1962 Series II - Random Questions

[1962300]

Random Questions for the group please....
- Are the threads able to be cleaned with SAE Tap & Dye sets? I believe the thread pitches are what I am used to on my big old American made cars; yea? Before I start cleaning out thread holes in the block; wanted to confirm.
- The Harmonic Balancer / Damper - I am used to my Chrysler big block ones...where I send them off to https://www.damperdudes.net/ for them to replace the rubber material that is vulcanized into the damper. Is the Sunbeam Alpine damper also in need of rebuilding? Or do I just reuse mine, with no concern? Or is it easiest to buy a reproduction damper?
- Hylomar Blue seems to be a recommended sealant to use on the oil pan, tappet cover. It is recommended for ALL other gaskets in the build as well? Like the water pump, fuel pump, etc.? I usually use Permatex Ultra Black on my domestic motors.
- Gasket Preference - I am planning to order from either Alpine Innovations or New Forest Gaskets. They both seem to offer better than stock gaskets for the oil pan, tappet cover, rocker cover; right? Any preference? I need gaskets for the full motor, yet think it best to use the fancier ones for those common oil leak areas.
- The Camshaft Retaining Plate - I need to order up a new one, as mine is broken in half. How do I determine if I should order the stock one or the .004" oversize one?

Thank you all very much!

 

[hartmandm]

Regarding threads - majority are UNF and UNC. There are a few fasteners on the car that are not UNF or UNC. The Parts Manual will tell you the specs for most fasteners: https://sunbeamalpine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alpine-parts-manual-SI-SV-searchable-v2.pdf. Example below.



Thread checkers will come in handy if you don't have them already. I have this set: https://www.threadtoolsupply.com/sae-inch-thread-checker.html

Mike

 

[Tim R]

It your original harmonic balancer is in decent condition and the keyway is not worn I would keep it. The remanufactured ones have a habit of exploding and causing a lot of damage.
Tim R

 

[beamdream]

Re cam retaining plate, why not purchase both, standard and oversize. Follow reassembly as per workshop manual, using whichever suiits.

 

[hartmandm]

Based on recommendations from others, I used Hylomar blue for the water pump, water outlet connection, and thermostat housing in 2019. All good so far.

Mike

 

[Bill Blue]

While I am not a expert on Stock Alpine bodies, I do not recall ever seeing any UNC threads. UNF all the way. As I recall, the threads on the 1/4" bolts holding the seats to the floor are Whitworth, but work just fine if you "clean" them up with a UNF tap.
Bill

 

[1962300]

Any thoughts on this....?
- Gasket Preference - I am planning to order from either Alpine Innovations or New Forest Gaskets. They both seem to offer better than stock gaskets for the oil pan, tappet cover, rocker cover; right? Any preference? I need gaskets for the full motor, yet think it best to use the fancier ones for those common oil leak areas.

 

[alpine_64]

It your original harmonic balancer is in decent condition and the keyway is not worn I would keep it. The remanufactured ones have a habit of exploding and causing a lot of damage.
Tim R

Tim where were these coming from.. ?
Do you mean remanufactured as in rebuilt
Or new reproduction?

The ones American BJD ones were ok

 

[Mike O'D]

Did you mean BHJ? I just bought one - way more expensive than I thought it should be, but looks like very nice quality and made in U.S.A. I sure hope it lasts a long time.

 

[alpine_64]

Did you mean BHJ? I just bought one - way more expensive than I thought it should be, but looks like very nice quality and made in U.S.A. I sure hope it lasts a long time.

Yup ..typo....

Which did you buy.. standard or one of the various lightweight ones.. one with the seal ?

I've not had of issues with the BHJ and know people using the lightweight race ones and the ones compatible with the timing covers with seals.

 

[Mike O'D]

I got the original style replacement. Didn't feel like tearing the engine down enough to replace the timing cover with the Chevy seal.

 

[Tim R]

Alpine_64 I was talking about brand new harmonic balancers. I've not heard of BHJ but my guess is that if it is made in the U.S. it will be good quality. We purchased a new harmonic balancer and it exploded at speed and destroyed the radiator, timing cover and alternator. Subsequently we found out that we were not the only people who had suffered this. We then fitted a brand new solid pulley. The car ran fine with no apparent differences. I was then able to locate a good second hand balancer and fitted that.
Tim R

 

[alpine_64]

Alpine_64 I was talking about brand new harmonic balancers. I've not heard of BHJ but my guess is that if it is made in the U.S. it will be good quality. We purchased a new harmonic balancer and it exploded at speed and destroyed the radiator, timing cover and alternator. Subsequently we found out that we were not the only people who had suffered this. We then fitted a brand new solid pulley. The car ran fine with no apparent differences. I was then able to locate a good second hand balancer and fitted that.
Tim R

So Tim were these balancers you and other UK owners had fail from the Netherlands?

 

[mxp01]

I have had my BHL balancer going on 10 years now. I bought the original style and it looks the same as it did 10 years ago. last year a bought the timing cover with the seal in it from AI and also had them send me the sleeve that goes over the reverse groove on the balancer. All it went together just fine.

 

[Tim R]

Alpine_64, I didn't buy mine from there but I believe that it originated there.
Tim R

 

[Gordon Holsinger]

While I am not a expert on Stock Alpine bodies, I do not recall ever seeing any UNC threads. UNF all the way. As I recall, the threads on the 1/4" bolts holding the seats to the floor are Whitworth, but work just fine if you "clean" them up with a UNF tap.
Bill

If you have a British MC shop near you you can find whitworth bolts older Brit car places also can supply!