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Craig,

What you said about coolant temperature swings on warmup: My FC's got an improved head gasket and a three-row radiator core. Coming back from WA one year, I started off from Ouyen when the ambient temp was about ten degrees and saw the same thing. Coolant temp in the cylinder head went up ...

Errol62 wrote: Sun May 24, 2026 5:33 pm No need to fit the splash trays then, cooling wise.


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They will be going back in, just haven't got to reworking them yet. To be honest, I don't think they would make any difference, other than keeping things under the bonnet a bit cleaner.

Fix one thing, cause another problem.
My recent test runs after running the new improved head gasket have shown a great improvement with lower running temps to the extent that I'm struggling to see 65 degrees at the thermostat outlet (70 degree thermostat - tested ok). It's amazing to see how ...

Steve,

I haven't read all the thread, but my experience with the aftermarket "grey" harmonic balancers isn't good. The only one that's been on a motor of mine fractured the hub and was quite loose as a result.

"Officially" I recondition original equipment grey harmonic balancers. But car-related ...

"Craig ... I agree (kept me up all last night thing "HOW?") but honestly not sure how to diagnose that mate. This is a pretty standard build ... no cam, oversize bore etc ... and it got a new standard crank and key last time ? Insert scratching of head here ......."

My bet is there is excessive ...

Maybe it's just me, but I'd be working out why it's flogging out the keyway (twice), and fixing that issue before replacing the damper.
I know for certain those powerbond balancers will not dampen the crank torsional vibrations in a grey. That's one problem you have............

Thanks Guys. I appreciate the help.

I'm chasing 2 x lower thermostat housings with the cast boss (not drilled out) if anyone can help me out. I'd prefer not to pay the exorbitant prices I've seen on Ebay. Oh, and preferably not rotted out on the gasket mounting faces.

Thanks.

You had your chance to see it last year and you piked.


Careful what you wish for - I have pencilled in a shed tour and a cuppa at your joint the day we leave Sydney and head for Stratford to catch up with me mate Kuna Jack and Mr Allardyce the grey motor whisperer 8) Probably Tuesday June ...

Well this is a turnup for the books - went to buy some oil and they didn’t have any - got home thought I would try it again and it’s fine - 15-20PSI at idle …..
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260511/69d81fef879cc464aacd410d77a0fa18.jpg

Buggered if I know…… hoping the relief valve isn’t ...

Heya,

Does anyone have any recommendations for oil for these 3 speed gearboxes?

I see it takes a SAE 90 straight run mineral oil, but looking on the net there are alot of different suggestions.
Penrith Transoil SAE 90 seems like a good one, just not sure if anything else that may be more readily ...

Jesus Blacky, it's only been a year and a half.
No Nationals for a while mate, but I could be swayed for another WA run. I'd have to dust off the teardop for this one. I can only hope the stinking economy turns around by then.

It's good to be back on the road. Did about 100kms with no major issues. Engine is performing well with some on road fine tuning needed.
Best part was getting home and having a look underneath. Totally dry!
My next challenge is to try and rebuild my vacuum washer pump. Sourcing a new diaphragm is ...

Did they log intake temps at that boost level?


No mate, it has an inlet temp warning light on the dash and it hasnt come on yet - going to try a smaller pulley on the pump -of course :ebiggrin: - and see what happens then. Took me mate old Mick out for a squirt in it today and frightened ...

Did they log intake temps at that boost level?