Passenger Side pipe, Brake Bleeding and Radiator Install:
In this post, I will be covering the last month or so of work that I have completed to the Cobra. During this time, we have had some crazy weather (like 2 feet of sleet, super cold weather and today...massive rain!)
Side pipes:
I am happy to say that the exhaust system is installed on both sides now. It really took some finesse to get the 4 header pipes slip into the four side pipes. I almost wish that it had some headers that had a collector but that wouldn't look very original. I just hope that after the engine runs for a bit, that the pipes will be convinced to stay in their current position.
Bleed the brakes:
I was able to use two cool new toys: my Mitty vac and my new air compressor! The bleeding has been fine. I have had to chase down a couple of leaks. The leaks were a result of me not tightening the brake lines enough. I was careful not to over tighten the lines during install. So far, I think I have it all chased down. I have been using cardboard underneath all the brake line connections for "tattle tale" use. Also keeps fluid off the floor. One of my girling reservoirs was leaking as well. I think the hose clamp wasn't tightened all the way. I tightened it again. If that doesn't do it, then the seal at the bottom of the reservoir can is loose. I will probably do one more bleeding of the brakes just to be sure everything is tight.
I still need to bleed the clutch slave cylinder. Will need to do that before I start the engine.
RADIATOR INSTALL
Once again, Hurricane's kit exceeds my expectations. What an excellent radiator, fan, etc they provide. Very high quality. Installation of the radiator was a BREEZE and I have nice aluminum all around it as a shroud. What slowed me down was an issue with the lower radiator hose and the driver side oil line that goes to the oil cooler. Both hoses wanted to go through the same small space. Additionally, I didn't follow the manual instruction with the lower hose. I tried a couple of different options but settled on a hose from "Cool Flex." The space to the lower radiator is TIGHT with many bends. You have to contend with oil lines, brake lines, the x-brace and the steering rack. I rectified the oil line issue by replacing the straight AN fitting with a 90 degree AN fitting. This gave me all the room I needed for my rad hose. The hose is very close to the brake line and it makes me nervous...only thing making me feel better is that the hose does bend. I will most likely keep moving it out to gain more clearance from the brake line.
Up next: I still need to get my oil temp sensor into the oil pan; the plug has been stuck from months now but I have been soaking it with penetrant. I need to "smoke test" the electrical systems...let's hope their is no smoke! I have to wire the fan, horns and install some weathpak connectors for all the external lights, etc...and the afore mentioned bleeding of the clutch and brakes....guess I am going to be extra busy.....I forgot to say that during all this, I have a remodel on the house, baby proofing the house (expecting in July) and have been on 4 business trips. Busy time.
Click thumbnail of photos below for a larger image:
In this post, I will be covering the last month or so of work that I have completed to the Cobra. During this time, we have had some crazy weather (like 2 feet of sleet, super cold weather and today...massive rain!)
Side pipes:
I am happy to say that the exhaust system is installed on both sides now. It really took some finesse to get the 4 header pipes slip into the four side pipes. I almost wish that it had some headers that had a collector but that wouldn't look very original. I just hope that after the engine runs for a bit, that the pipes will be convinced to stay in their current position.
Bleed the brakes:
I was able to use two cool new toys: my Mitty vac and my new air compressor! The bleeding has been fine. I have had to chase down a couple of leaks. The leaks were a result of me not tightening the brake lines enough. I was careful not to over tighten the lines during install. So far, I think I have it all chased down. I have been using cardboard underneath all the brake line connections for "tattle tale" use. Also keeps fluid off the floor. One of my girling reservoirs was leaking as well. I think the hose clamp wasn't tightened all the way. I tightened it again. If that doesn't do it, then the seal at the bottom of the reservoir can is loose. I will probably do one more bleeding of the brakes just to be sure everything is tight.
I still need to bleed the clutch slave cylinder. Will need to do that before I start the engine.
RADIATOR INSTALL
Once again, Hurricane's kit exceeds my expectations. What an excellent radiator, fan, etc they provide. Very high quality. Installation of the radiator was a BREEZE and I have nice aluminum all around it as a shroud. What slowed me down was an issue with the lower radiator hose and the driver side oil line that goes to the oil cooler. Both hoses wanted to go through the same small space. Additionally, I didn't follow the manual instruction with the lower hose. I tried a couple of different options but settled on a hose from "Cool Flex." The space to the lower radiator is TIGHT with many bends. You have to contend with oil lines, brake lines, the x-brace and the steering rack. I rectified the oil line issue by replacing the straight AN fitting with a 90 degree AN fitting. This gave me all the room I needed for my rad hose. The hose is very close to the brake line and it makes me nervous...only thing making me feel better is that the hose does bend. I will most likely keep moving it out to gain more clearance from the brake line.
Up next: I still need to get my oil temp sensor into the oil pan; the plug has been stuck from months now but I have been soaking it with penetrant. I need to "smoke test" the electrical systems...let's hope their is no smoke! I have to wire the fan, horns and install some weathpak connectors for all the external lights, etc...and the afore mentioned bleeding of the clutch and brakes....guess I am going to be extra busy.....I forgot to say that during all this, I have a remodel on the house, baby proofing the house (expecting in July) and have been on 4 business trips. Busy time.
Click thumbnail of photos below for a larger image:
posted by Khan Smith at 5:39 PM
0 comments
