The November 2011 newsletter - Text Version
Updated 21-May-2013 ==== Copyright (c) 2013 Corvairs of New Mexico
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NOVEMBER 2011 / VOLUME 37 / NUMBER 11 / ISSUE #434
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Tony Fiore Memorial Chapter Newsletter Award, First Place, 2005
Tony Fiore Memorial Chapter Newsletter Award, Third Place, 2010
EDITOR: Jim Pittman
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 PM
North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center
7520 Carmel NE Wyoming & Carmel NE
THIS MONTH:
Dues Due....................................Membership Committee
"AIRTIME" One Last Time............................David Huntoon
President's Report....................................John Wiker
October Meeting Minutes.................................Art Gold
October Board Meeting Minutes.....................Chuck Vertrees
Christmas Items Needed for SAFE HOUSE..............Heula Pittman
Tri-State 2012 Salida, Colorado...............Steve Goodman, RMC
Balloon Fiesta Car Show...............................John Wiker
Bingo Night.........................................Ray Trujillo
CNM Bingo...........................................Rita Gongora
Christmas Dinner Party..............................Rita Gongora
Old Route 66 Clean-up.............................Ollie Scheflow
November 20 Corvair Show - Domingo Baca.............Larry Yoffee
Birthdays & Anniversaries.....................Sunshine Committee
The Corvair Powerglide Transmission........Bob Helt: Vegas Vairs
Pushrod Tube O-Rings..............Ken Hand: Tucson Corvairsation
Dennis Ritchie, Father of "C" and UNIX...............Jim Pittman
Calendar of Coming Events.....................Board of Directors
Seven, 14, 21, 28, 35 Years Ago...................Club Historian
COVER: October 15th Club Picnic at the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area
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MEETING: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM
North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, Wyoming & Carmel NE
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President: John Wiker 505-899-3076 wikerj63 @ yahoo.com
Vice-Pres: Pat Hall 505-620-5574 patandvickiehall @ q.com
Secretary: Charles Vertrees 505-299-0744 vertrees @ swcp.com
Treasurer: Art Gold 505-620-7434 rollerart @ gmail.com
Board: Car Council: Robert Gold 505-268-6878 beisbol30 @ msn.com
Board: Merchandise: Vickie Hall 505-865-5574 patandvickiehall @ q.com
Board: Membership: Larry Yoffee 505-321-5909 corsa180 @ gmail.com
Board: Sunshine: Heula Pittman 505-275-2195 jimp @ unm.edu
Board: Newsletter: Jim Pittman 505-275-2195 jimp @ unm.edu
Board: Past Pres: Mike Stickler 505-856-6993 sticorsa @
hotmail.com
Board: Past Pres: David Huntoon 505-281-9616 corvair66 @ aol.com
Board: Past Pres: Ray Trujillo 505-839-7436 ray @ bpsabq.com
DUES: CNM: 12 months $25.00 -or- 26 months $ 50.00
CORSA: 12 months $45.00 -or- 26 months $ 90.00
CNM & CORSA: 12 months $70.00 -or- 26 months $140.00
CORSA's home page: http://www.corvair.org
Steve Gongora's page: http://www.corvair.org/chapters/chapter871
Larry Yoffee's home page: http://www.corsaturbo180usa.weebly.com
CNM's newsletters: http://www.unm.edu/~jimp
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DUES DUE DATES FOR NOVEMBER 2011
DUE LAST MONTH = INACTIVE 25-NOV-2011:
2011.10 Mary Lou & Mark Martinek
2011.10 Opal Zuercher
DUE THIS MONTH = INACTIVE 25-DEC-2011:
2011.11 Linda & Dick Cochran
2011.11 Connie & Hubbard Elmore
2011.11 Amy & David Franco
DUE NEXT MONTH = INACTIVE 25-JAN-2012:
2011.12 David Huntoon
2011.12 Roger Pape
2011.12 Kim Patten
2011.12 Diane & A. John Pattison
2011.12 Larry Yoffee
EXPIRED == INACTIVE AS OF 25-OCT-2010:
2011.01 Darlene & William Darcy
2011.01 Wibke Garrecht
2011.04 Cary Hubbard
2011.06 Mark Jones
2011.06 Klaudia & Steve Sanchez
2011.07 Anne & Geoffrey Johnson
2011.08 Alan Gold
2011.08 Janet & Steve Johnson
2011.08 Nancy & Russ McDuffie
Send your Dues to:
CNM Treasurer
c/o Robert Gold
1301 Valencia NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Past due memberships will become inactive after a one-month grace period. The
Club will mail in your National Dues when you renew, if you send us the renewal
form from your CORSA Communique!
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"AIRTIME"
David Huntoon
As requested by our newly elected leader, I thought I would pen one more column.
Mainly I wish to thank all in the club, especially those who constantly
volunteer to make this club chug along on all 6 cylinders. The willingness to
work for a common goal, to me, is one of the finest human traits.
If you did not attend the club picnic on the 15th, you missed a nice day. We had
40 people sign up and I believe everyone showed. A good showing of Corvairs in
the parking lot too. Good food and plenty of it. The chefs worked doggedly (!)
