OK- so I just started my engine for the first time since a rebuild- sort of. Let me explain.
59 Galaxie with 292 2 BBL 3 spd manual. Car sat for 20 some years. I got it started months ago but it had a noticeable "Knock". Pulled the motor, yanked intake and heads. Found out a steel BB like what's in a carb got sucked into the combustion chamber somehow and proceeded to recreate the surface of the moon on the top of the piston and underside of the head. Buddy got me a replacement piston,rod bearings and rings. Had the heads "surfaced". Installed new piston, rings and rod bearings. Did not disturb the other pistons, crank or cam. The other pistons looked great and the cylinder bores looked the same. Not even a ridge to deal with. So it all went back together with name brand gaskets.
So had it running tonight but there is a noticeable vibration just off of idle. Vibration goes away with acceleration.
Let me also say that I may have the distributor a tooth off. To get the engine started I have the vacuum advance slammed tight to the intake, Could this be the source of the vibration? There is no tapping or knocking going on.
Help?
Thanks, Dave

Why not set the timing where its sopposed to be, and then see if the vibration stays or goes.

Problem is if I back off the distributor it won't start. This is why I think I may be a tooth off.
Thanks,
Dave

I would take a step back. Locate TDC and reset the distributor. While you are at it make sure the plug wires are correct in in counter clockwise rotation.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Is the  replacement piston he same weight as the old one?


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I will go back and check TDC on Comp stroke. As for weight of replacement piston- not sure. I guess I just assumed the new piston would be close in weight to the others. The pistons are all still std bore.
Lets hope for a timing event issue!
Thanks for all replies.
Dave

If the replacement piston is an original standard ‘FoMoCo’ piston, the weight should be in the ball park.  If the replacement piston simply came from a parts store, then there’s very good chance that the weight will be significantly different from what’s already in the engine.  Assuming the store you got the replacement piston still has another, then you can weigh that piston and pin alongside the one that you removed and see what kind of weight difference there is.  Total agreement on the other responses in getting that ignition timing set with a light.  Pull that distributor and move it a tooth and then double check the spark plug wiring.  Beyond all that and assuming the cranking compression is even across the board, then the flywheel and pressure plate assembly is high on the ‘vibration’ list.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Ooops! The replacement piston was a parts store unit- but a reputable one.
I never separated the 3spd from the engine and I had no vibrations before I did the work.
I will start with the easy stuff 1st- timing- and hope for the best. At idle and just above there is no vibration. Vibration starts as RPM's increase. Vibration goes away when sustained RPM is reached about 2500 RPM I would guess. I have no Tach.
Thanks again!
Dave

Have you rechecked valve clearances since you have had it running, just to eliminate tight valve.



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