[NoVa-Corvairs] Tomorrow Morning

[AnnePugs at aol.com]

In case anyone saw some huge white plumes of smoke over Rockville this 
morning, never fear.  Those were the plumes of success.  I'm delighted to report 
that at approximately 9:50 am another Corvair is a running, almost drivable car.  
Darrin and I replaced the points, condenser, cap, rotor and plug wires, 
cranked the engine for about 15 seconds (the carbs were empty since the rebuild) 
and then success.  The engine smoked pretty well for a while (I had poured a lot 
of varoius lubricants down into the cylinders when I was tryng to free the 
engine) and knocked loudly until the engine warmed up.  Then it quieted right 
down and almost completely stopped smoking.  It did leak oil significantly, 
which we first believed was coming from the o-rings, but discovered was actually 
coming from the oil pressure switch.  Its probably also leaking at least a 
little from the o-rings and/or the left head gasket.  We let it run for about an 
hour and it leaked about 3/4 qt.

I know its a big job but maybe for April's meeting, we could at least start 
the o-ring replacement.  Besides getting the oil leak(s) fixed, I have to work 
on the brakes and determine if my gas tank is okay (we ran the engine from a 
gas can today).  I also need to think about packing wheel bearings.  Then, a 
new battery and tires should get it on the road.  I can't wait.

Thanks to everyone, especially Darrin, for all the help in reaching this 
milestone.  

See you all next weekend at Earl's.

-Mike