Robert and John. I was tasked with extinguishing the coals at the end. I prefer
the simpler jobs. Elena Gallegos park is wonderful this time of the year. The
stark beauty of the foothills and the fall colors were really worth seeing. It
was a great day, warm with no wind. Good view of the city below also.
Next on our list is Bingo Night, 11/5 at 5:30pm. The "House of Covers" is the
place, courtesy of Steve and Rita. More good food along with a little fun with
bingo and a silent auction. Something for all ages.
The van is doing well. Just have to check a few things for winter. Oil change
done, make sure thermostats are working. Think I need one, last time I checked.
Maybe adjust chokes and check heater operation. The "heat" control cable from
the dash back to the heater always is stiff for the first few times in cold
weather. It is only 50 years old .
Thanks again everyone. The next year may have some challenges but I know we can
handle them. See you at the next meeting.
-- David
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President's Report
John Wiker
What a way for the new staff of the CNM to start the new election year! The
picnic was a complete success. The food was great and if you left hungry it was
your fault. Many thanks to the Sunshine Committee and everyone else who
contributed food, time and effort to make this a success.
Why don't we do this every year? We could call this the First Annual CNM Picnic
and keep it going each fall, changing locations from as far south as Los Lunas
and as far north as Santa Fe.
List of those who signed in at the picnic:
Boydston, Ruth
Gold, Art
Gold, Javi, Sarah, Anne Mae & Robert
Gongora, Rita & Steve
Hall, Pat & Vicki
Huntoon, Dave
Johnson, Carl
Johnson, Geoff & Anne and Alex & Kate
McDuffie, Russ & Nancy
Pittman, Heula & Jim
Reider, Bill & Lee
Rogers, LeRoy & Emma
Scheflow, Ollie
Stickler, Mike & Brenda
Sutt, Tarmo & Kay
Trujillo, Ray & Sylvia
Vertrees, Chuck
Wiker, Anne & John
Yoffee, Larry & Elisa
... and Maureen Stevens, guest of Steve & Rita
Total attending: 37
There were 13 Corvairs present.
There were 5 Brand-Xs. And two bicycles!
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October Regular Meeting
10-05-2011 -- Art Gold
Meeting came to order at 7:06pm, at the North Domingo Baca Community Center,
with 23 in attendance.
Officer Reports
President - Dave Huntoon stated that are no new members or guests in attendance.
Dave said he had gone back to Illinois during the time of the State Fair. He
told about losing a wheel from a U-Haul trailer, but it happened as he was
approaching his home, not out on the highway!
Vice President - Ray Trujillo stated that nominations are still being taken for
all officer positions.
Treasurer - Robert Gold reported there is $4,619.73 in the account. He commended
Pat Hall for helping out the treasury by doing the recycling projects. He also
commented on the State Fair Car Show, on what a success it was, with 17 cars in
attendance and there was great weather!
Committee Reports
Membership - Larry Yoffee stated that he gave out some flyers at the State Fair
Car Show. He thanked Robert Gold for his efforts at the State Fair Show. He told
about his long trip back east during the last two months.
Car Council - John Wiker stated that the council meeting mostly talked about the
upcoming swap meet. He talked about a show at the Sandia Raceway.
Editor - Jim Pittman stated that the newsletter deadline is Friday 10-23-11. Jim
mentioned CORSA's new website, gradually improving. The picnic is on the 15th of
October and maps were made available. Discussion of the picnic continued. John
Wiker made a suggestion that we make a caravan to the picnic. One U-Haul mishap
story was not enough, so we had three more, by Jim, Chuck and Joel.
Sunshine - Heula Pittman discussed the logistics of the picnic and circulated a
sign-up sheet to record who would come and what food items they could bring.
Merchandise - Vickie Hall stated that there is merchandise. She discussed the
picnic also.
Upcoming events
October
Old Route 66 Clean-up
Saturday 10/8/11 at 9:00 AM.
Kirtland AFB Open House
Sunday 10/09/11
CNM All Family Picnic
Saturday 10/15/11 - 10:30am
Elena Gallegos picnic area
Club breakfast:
Milly's Cafe at 7308 JeffersonNE
Saturday 10/29/11 at 9:30 AM
The 50/50 winner: Steve Johnson. He donated his $12.50 share to the Sunshine
Committee.
Elections 2011:
President: John Wiker
Vice President: Pat Hall
Secretary: Chuck Vertrees
Treasurer: Art Gold
New Mexico Car Council
Representative: Robert Gold
The after meeting, meeting location is now IHOP.
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Final Minutes Submission by Arthur D. Gold
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October Board Meeting 10-19-2011
Chuck Vertrees
The meeting was called to order at 17:00 on October 19th. Present were Jim &
Heula Pittman, Pat & Vickie Hall, "Lube" Lubert, Robert Gold, Dave Huntoon, Ray
Trujillo, Larry Yoffee, John Wiker, and Chuck Vertrees.
President John Wiker said that there would be a new regime with him as
president. Expect changes.
