First, please share a laugh with this newbie..
This is what it looks like when you try to mount a thermostat gasket on a flange instead of a flange gasket. I was so pleased to get it onto the bolts clean only to finally admit....that..cannot be right...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oBXbcrc2NX7NmgUMA
Many tries with the flange gasket. A couple iterations stepping back and starting over, using PB blast and Break Cleaner to keep surfaces clean. Just really awkward to adjust pipe shape, then balance and match flange up and get bolts started. Seemed like bottom bolt first is the way to go.
I wore my trusty knee pads, I laid down padding on the across engine head and took off all the distributor wires from the plugs. All this to lay across the engine more comfortably and patiently, without wrecking the ignition system.
I installed the water hose on manifold first. That was a mistake. I took it back off to have max room for gasket mount and lining up flange bolts.
Having the wet side water injector and hose resting loosely in the water lift muffler intake helped create a balance point to shift and pivot the whole assembly around when needed. I stopped to reshape the pipes for final alignment a couple of times. The flange and street L both needed a couple nudges.
Mounted correctly here.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zc7bDcqCdDYJtNT8A
https://photos.app.goo.gl/G28CExpxGuEBQRmo6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZdBfiV2Jk6jzusou6
First startup and 7 minute run in nearly 2 weeks here. I have not worked on slow or fast idle yet.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/14ktQrC5iNwHTCXK9
There are two leaks. One at flange gasket, gap nipple/flange. One small water drop on top of connector to water injector.
Tightened flange bolts after running her a little bit. Last short run looked like this.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vyjsYXNjrK95HiQm9
I do not think the flange and nipple issue is resolved and I know the leak at top of connector still there.
Plan for tomorrow...welcome suggestions.
1) Buy a thinner margin 9/16 socket or crowfoot to check torque on bolts. Order the studs from Moyer. Order another gasket in case I need to double up.
2) Try to get a pipe wrench on the gap nipple at flange, get a tightening turn if possible. I tightened the other end of the nipple into the regular L in a vice on the bench, maybe I can borrow some space.
3) Try to get a pipe wrench on the gap nipple above the connector to the water injector. See if I can get tighter(though this connector was tightened well on the vice at the bench. (This is also where the wet side failed in the prior assembly). Water injector back spray may be part of the price I am paying for such a nasty hot exhaust turn up top, where I suspect there is some backflow at higher rpm if gases increase velocity while having overall volume squeezed into narrower jets to make the turn.
4) Be mentally prepared to remove entire assembly and come up with a better doping and tightening plan. Execute plan, reinstall.
Suggestions welcomed.
Another look at initial leaks
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Dij2XUxWihW5m5Sy6
Wet Exhaust Discharge Check
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HNXDqyMYN14eJwj39
Temperature Checks First Run
https://photos.app.goo.gl/eJfPp2nSabaatXVT6
Welcome any impressions or observations.
Grateful for all the help so far both active and historical threads.
Stay well. Tim