Working through the Discouragement.

 Everyone that has been reading my blog since we moved into the new house knows how long the saga of the Oliver has gone on.  I would be lying if I said that it wasn't discouraging at times. Some projects I have to just walk away from for a short time and that is why I have always had multiple projects going. I have been avoiding the Oliver after the last time trying to start it because I was just so disheartened by it. I worked on some other projects until this last week when I decided to try a few more things to Oliver.  To start off I decided that it would be easier to diagnose if the engine was warm when I first tried to start it rather than trying to limp it along and get it to warm up naturally. 

When I pulled the freeze plug where the block heater was going I had a good charge of sludge in the heater sump.  With a little time the sludge flushed out and I was left with a clean block heater sump!  On the engine that was replaced there was a different heater that was connected between the sump and the head.  I was going to drill and tap the plate that was originally there to fit this new style heater but luckily found a better way. 

When I brought the yellow plate into work to drill and tap it one of my co-workers suggested I try a calculator flange.  With just a little ovaling of the bolt holes the flange fit perfectly.  After that I was home free.  I was able to save the Gasket and used a bit of perma-tex to make a good seal and filled the engine back up with no leaks.  I did test the block heater after it was in but did not get to try the engine as the magneto is currently on the bench being cleaned and tested.  I am hoping that the Magneto is part of the problem and I will have the Oliver pushing snow and manure soon.  Until next time stay tuned and check back often.