It was a success!!!
I am so happy. Well, there are still some fine tunning to do but overall, it's running again.
. I think you can tell there is a BIG grin on my face right now..
The car started with only one try!!! I can't be happier. I had done many other things, but this is the first big project that I have ever taken. I spent weekends and after work hours working on this car for the last 2 months. It was a great opportunity to learn!!!.
I have driven the car for the last 2 days and put almost 200 miles on it. There is no oil or coolant leak..
. I have not had much time to get to try everything but so far, everything seems to work except the AC which will need freon later. The 420SEL is lighter and feel lighter when drive comparing to the 560SEL. THe handling also seems better. However, it does not have the power and TORQUE comparing to the 560. The ride is very smooth. I will save the comparison later for those who are interested.
Final Cost is
$1,643.45 for all parts and heads rebuilt. SWEAT not included
Anyway, there are 3 issues I am having right now which were not there before.
1) rough idle or engine shakes at idle which I think I've figured it out. There is a leak at the throttle body opening where it meets the air duct housing. When I spray some brake/cab cleaner, it stops and the engine smooths out which indicates a leak. The shaking is less when I put it in D and completely disappear when I step on the gas and drive. I have ordered the air duct housing. The old one is hard as rock for the metal clamp wrap around and tighten it.
2) High idle - It idles at 1000 RPM in Park or Neutral (warm or cold) and does not seem to come down when the engine warms up. It idles at 650-700 when put in Drive. The previous owner said the car did not idle at 1000 RPM when warms up. This is new. I have no idea why it's doing this. I am in the process of searching this site for clues.
3) Hydraulic Lifter noise - There is one lifter (or 2 ) on the driver side making noise at start up and seems to go away when warms up or when step on the gas. I made a mistake by did not lable the order the rocker arms and valve adjust shim (thrust washer) at each cylinder.
Any ideas and comments on how to solve these issues are much appreciated.
Stay tune for pictures.