The first topic for discussion was having members whose dues are way past due,
turning up at CNM functions where the club is paying for some of the costs of
the function. It is felt that those who just show up even though their dues are
past due are sponging off of the members who are paid up.
This led to a discussion of how to remind those who are late on their dues, that
it is time to pay them. First, for those who get the newsletter in the mail, the
mailing label has the dues date. Second, on page 2 of the newsletter there is a
section that shows when dues are supposed to be paid. Third, the same
information is on Jim's web site for those who choose not to get the newsletter
or who don't read it.
It was decided that the Treasurer would make up a form that could be mailed or
e-mailed to those who are 30 days behind. It was decided that telling those who
are behind that they were not welcome at a function that was partially paid for
with dues money would be going too far. This is how it will stand for the time
being.
Vickie Hall brought up that the CORSA Insurance would probably not cover a club
member who was delinquent at a club function if the coverage was required.
There was a discussion about non-CORSA members, but no decision was made at this
time. CORSA's change in policy takes effect on March 1st 2012.
Treasurer Robert Gold reported that CNM had $4,721.92 in the checking account.
He said that he and Art Gold will split the treasurer's job. If you have dues to
pay you can mail them or give them to Robert as before.
Membership Chairman Larry Yoffee had several suggestions as to how to get more
attention for the Corvair automobile and CNM.
First, he has checked with the administrator at the North Domingo Baca Center
where we meet. It is closed on Sundays and we would be welcome to use the
parking lot for a small car show (of Corvairs of course). It was suggested that
it could be from 12:00 to 15:00 to catch people who are getting out of church.
Minor signs at the Wyoming and Paseo intersection and where the street leaves
Wyoming could direct people to the show. The visibility on approach would be
good.
It was decided to plan such a show on November 20th from 12:00 to 15:00. We can
get the club banner up and have some literature for those who come by. If this
seems to work we could repeat it fairly often.
Larry's second idea was to try to figure out how to piggy back on the Balloon
Fiesta. There are several ideas that could possibly work, all with different
amounts of planning or work. This can be followed up in the future since it
seems to be a good idea.
Larry is also posting fliers on the bulletin board at the center. Also once we
get a long term commitment at the Baca meeting site we need to get new business
cards and have the meeting site changed on the club web site.
There was no meeting of the Car Council. Robert Gold will go to the next meeting
on October 26th.
Editor Jim Pittman reminded that this is a short month so everything for the
newsletter needs to be to him by Friday evening.
Sunshine: Heula Pittman thanked everyone for how all pitched in to make the
picnic work well. It made it much easier for the Sunshine Committee ladies. It
was suggested that we make this an annual affair. Possibly at the same place or
maybe find some other sites for a change of pace. Also the 50/50 money is
working well for the Sunshine Committee.
Merchandise: Vickie Hall said that there was nothing to report.
Upcoming activities are the breakfast at Milly's in a week, the Bingo
Night/Potluck on November 5th at 17:30 at House of Covers, and the Christmas
dinner on December 3rd at Roper's Restaurant. More information on these
activities elsewhere.
It was mentioned that we might want to get club shirts or club jackets. No one
at the meeting remembered that we had gotten shirts in the past. I said I would
bring one to the next meeting, also the possibility of jackets to put the
patches on was mentioned. This will need to be followed up in future meetings.
The meeting was adjourned at 18:30. -- Chuck
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ITEMS TO TAKE NOTE OF
Heula Pittman
Christmas Items For SAFE HOUSE Needed
Emma Rogers and Lee Reider once again ask for donations for the SAFE HOUSE, a
place that houses men and women who have been abused. These people often have
had to leave their homes on short notice.
Anything will be accepted except: Do not donate stuffed toys and do not donate
used toys! Books, games, school supplies, NEW toys, personal toiletries for all
ages and clothing for men, women, children and babies are needed. Actually, just
about anything one could imagine when thinking about people who have been
displaced from their homes! Cash donations will be gratefully accepted as well.
Please, do not wrap your donated items -- bring them as they are.
Lee and Emma are collecting your items and will deliver them to the proper
location. For convenience, bring your donated items to our Christmas Party on
Saturday December 3rd at Roper's Restaurant at 5:30 PM.
Thanks to all who helped with this club project last year. We look forward to
having a good supply of items to share this year also.
Tri-State 2012 in Salida, Colorado
Steve Goodman has reported to us that planning is underway for next year's
Tri-State event to be sponsored by Rocky Mountain CORSA of Denver. It will be
held in Salida, Colorado. The dates are May 18-19-20 and the room rates will be
approximately $60.00 per night.
Steve will let us know more details as they become available. Mark your
calendars for this special event!
We anticipate that the 2012 BOYDSTON AWARD will be presented at the Tri-State
banquet.
If you haven't been to a Tri-State event you owe it to yourself to make the trip
to Salida in scenic Colorado next May!
