What have you done to your square lately??

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

bucket

Super Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Posts
30,298
Reaction score
27,888
Location
Usually not in Ohio
First Name
Andy
Truck Year
'77, '78, '79, '84, '88
Truck Model
K5 thru K30
Engine Size
350-454
Got to work on the valve seals. Then I discovered that for whatever reason (probably because they decided to stick with just o-rings on the exhaust valves) they didn’t machine down all of the valve seats for press-on seals. I could measure, but it wouldn’t make a difference. Some slid on, now I’m running into some that are damn near the same diameter of the seals themselves. No rhyme or reason.

Then I discovered I couldn’t find the Pioneer umbrella seals I have somewhere- probably ferreted away in the shop. I took it as a sign to walk away for the day.

I did get a chance to try this tool that worked awesome for getting spark plugs under tight headers. No more futzing around with an open end wrench with #5 and 6. Just gotta be gentle since there’s no rubber grommet to protect the porcelain.
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Between these few tools, no header will ever be in your way. Or steering shaft or whatever.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,566
Reaction score
4,294
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Enjoyed the foliage during a ride down a two lane road out to Powhatan today. Dropped Kelley's Motovox bike with his cousin for a tune up.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
 

Doppleganger

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2019
Posts
12,601
Reaction score
58,392
Location
OH-MI: Just like it sounds
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
5.7
Cleaned up all the new welds, then used a 2K seam sealer and finished redoing all the old, including (and especially) inside the cowl, then primered the bottom and another coat of primer on everything. Officially done til Spring. :hat:
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach
 

DoubleDingo

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Posts
11,159
Reaction score
16,869
Location
Right where I am
First Name
Bagoomba
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
81-C20 Silverado Camper Special-TH400-4.10s
Engine Size
Carb'ed Vortec 350
Got to work on the valve seals. Then I discovered that for whatever reason (probably because they decided to stick with just o-rings on the exhaust valves) they didn’t machine down all of the valve seats for press-on seals. I could measure, but it wouldn’t make a difference. Some slid on, now I’m running into some that are damn near the same diameter of the seals themselves. No rhyme or reason.

Then I discovered I couldn’t find the Pioneer umbrella seals I have somewhere- probably ferreted away in the shop. I took it as a sign to walk away for the day.

I did get a chance to try this tool that worked awesome for getting spark plugs under tight headers. No more futzing around with an open end wrench with #5 and 6. Just gotta be gentle since there’s no rubber grommet to protect the porcelain.
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach
I take the rubber out of my spark plug sockets as soon as I get them. Have broke too many plugs (1 back in 1986) with the rubber in the socket. Haven't damaged a spark plug since that fateful day in 86
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,566
Reaction score
4,294
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Have been driving it a couple times a week, as I have posted, even with the leaky rad. Driving it for distances of 20 miles here and there and the rad stays full even with the leak. I also have been topping off the reserve when it gets low. My driveway is not level on the spots we park. Possibly leaking due to topping off too much? Or likely I have a leak minimal enough to not hinder here and there driving? Starting to think maybe I top off too much.
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,566
Reaction score
4,294
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Have been driving it a couple times a week, as I have posted, even with the leaky rad. Driving it for distances of 20 miles here and there and the rad stays full even with the leak. I also have been topping off the reserve when it gets low. My driveway is not level on the spots we park. Possibly leaking due to topping off too much? Or likely I have a leak minimal enough to not hinder here and there driving? Starting to think maybe I top off too much.
Replacing the radiator would make me feel better but does anyone have any other input? Truck stays cool and I want to drive it....
 

Travlr

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2023
Posts
229
Reaction score
743
Location
Central Utah
First Name
C
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
K20 Camper Special
Engine Size
350
Replacing the radiator would make me feel better but does anyone have any other input? Truck stays cool and I want to drive it....

Do you have an overflow bottle/expansion tank on it? If not, I'd put one on and monitor the coolant there. You might find it fluctuates by the warmth in the engine.
 

JamesSam

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Posts
1,566
Reaction score
4,294
Location
VA
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Silverado V10
Engine Size
5.7 L 350 v8
Do you have an overflow bottle/expansion tank on it? If not, I'd put one on and monitor the coolant there. You might find it fluctuates by the warmth in the engine.
Yes, there is an overflow tank and I always monitor it. Ever since I have bought the truck it gets below the fill line for the reserve periodically, so I have reactively always refilled it.
 

Ajax19

Full Access Member
Joined
May 11, 2022
Posts
247
Reaction score
907
Location
Socal
First Name
Ajax
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
K3500
Engine Size
454
Have been driving it a couple times a week, as I have posted, even with the leaky rad. Driving it for distances of 20 miles here and there and the rad stays full even with the leak. I also have been topping off the reserve when it gets low. My driveway is not level on the spots we park. Possibly leaking due to topping off too much? Or likely I have a leak minimal enough to not hinder here and there driving? Starting to think maybe I top off too much.
Always wanted to know if this works to Crack a egg in there and send it
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
43,931
Posts
945,925
Members
35,974
Latest member
jm608
Top