Tonight I installed the thermostat housing from Melloj123 (thanks!). It contained a 190 degree thermostat that was in far better condition than the two I had here (both 180s). I hope I don't have a problem with it running too hot now (but a mud search found several threads where folks say it should be fine).
I got new gaskets and seals from SOR and am now 99% positive I no longer will have coolant leaks. We'll see
Did some reading on emissions crap; found an
old thread I was involved in that I'd forgotten about. A plan is forming:
- Source a proper 78 carb and have it re-built by FJ40Jim
- Figure out if the fact that my gas tank appears to be plumbed wrong makes any difference (the outlet is plugged and the feed to the engine is from the bottom of the tank; Bull claims this is screwy
).
- Ensure all other smog parts are for a 78
- Pull all smog parts, clean and inventory
- Get new vacuum tubing
- Re-install and configure and test the PCV, vac advance, EVAP, decel fuel cut, HIC, and dissy vent (the "good stuff" according to FJ40Jim)
- Plug, leave off, and otherwise disable the "bad stuff": EGR, AIR, HAC (yes my rig has the high-altitude crap), TP, and vacuum retard.
- Tune-up
If all goes well I'll be closer to stock then I am now, and most importantly the rig will not smell so darn bad. Even my 11 year old son complains even with the top off...and gets a bit sick. It's pretty bad.
New seatbelts are next too...