I started it at idle (removed throttle rod and put the spring on in its place) and noticed quite a bit of water blowing out of the exhaust manifold, complete with hissing and other scary behavior. Also drips from the manifold nuts. I was a bit concerned, as I've no idea how much initial condensation water is supposed to blow out of an engine like this. I don't really have that much experience with big iron. So I pulled off the exhaust manifold and fired it up again.
Hmm, #6 is blowing cold air, not warm. I'd wondered about that based on the condition of the cylinder head when I pulled it. Also, the engine didn't run as smoothly as it seems to me an I6 should have. I pulled the #6 wire and there was no spark. I stopped the engine and removed the wire (which is a replacement and unlike the others) and found it to be open. I removed the distributor-end vampire clip and that end seemed to be OK. I noticed that the other end was torn some at the metal clip, it's possible that it was yanked on or something. I pulled the clip off and jammed the ohmmeter probe into the neck: no continuity. So I cut off about 1/2" and tried again. I had to cut off a little over an inch in 1/4" bites before I got continuity. Fortunately there was enough slack in the wire to still reach. With the wire somewhat reassembled the engine ran much smoother. After #6 was firing, it also blew warm air and water out of it like the others. I let the engine idle long enough to warm up quite a bit, and all the water stopped coming out. Just condensation? Seems like it might be, and I _really_ hope so! Thoughts from the experienced among us? -- Jim