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Balloon Fiesta Report
John Wiker
What a beautiful day for a car show and balloon launch. About 300 cars showed
up, at least, by Art Gold's and my estimate. We filled the Journal parking lot
and had two rows parked along the street. We learned that just because we were
all parked together in the lot, it did not mean that we would end up that way on
the balloon field. Three of our five cars got together by luck. Art led off with
his El Camino which confused the next car club in line. The four Corvairs with
him got left behind when some Fords pulled ahead of Geoff, me and Bob. Then the
light changed and Sarah and Javier got left. Next year we will line up on the
road like the Mercedes Benzes did so we can be together.
Once in, there were lots of visits and of course the common Corvair comments:
Where is the engine; Nader's car; Unsafe at Any Speed; What happened that they
quit making them. I did hear something for the first time in my short career
with the car. An excited four-year-old told her Dad that "They made the car
backwards!" I rewarded her and several others with free photos holding the
BumbleBee inside my trunk. Some were so in love with Corvairs, they asked where
they could buy one for themselves. I provided Pat Hall as a source, as well as
Craig's List, but warned about bidding sight unseen. I even told them about the
Ultra Van available in the newspaper today. Several young as well as older
ladies asked if they could have a picture with my car. I was surprised when they
meant that they wanted to be inside to pose as if they owned it. I gave in once
and the word must have spread that there was a car at the show that they could
even touch as well as get inside for a picture. Next year, maybe I'll set up a
booth and make some money.
We all left by 12:00 noon. So another Balloon Fiesta comes to an end. Thanks to
Kelly and Art Gold, Anne and Geoff Johnson and the twins, Sarah and Javier Gold
and Bob McBreen for bringing out the cars to represent our club. It was also
good to see Leslie and Kevin Sullivan again. They brought out their MG four-door
Midget -- or is that Magnette.
Photos are on the web page. See "Photos" and "Recent".
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BINGO NIGHT -- Ray Trujillo
Hello everyone!
Fall has arrived and that also means it's time for CNM to hold its annual
potluck and bingo /silent auction night. If you've attended this event in the
past you know how much fun we've had, so make plans now to come and enjoy a
great night of family entertainment. We'll try to play at least five games of
bingo and we'll all enjoy the popular potluck dishes that everyone brings. Also,
if you'd like to donate an item for the silent auction that would be great. So
keep Saturday November 5th at 5:30 PM open so you can attend this fun event. As
always, Steve and Rita have graciously offered to host this event at their House
of Covers business at 115 Richmond NE.
The bingo cards cost $2 per game with half the proceeds to the winner and the
other half going to CNM's bank account. If you come please bring a dish for the
potluck and bring change (several dollar bills) for your bingo cards. I am
looking forward to seeing you there and hopefully you'll be lucky enough to yell
BINGO! -- Ray
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CNM BINGO -- Rita Gongora
Our annual CNM Bingo and Silent Auction will be Saturday, November 5 starting at
5:30 PM at House of Covers, 115 Richmond NE. It will be a potluck with drinks
and paper goods provided. Bring your miscellaneous items for the "Silent
Auction" sale. You'll be able to bid on the items till the announced cutoff time
and take your valuable purchases home with you. Ray Trujillo will conduct the
Bingo Operations. It is a wonderful and fun event and we look forward to it.
Make sure you mark your calendars. For any questions please call me at 256-0551
or 292-5570. -- Rita
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CHRISTMAS DINNER
Rita Gongora
Our annual CNM Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 5:30 PM
at Roper's Restaurant, 8810 Central SE. I talked with TK at the restaurant this
morning, October 20th. He said the buffet dinner will be American and Mexican
Food and will cost $12.95 per person. This includes tax and gratuity. Please
plan to bring gifts for charity as has been done many times in the past. An
article about the charity is nearby. Roper's Restaurant is just east of the
intersection of Central & Wyoming on the south side of Central.
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Old Route 66 Clean-up
Ollie Scheflow
The last clean-up for 2011 was October 22nd, postponed from a cold and rainy
October 8th. Weather was perfect. Trash was light. The hard luck award for the
event goes to John Wiker who sat in a slow-moving parking lot (otherwise known
as I-40 near Coors) for an hour, bathed in the rays of police car red and blue
lights. He did not even get to see what caused the clotting of the freeway! Our
jolly crew consisted of Pat Hall, Jim Pittman, Robert Gold, Javi Gold, Bill
Reider, David Huntoon, Oliver Scheflow and John Wiker. I was assisted in this
report by the club ghost writer. Just in time for Haloween!
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Save the Date!
Sunday -- November 20th -- 12:00 TO 3:00
Larry Yoffee
Where: North Domingo Baca Community Center
(where we hold our monthly membership meeting at Wyoming & Carmel NE)
It's our Fall 2011 "Corvair Affair" and a chance to show off your Corvairs!!
Let's have a great turnout for this event, show off our beautiful cars and
hopefully we'll attract some new folks to our club. This is also a great
opportunity to catch up with members we may not have seen in a while.
So please come out and show your support for our club and have a good time!
This is a bring-your-own food and drinks and chairs event.
Please contact me at 321-5909 or email me at:
corsa180 @ gmail.com for any further information.
FYI: if the weather is crummy, we'll re-schedule.
