I made some progress on a couple of the mini-projects, but haven't really completed any of them yet.

First was to remove the spacer on the back of the crank shaft. Drilled out and tapped a 7/8" hole then threaded a bolt in to push the spacer out. It worked really well except I went a little further than I meant to with the drill.



Once that was out I wanted to replace the rear main seal since there was just a whiff of oil on the seal. Got the plate off and now waiting for the gasket.

A bonus project is now a water pump replacement (done 7000 miles ago) since there's coolant leaking from the freeze plug :


Bigger injectors for E85 are in. I went with the Bosch/Porsche 630cc units. I noticed some insulation and other signs of old mouse activity under the intake manifold. I was going to leave it since it doesn't seem to be causing any problems, but then the knock sensor plug (green plug next to the injectors) decided to completely dissolve while I unplugged it so the manifold is coming off to replace it.




I also have the camshafts out and the shoes replaced on the tensioner so that can go back together this week. I picked up the new(old) transmission locally which is most likely in need of a rebuild. I'm going to pull it apart and check but I'm 99% it's getting new parts. I'm thinking/hoping just the 1-2 shift collar and syncros from JHM should be enough. Otherwise the full rebuild kit isn't too much more. I do need to find a shifter box as well if anyone has one laying around they don't need let me know.

There was also plenty of [s]forbidden espresso[/s]gunk built up in the PCV hoses. I'm thinking this may have been why I was getting so much oil in the drivers side charge piping.