1972 Duster Project - Back From The Pasture

Good day today. Pulled the oil pan without too much trouble. Had to pull the steering cross link out and cut the factory exhaust out. The pan came out fine without lifting the engine. I'm sure it was because the forward crank lobes were tucked up. Note to self to have them there when we re-install the pan.

New rear main seal,oil pump and pick up. The bottom end was very clean. I'm sure the 2 week soak in Marvel had something to do with it. The pan is all cleaned up and freshly painted. We'll pop it on tomorrow. It all went relatively smooth in my opinion. Lemon Jr. learned volumes.

We'll go through cooling, fuel and ignition next before a start attempt.

One question. Since we had to cut the exhaust out, any damage in a short test fire though straight manifolds when we get to that point? I have never fired an engine with only the stock manifolds in place. With headers, several times.

We would rather not bolt the stubs of exhaust back up unless we have to. It was a ***** to get out in the first place. Headers will go in eventually.

Opinions are welcome as always.