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Special Birthday Wishes go to Four Special People:
Anne Wiker November 6
Jim Pittman November 13
Opal Zuercher November 22
John Wiker November 23
One Special Couple Celebrate their Wedding Anniversary This month:
Brenda & Mike Stickler November 21
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The Corvair Powerglide Transmission
by Bob Helt
Reprinted from
Vegas Vairs Vision
October 2011, pages 2-3
Strange as it may seem, the Corvair Powerglide transmission was patterned after
the Model T Ford (1908-1928) transmission. Both of these transmissions used a
sun and planetary gear set that provided two speeds forward and one reverse. The
main difference being of course that the Corvair tranny included automatic
shifting between the two forward gears, with the addition of a torque converter
that multiplied the low speed engine torque.
In addition, of course, the Corvair Powerglide was simply a slightly smaller
version of the Chevrolet big-car Powerglide that had been in production for many
years, and was fully developed from Proving Grounds testing and customer
experiences-
Thus it was that the Corvair Powerglide was an exceptionally rugged transmission
that incorporated many of the worst-case fixes made necessary by Chevrolet's
prior experiences.
For example, the Powerglide was designed to be capable of withstanding without
failure 100 wide-open-throttle low-to-reverse shifts on dry pavement. This was
to ensure its ability to accept possible customer abuse. (Frank Winchell said
that this test was the result of actual driving responses by the public.) Of
course not every transmission was tested this way. But periodically a production
unit would be so tested to ensure that this criterion was still being met.
The bell housing surrounding the torque converter allowed cooling air to be
sucked in through an opening and swirled around the converter prior to being
exited from the housing. This effectively cooled the converter and the
lubricating oil within. While fairly effective for normal driving, the oil was
prone to running at high temperatures when the converter was maximizing the
torque multiplication at high ambient outside temperatures. This lead to factory
recommendations of frequent transmission oil changes.
The torque converter was capable of multiplying the torque a maximum of 2.4
times (later 2.6). This, coupled with the low gear ratio of 1.82:1 gave an
effective low speed gearing of 4.36 with the 3.55:1 rear axle ratio.
With the brakes firmly set and the transmission in low gear, the 80 HP engine
speed was limited to 1600 rpm at wide-open-throttle. This was called the stall
speed. Although there is no official documentation known, it is believed that
later engines were allowed a higher stall speed to more nearly match their
torque characteristics.
Although a high speed lockup was considered (all current production vehicles use
a lockup), it was never used on the Powerglides. As a result there was always
some slight slippage in the converter even at a steady cruising speed. Maximum
coupling was about 94% at 100 Lb-ft torque.
One nice feature, not commonly provided now, was the ability to push-start a
dead engine because of the included rear oil pump in the transmission.
Although there were slight changes made nearly each year, there are really two
different versions of the Corvair Powerglide. One was designed for the 140/145
CID engines with their torque capabilities and a second version was designed to
handle the greater torque available from the 164 CID engines. This second
version transmission used much higher internal oil pressures to counter this
increased engine torque. While this later version Powerglide may be installed
and used with the smaller engines, it is not recommended that the earlier
version ever be mounted to a LM engine because of the lower internal pressures
that might allow slipping and loss of power under some circumstances.
There was also a modification to this second version Powerglide that was used
for the 140 HP, four carburetor engines (Powerglide was never available with the
turbocharger engines). This modification effectively raised the shift points to
more nearly match the increased speed of the engine.
One might wonder if there were ever any hidden defects or operational problems
discovered in the Corvair Powerglides. We can't think of any but there were a
few common failures due to age and wear. These follow.
After standing unused for several days, the transmission oil would tend to drain
from the converter and settle in the pan. This raised the fluid level to the
point that it would leak from a worn or damaged control cable where it entered
the transmission, leaving big oil spots under the vehicle. The fix was to
replace this cable or tightly wrap the leaking portion of the cable with an
oil-tight covering (available from vendors).
Another possible problem is the diaphragm failure in the modulator allowing
transmission oil to be sucked into the engine via the vacuum hose connection.
This can be checked by pulling the short coupler hose from the balance tube and
looking for a wet condition (i.e., ATF fluid there). This fix was to simply
replace the faulty modulator. In addition, a faulty modulator possibly allowed
some uncontrolled shifts that could have broken the e-clip within the valve
body. This required the valve body to be removed and a new e-clip to be
installed. The broken or lost e-clip resulted in erratic shifting.
Failure of the front oil seal in the differential would allow transmission oil
to enter the differential and mix with the differential lube causing excessive
wear on the ring and pinion within. This was an infrequent problem, luckily.
And lastly, the already mentioned factory recommendations to make frequent
transmission oil changes due to deterioration of the ATF.
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REPRINTED FROM:
Tucson Corvair Association
Corvairsation - March 2011 - page 5
Pushrod Tube O-Rings
by Ken Hand
Many of us have been working on Corvair engines for so long that we take certain
things for granted. Replacing pushrod tube O-rings is one of those things. Ron
Bloom posed the question to fellow Corvanatics atic Ken Hand who gave the
following advice. Editor, Corvairsation
For all of you out there that have or are going to replace the push tube O-rings
there are several ways to do this. There have been several replies already as to
how some people do this like loosening the upper nuts as well as taking all the
lower stud/nuts loose, one cylinder at a time and most any other way that you
can creatively think of doing this.
