Alpha 1 Gen 2 continuity strap

[big zeke]

So I finally got 4.3 engine back in the boat, took about 3.5 hrs, had to drop the front mounts a fair bit to get the alignment correct (mounting pedestals on the boat were rebuilt while the engine was out so this was expected). Engine fired up fine and after a timing check she is running like a champ.

While digging around on the leg, I noticed the bolt (screw?) that attaches the continuity strap to the port side of the leg is sheared off - the strap is bolted to the gimble end but dangling freely on the leg end. Is it really necessary to reconnect the strap? If so, what is the best way given my current situation. I guess I could reverse it out with an easy-out, seems like a lot of work.

BTW, thanks a ton for the very positive encouragement from a few of the board members, I was fairly sure I could handle this install and your encouragement helped a lot.

Zeke

 

[dubs283]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 continuity strap

I guess I could reverse it out with an easy-out, seems like a lot of work.

a lot of work, and you'll never get it out

just drill and tap a new hole in the bell housing (sounds like this is where you are referring to) and attach the strap

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 continuity strap

So I finally got 4.3 engine back in the boat, took about 3.5 hrs, had to drop the front mounts a fair bit to get the alignment correct (mounting pedestals on the boat were rebuilt while the engine was out so this was expected). Engine fired up fine and after a timing check she is running like a champ.

While digging around on the leg, I noticed the bolt (screw?) that attaches the continuity strap to the port side of the leg is sheared off - the strap is bolted to the gimble end but dangling freely on the leg end. Is it really necessary to reconnect the strap? If so, what is the best way given my current situation. I guess I could reverse it out with an easy-out, seems like a lot of work.

BTW, thanks a ton for the very positive encouragement from a few of the board members, I was fairly sure I could handle this install and your encouragement helped a lot.

Zeke

Ayuh,.... Shimmin' the forward mounts with pieces of plywood is pretty common, when ya run outa threads....

 

[big zeke]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 continuity strap

Thanks a bunch, tapping a second hole took about 20 mins, way faster than trying to remove the old one...royal pain where it's located as I had to run the tap in on a drill rather than the T-handle. We actually had to drop the mounts a touch as the pedestals were higher than original, still the alignment was easier than I thought. I wonder how many auto mechanics can still use a timing light, some younger auto guys have never seen one, nor have they rebuilt a carb.

Thanks Again
Zeke