines in the engine compartment with flex lines (I can make hydraulic hoses). That seems to be working fine. Of course, I just today found another leaky hose on the right side of the machine too
Also, I broke my coolant overflow tank when I tried to put the cap back in. It was so brittle, it just broke apart right at the filler neck. I still have the ROP off to clean it better, and replace that nasty seat, so the tank is real easy to replace at the moment. Oh, and my water pump just crapped out (water seeping out that little hole). So, I have a few other niggling issues to work out.
Anyhow, just some news to keep you entertained. Cheers.