Personally as a professional that used to do this trying to make a living, time
is money. What I do as a total O-ring job is drain the oil since you will be
getting debris in there any way. I then remove both rocker covers and proceed to
remove all the rocker arms and place them in the rocker cover, also removing the
push rods and spinning them to see if any are bent and also placing them in the
rocker cover so the ends sit on one end and will mostly drain out. I then cover
the rocker cover so dirt will stay out and place it some place out of the way. I
then remove all the lower stud nuts, be sure at this point that you DO NOT turn
the engine, there is no need to. Then get a either a 9/16 or a 5/8 socket and
tap pretty firmly using the socket on the end of the push rods. After doing this
you may be able to gently use pliers or if you have a removal tool it makes for
them to come out a lot easier. Once out remove the old remnants of O-rings and
clean the push tubes and the oil pan while you are at it. This would be the
perfect time to really clean the push tubes and ceramic paint the head end of
the tubes to reduce oil heat induced by the exhaust stacks and manifolds.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the exhaust will have to come down as the muffler
is in the way to remove the push rods most times. I remove the exhaust as a
system leaving the manifolds attached to the pipe and muffler, especially if you
have rusty studs and nuts on the manifold. Again, if you are so inclined, remove
the manifolds and have them ceramic coated or at least ceramic paint them
yourself. This reduces radiated heat significantly.
Back to the O-ring job. Clean the head and the block as needed with what you
feel is best but I generally use the Wal-Mart brand Super Tech carb cleaner and
a brush. Be careful with this as it WILL remove paint. Then install only the
outer O-rings on the tubes. You will need to lubricate the O-ring bores, I use a
silicone grease, NOT RTV silicone. The dielectric grease works quite well for
this and you can get it in small tubes. You only need to lube the lead-in angles
and whatever else your finger may touch in the bore. Don't forget to do the
block also.
Slide in the push tubes and install the other O-rings, there will be a little
silicone grease there, leave it. You should then be able to push the tube in
place by hand with a little twisting motion. I put a finger on the head side and
twist with the other while pushing and generally they slide right in with a
push. Install the rocker stud O-rings and with your finger be a little liberal
with the grease. Yes, some will get on the stud.
If needed, clean the stud-nuts, especially the outside that is against the
O-ring. You should be able to start them all by hand after this. Once all the
rocker studs are all run down get your torque wrench out and starting with the
center nuts work in a pattern back and forth till all are tight. Re-torque 3-4
times or until all studs are at the same torque. When you do this you will see
why I say this. I generally use 30-33 lbs-ft of torque for the lower studs.
Here is another controversy. Do you need to keep the same rocker arm on the same
valve? NO. Push rods? NO. If you have a very worn rocker arm it need to be
replaced anyway. Check the rocker balls, if they have a wear ring on them they
need to be replaced also. Once installed run the nuts down to where they are
even with the top of the stud then proceed with my rocker adjustment procedure.
Notice I didn't say anything about cleaning the rocker arms? If they were
covered they should already be oily and clean. If you feel that there is more
lube needed use a spray grease of some kind, it goes where needed and stays put.
After the valves are adjusted put the rocker cover on, if the valves were
adjusted properly you will not take it off again.
Do the other side same as the first. With the oil pan clean be sure and pound
the bolt holes back while the pan is supported on either side of the hole you
are doing. I do use RTV silicone here but you only need a film not the large
bead so it squeezes out everywhere. Put all the bolt in the pan and just snug
the bolts so they hold the pan firmly in place. All you need for this is a nut
driver not a ratchet or power tool. Let things set overnight if you are not in
that big of a hurry as you are going to come back and tighten all the pan bolts
again this time using your choice of tool. Tighten no more than where you see
the gasket crush, just a little, or 20 lbs. in. Put oil in and fire it up. If
you read my valve adjusting procedure this is the time you walk away for a while
so you don't hear the valves clattering. When you come back all should be quiet.
I know that I have skipped a couple of steps but this is not meant to be a step
by step directions. If you think you can handle this then you have the smarts to
do what is needed in the right order.
If you are squeamish about taking all the lower studs loose then do just two at
a time but it will take you 2-3 times as long. Here is a goal, target, reference
for you, My flat rate on labor hours was 4 hours for an average O-ring job and I
could do it in less time than that. Painting and ceramic coating added time as
does the waiting for the oil pan RTV.
I can't count the number of O-ring jobs I have done over the years and I have
never had one come back because of a blown head gasket later.
Ken Hand,
www.corvairmechanic.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dennis Ritchie, Father of "C" and "UNIX" -- 1941-2011
Jim Pittman
We all mourned Apple's Steve Jobs who died on October 5th, but one of the
programmers most responsible for the Internet as we know it today, Dennis
Ritchie, died on October 12th and only the most dedicated Information Technology
people recognized his name or his contributions to modern computing. [Right:
Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson with a PDP-11 computer in 1972 at Bell Labs.]
