I can understand that. If I could rent it, I would. Tomorrow when I'm on base I'm going to see if any of the maintainers happen to have one before I go with the bolt method. I'd prefer not to go that route if I don't have to.

I'm now at the point where I need to install my starter and transmission support struts. I also have to install the inspection plate and now I'm having some concerns that that should have gone on PRIOR to my oil pan. Hoping that isn't the base, or if it was, it's not a huge deal. Then it's just the balancer and a whole lot of bolting parts on. But... I lack motivation/concentration tonight, so I'll start tomorrow.

InfO.

 

So this is me...



And this is my engine running...



Smoked for quite a while at first, but it seems like it was just burning off residue.

Seems to be running exceptionally smooth. It started up on the first try (well, technically not - I didn't hit the throttle on the first attempt so no fuel in there).

I am in the process (or was, shutting down for the night) of trying to get all the coolant into the truck. I started shifting through the gears, hearing gurgling, and sighed a bit of relief once I felt the upper radiator hose get warm.

I put it into reverse and tried moving it though... she didn't want to go anywhere. I'm going to check the transmission fluid in the morning. I'll take a picture in daylight tomorrow as well.

InfO.

 

Probably need to let her idle for a bit and go through the gears, let the fluid get flowing back through the transmission.

How long since she was last drove?

 

Ohhh... about 2 months now. What should have been a weekend is far longer. Gotta love work.

I'm gonna pick up some transmission fluid, let it idle some more tomorrow and like you said - sit through all the gears, then check the fluid. I also understand there is a "burping" process I'll have to put my truck through.

Still... pretty happy she started up and the idle is VERY smooth.

InfO.

 

Here is the initial start...



InfO.

 

You know to check fluid in Neutral, right?

 

Go and get your girlfriend some chocolates, flowers, etc. If she's ordering Mopar parts and holding the light for you she sounds like a keeper.

Also, make sure to only use ATF+4 in the transmission. Because all certified ATF+4 must be synthetic, I normally just buy what's cheapest and on the Licensed list below.
http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html


And don't forget to change the oil in short order to dump any foreign contaminants from scraping gaskets, etc while the engine was open.

 

Drained, inspected, and replenished the oil (and filter). Looked all good. Checked the transmission fluid, it actually looks pretty good. I let the vehicle idle a bit more, went through all the gears, and then put it in reverse - she backed up no problem.

Now here IS a problem, or atleast I believe it to be one...



It happens at 9 and 37 seconds. It's a "knock" - this could be EXCEPTIONALLY simple and if it is, forgive me... I have the "just put it all back together" jitters and to be honest, it's a sound I'm unfamiliar with. I've never had spark plug "knock" before, but is that what it sounds like?

Also, noticing a lot of what I'd describe as "flushing" of fluid inside the engine. I think this could be due to the fact I do not have the proper amount of coolant in the system yet and I have yet to burp it. Like I said in an earlier post, definitely do know for sure that the upper radiator hose has gotten warm, but I don't think it's at that high flow stage yet (I haven't had the truck on longer than 5 minutes at a time yet).

InfO.

 

Took it over to a hill, had the lid off the radiator and let the engine heat up. Upper radiator hose was nice and hot. And the temperature seemed to hold. Still don't feel as if the right amount of fluid is in it (IAW the manual).

Some initial thoughts...

1. Wicked to feel like I have a truck again..
2. It SOUNDS good, that is to say, it has a very steady sound to it. It does sound like I might have a vacuum leak on the driver side, but not sure...
3. The RPMs are a lot higher and I'm thinking maybe because of this it feels as if it's shifting differently. This might be a result of the new intake/RRs/timing chain... ?
4. The oil pressure seems a bit high, but I am confident I put in the correct amount. Would a high volume oil pump change the pressure? I'm thinking it would, but not sure...
5. And lastly, I am pretty sure I'm leaking oil. Not 100% sure from where yet, but it looks to be the front. Perhaps the front main seal, not sure...
6. She starts every time, but the first turn over sounds like she is going to die...

InfO.

 

Good work man!

Please check your firing order, sounds like two wires are switched. All the lifter's have their oil hole's pointing up when installed? Have you rechecked the tq on the r/r since the first run up? Oil psi will be higher with the HV pump, should be close to 80psi when cold.