Restoration of Continental #501704

This is my attempt to document, manage, and share my first engine rebuild. The subject line will remain the same for all updates on this engine. This is Spencer's "Pacer Update" idea slightly modified for the benefit of my mail program. I hope you all enjoy.

When I removed the exhaust pipe so I could remove the engine cover I discovered the exhaust manifold was full of rust that had fallen out of the exhaust pipe. I removed the manifold and found the #1 exhaust valve port full of rust. Removing the tappet cover showed no sign of rust on the exhaust valve below the port. One big sigh of relief.

The radiator core is sound but the upper and lower tanks were made of steel and are rusted through badly. I dropped it at the radiator shop this morning and got the standard "call this afternoon" answer about what could be done.

I pulled the head off last night for a quick look. Taking the engine to Portland had occurred to me and I wanted to see if it might be possible. There was a little blush of rust in the cylinders with open valves but no damage. There is almost no wear in the cylinders, and no visible damage to the head or block. I filled the cylinders with WD-40 (rusted rings I guess because none of them emptied) and reinstalled the head.

Dale Byrd was by all accounts a master of metals. His estate included all sorts of metal working tools and all were high quality and in excellent condition. I think he was responsible for the brass machine screws and nuts that had been substituted for mounting the radiator and gas tank. Whatever "R" word this project becomes, I'm going to use those nuts and screws to mount the radiator.