My first experience with a computer was at the University of New Mexico in the
early 1970s and the computer was a "LINC-8" looking very much like the PDP-11
shown here. I didn't master programming, but I did sit up into the wee hours
many nights helping our engineer, Richard Pettit, develop a program to record
the firing of single neurons in cat brains. This was for basic research in
Neurophysiology.
Later while working at the UNM computing center I learned about the "C"
programming language and the world's best computer operating system, UNIX,
both developed by Dennis Ritchie and Ken Thompson. I never had a talent for
programming, but I was able to do my job much more efficiently by developing
a working understanding of the operating systems that underlies the "user
interface" that most computer users see.
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C O R V A I R S o f N E W M E X I C O C O M I N G E V E N T S
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| November 2011 | December 2011 | January 2012 |
| Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa | Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa | Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa |
| 1 2 3 4 5 | 1 2 3 | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
| 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 | 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 | 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 |
| 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 | 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 | 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 |
| 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 | 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 | 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 |
| 27 28 29 30 | 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 | 29 30 31 |
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Wed 2 Nov 7:00 PM Meeting: NORTH DOMINGO BACA MULTIGENERATIONAL CENTER,
just west of the corner of Wyoming & Carmel.
That is just north of Wyoming and Paseo del Norte.
Wed 2 Nov After our meeting, we will go to the IHOP at 8100 Wyoming NE
Sat 5 Nov 5:30 PM Bingo & Pot Luck at HOUSE OF COVERS, 115 Richmond NE
Bring items for silent auction. Bingo: $2.00 per game.
Sun 6 Nov 2:00 AM Daylight Saving Time ends -- set your clocks BACK an hour
Sat 12 Nov Second Saturdays: Los Lunas "66 Cruise" starts in Bosque Farms at the
Wells Fargo Bank. 1:00 PM in Winter, 6:00 PM during Daylight Time.
Wed 16 Nov 5:00 PM Board Meeting: Business Printing Service - 4316 Silver SE
Sun 20 Nov 12:00 to 3:00 PM CNM's FALL CORVAIR AFFAIR -- contact Larry Yoffee
Our Corvair-only show at NORTH DOMINGO BACA CENTER.
Let's get all the club's Corvairs together at this event!
Call Larry: 505-321-5909 or email corsa180 @ gmail.com
Fri 25 Nov 9:00 PM December Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
============================================================================
Sat 3 Dec 5:30 PM Annual CNM Christmas Party -- Buffet meal $12.95/person.
Roper's Restaurant, 8810 Central SE -- bring your items
to donate to the SAFE HOUSE as in previous Christmases.
Wed 7 Dec 7:00 PM Meeting: NORTH DOMINGO BACA MULTIGENERATIONAL CENTER,
at the corner of Wyoming & Carmel. That is just north of
Wyoming and Paseo del Norte.
Wed 7 Dec After our meeting, we will go to the IHOP at 8100 Wyoming NE
Sat 10 Dec Second Saturdays: Los Lunas "66 Cruise" starts in Bosque Farms at the
Wells Fargo Bank. 1:00 PM in Winter, 6:00 PM during Daylight Time.
Wed 21 Dec 5:00 PM Board Meeting: Business Printing Service - 4316 Silver SE
Fri 23 Dec 9:00 PM January Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
============================================================================
Wed 4 Jan 6:00 to 7:00 PM Meeting: [ TO BE DETERMINED ]
Wed 4 Jan After our meeting, we go to the 66 Diner, 1405 Central NE
Sat 14 Jan Second Saturdays: Los Lunas "66 Cruise" starts in Bosque Farms at the
Wells Fargo Bank. 1:00 PM in Winter, 6:00 PM during Daylight Time.
Wed 18 Jan 5:00 PM Board Meeting: Business Printing Service - 4316 Silver SE
Fri 20 Jan 9:00 PM February Newsletter Deadline - Jim Pittman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tarmo Sutt suggested a tour to Glorietta (east of Santa Fe) to see a collection
of old guns, some as recent as The Great War of 1914-18. Is there any interest?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
============================================================================
2012: March CLUB ACTIVITIES AWARD PRESENTED AT 38th ANNIVERSARY PARTY!
============================================================================
2012: May 18-19-20 Tri-State Meet - Salida, Colorado - ROCKY MOUNTAIN CORSA
============================================================================
2012: Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat 25-26-27-28 JULY -- 2012 CORSA CONVENTION!
The Northeast Corvair Council (NECC) has been awarded the 2012 International
Convention for the Corvair Society of America (CORSA), to take place in
Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Plan on coming to colonial Sturbridge, Massachusetts!
============================================================================
See the New Mexico Council of Car Clubs Web Site for more "NMCCC" activities:
===================== http://www.nmisso.com/nmccc1.htm =====================
YEARS AGO IN NOVEMBER --- Jim Pittman
2004 - VOL 30
Nr. 10 - # 349
On the cover, Del with the "Purple Corvair" talks to Geoff at a club breakfast.
We met at Galles, V-P Sally presiding. Wendell told us we had $2342.88 in the
bank. The awards committee had a report. There were over 200 cars at the Balloon
Fiesta car show. A potluck and auction were coming up. Our Christmas party was
scheduled for the Kirtland AFB officers' club. We elected officers: David
Huntoon, Sally Johnson, Wendell Walker, Chuck Vertrees. Galles security wanted
all of us to leave at the same time. We learned that we exchange newsletters
with 21 other chapters.
Dave Huntoon told a tale about how his counselor in high school asked him to
drive a 1955 Cadillac convertible in the homecoming parade. Somewhat like
Cinderella's pumpkin, it was magically changed into a new 1963 Falcon Futura.
Kay Sutt reported on our Aspencade to Fourth of July Canyon south of
Albuquerque. Several Corvairs made the trip. Steve Goodman, continuing his
series of stories about dumb drivers, told us some of the things that can happen
with too much weight added to the trunk, in this case, about a foot of concrete.
Steve also told where to look for the source of pesky water leaks. Finally,
Heula reported on her daughter's tip of using dryer sheets, slightly wet, to get
the remains of insects off the front of your car.
1997 - VOL 23
Nr. 10 - # 265
Our cover showed a nice late coupe in a suburban setting. New members Clint &
Faye Jones had just acquired a 1967 automatic sedan; son Bradley owned a 1969
Mustang. George & Beryl Montoya had just purchased two 1962 Spyder convertibles.
Mark ran the meeting and after our election turned the gavel and briefcase over
to Dennis. Wendell sent in a report giving our bank balance as $8,032. Bill
reported on a successful swap meet, making some $2,000 for the Car Council. Our
ambitious Aspencade plans were to drive to Jemez Springs, Valle Grande, Pajarito
Ski Area, and to Chimayo for lunch.
Robert talked about his dissatisfaction with the recent "Un-Fair" car show and
proposed to work hard to get us back into the real State Fair next year. Mark
reported on the Board's discussion about a Boydston Award and its relationship
to the Meissner Award. Tarmo reported on preparations for next year's Tri-State,
to be held in Lake City, Colorado. Jon said he was lining up a visit to the Old
Car Garage to see how to restore stainless steel trim. Ollie asked for
volunteers to help clean up our mile of Old Route 66. Sylvan posed the question,
if you rotate your engine backwards, would it "blow" instead of "suck" through
the carbs? No satisfactory answer was immediately available from our puzzled
mechanics. A more useful tech tip told how one expert installed needle bearings
in a transmission countergear without using a dummy shaft. He just used wheel
bearing grease to hold the 92 roller bearings in place, then carefully tapped in
the shaft, going by feel and sound to get the gear centered on the shaft. Boy!
Dennis, preparing for the time when he'd be a newsletter editor in Colorado,
penned his first president's letter, appropriately named "Full'a Hot Air" and
there was a rumor that Del suggested the title. Mike & Brenda invited all CNM
engineers or conductors to take the season's last ride on the "Cactus Limited"
railroad. Mark's "Billiken" hero discovers that Oakie's on Central is no more.
Finally, an article by an Apple Computer Club member described a trek across the
Mojave Desert in the middle of summer. The plan to drive across at night came to
grief when the car (it wasn't a Corvair) broke down and the family was exposed
to the burning heat of daytime trying to get it fixed so they could escape to
Arizona.
CNM November 1997: all-in-all, a classic issue!
1990 - VOL 16
Nr. 10 - # 181
Our cover came from a catalog photo of a speeding Yenko Stinger. We called off
the Aspencade: rain and snow. Bill Reider had the newly printed Clark's parts
list with hundreds of items in part number order. We elected officers: Steve
Gongora, Will Davis, Charles Vertrees and Wendell Walker. Steve Gongora's "From
the President" column bragged about his "Super" Corvair 95 Panel Van used every
day in his House of Covers work. Steve also urged the members to participate in
Club events to explore New Mexico.
LeRoy Rogers reported on a great tour to Trinity Site. Most of the crew stopped
by the original Owl Cafe in San Antonio for atomic chili cheeseburgers on the
way back. Finally, this issue wrapped up with four pages of reports by Popular
Science writers who drove the new 1960 Corvair around the country.
1983 - VOL 09
Nr. 10 - # 097
The cover: a Model T Ford. If you had sharp eyes you could match the names to
the parts. LeRoy Rogers, George Morin and Bill Hector were re-elected and Robert
Gold became Treasurer. We stole, er, borrowed a nice article on the Corvair from
Autoweek via Ventura Vair Chatter; Bert Levy said the Corvair was an American
sports car that just got no respect from those caught up in the sixties muscle
car phenomenon. Luckily we all know better. We had tech tips from Bill Reider on
Silicone: Friend or Foe? (he said a little was your friend but a lot was not)
and George Morin told how to install a modern dual master brake cylinder (he
provided clearly illustrated instructions) to give you safer stopping power.
1976 - VOL 02
Sadly, in November 1976 we had to do without a CNM newsletter.
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== END ==