Details, details...

Whew, that last 10% is killing me!  I thought for sure I'd get her running today, but there really are so many small details that need attention.  It's better to take your time and make sure everything is right than to rush through and forget things.  Well, let's not assume I remembered everything!

Today I installed an in-line fuel filter close to the fuel tank.  I couldn't tell if there was an in-tank filter, and I couldn't use the 280GE filter, so a nice clear 5/16" universal type did the trick.  I like to see the junk coming out of my tank!

Next I installed the vacuum bypass valve from a 617.950 engine.  I hope it works for the .951 I have, but it's the only one I could find anyway.  While I was at it I also installed the 300GD ignition switch & vacuum lines for the shut off valve.  Finally, I fabricated a custom vacuum supply line from the vac-pump to the brake booster using a combination of the 300GD and 300TD lines.  A little boiling water and those plastic lines get just soft enough to slip onto those steel fittings.  Now it even looks stock!

I had to modify my heater return hard line again, and install the 300GD return hose from the heater core to the heater valve in the engine bay.  It looks like there are variations on valve placement and hose routing so this will likely be a custom job on any conversion.

The 280 engine required a lot of wiring that I will no longer need but mixed in there are a few important wires.  I spent some time tracing and trying to figure out the important ones, but I'm not sure I'm done yet.  Specifically, I need the glow-plug light wire, and glow sensor wire.  It's not yet clear how I'm going to figure those out.  I can always tap into the harness behind the instrument cluster for the light, but the sensor is completely unknown to me as of yet.

The radiator is fully in, along with it's shroud & oil cooler.  I was told it'd have to be trimmed a bit due to the modified engine position, but everything seems okay for now.  The lower radiator support and vertical crossbar also went in, but I'm waiting on the upper support until I install a new hood release cable - the old one was broken and the hood could not latch any more.

Well,  tomorrow will be wiring and putting the last parts of the grille together.  Amazingly, I just might be nearing the end of the conversion!  I need to take some photos too!