I checked the box today and the thermostat has a temp rating of 71 °C (159.8 °F).

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Dan you are a machine!
Your knowledge is stunning, especially with regards to Aussie slants and specifications, which is doubly impressive considering most folks stateside don't give much thought to what goes on/has gone on down here (as a rule) but looking at your sig, there is a reference to Canadian heritage so it all makes sense to your global mind.

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Well, here's some bad news, nothing crazy serious. I noticed a throaty note to my slant when I drove it the first time a week ago but being inexperienced, I just thought it was possibly something to do with the engine being rebuilt. Today I discovered with more driving that I have a leak at the hotbox between exhaust and intake. I think the contact there with the hotbox gasket is a little average. I took the Valiant to get the carby adjusted by the guys who rebuilt it and the first thing they noticed was the leak. While they adjusted the carby and improved the idle which dropped the RPM, due to the leak, it will never run smoothly until it is addressed. I'm prying that the integrity of the hotbox is ok because the budget is maxed out. A new exhaust manifold being purchased would end in divorce me thinks.

Just when I thought it was at the end!

Don't anyone say "there is no end"!

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That's not the right thermostat. It will cause excessive fuel consumption, oil contamination, and engine wear. The right thermostat is an 82°C (180°F) item. Common received "wisdom" of using a too-cold thermostat in response to an overheating issue is not based in fact, reality, or science. Install the correct thermostat; if you have an overheating issue, fix it. See here.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Which type of gasket did you use there? What was it made of?
It probably is.
Okeh, how 'bout "The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlamp of an oncoming train."?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

G-Bone, can I ask another quick question about Aussie slants?

did they come with power steering, if so did they mount the PS pump on the alternator side of the engine,, looks like the re located oil filter is occupying the space where the power steering pump would be on our left side drive slants.

thanks.

The oil filter is aft of the power steering pump mounting pad. P/S pump and A/C compressor, on vehicles so equipped, were mounted same as in North America.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

The exhaust leak is sorted, hotbox was fine. It was just a case of the manifolds being poorly connected to each other. There is a much noticeable difference in power now although the engine does need some tuning as the carby adjusted. This officially finishes the rebuild. I will post a few final photos soon.

Cheers everyone!
Gordo

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The Brothers Mede (two very close friends) pulling off the manifolds to replace the blown hotbox gasket and compromised exhaust gasket.











Putting the air cleaner cover was my token effort in most of the proceedings on this day. Cleaning the remains of the old exhaust gasket was pretty much the only other task I undertook as there is only so much room for three guys in that engine bay. If I was involved, it would have added an hour to the job.




With the new gaskets, a bit of gasket sealant and a bit of pushing and shoving of the manifolds, the exhaust leak was fixed. With only a few small adjustments to the carby and throttle cable, this officially finishes the rebuild.











This is the end result of 9 months of farting around and learning some fundamental stuff about the workings of an engine etc.

Alright, nothing more to see here, I've dragged this thread out within an inch of decency. Thank you to everyone for the positive feedback and support during the job.

Now it's time to enjoy driving the Valiant again!

Cheers Gordo

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Outstanding car. However, the engine bay is particularly fine. Job well done. Thank you for sharing.

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Chinook carrying Gama goat, circa 1983.

Wow I can't believe I didn't run across this sooner. That thing looks beautiful. I'm going to have to pick up a tube of that autosol polish. Do you work for POR? You definitely had me sold on that brush on paint on the first page

That's just drop dead gorgeous !!! What an awesome job you've done !!!

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Dennis

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Here are some videos of the VE which show off it's shiny rebuilt slant that I thought should probably be added to the thread. The videos aren't anything mind blowing, just something different from my usual photos. I would like to have embedded the videos but it seems that on this forum can't so here are some links to youtube.

Cheers Gordo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_uOR3PJFA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 6taUcU7NzE

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Just bought a 1966 Valiant VC Safari Wagon in generally very good condition. Dismantled the engine tonight - plenty to be done there. I'm a first timer. Your postings have given me a step by step guide to restoring it. Great job and thanks. Brendan

Very nice build.

Interesting variations between US 1967 Dart, and VC those videos brought to my attention: front grill no parking lights, and less busy with straight parallel bars; less bulky front bumper with integral parking lights; and what looks to be a 1970 and up US stile gage pod.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC