455 Basic engine hose, vacuum and power steering

**39 Buick 455** · 09-25-2004, 05:04 AM

I purchased a 39 Buick which has a 455 in it and nothing is hooked up and the power steering is missing. I need some help identifing locations to hook everything up. A couple of photos of an engine front and top would greatly help!
Thanks for taking the time to read this even if you cannot help!
Daryl hurricane@zoominternet.net

**39 Buick 455** · 09-25-2004, 08:31 AM

If someone could also provide me with the firing order I would also appreciate that. Also, is the number one cylinder the first from the left like most GM's?

**theoldguy** · 09-25-2004, 11:45 AM

The number one is the first one on the drivers side.
Firing order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

**39 Buick 455** · 09-25-2004, 04:55 PM

Thanks!, Joe,
I thought it was but was not sure.
Could you also tell where the small tube on the bottom of the fuel pump goes? The threaded fitting I think goes to the carburetor, is this correct?
I really do appreciate your assistance!
Daryl

**theoldguy** · 09-26-2004, 06:07 AM

Some 455 fuel pumps have three fittings. The large slip fitting goes to the feed line from the tank. the threaded fitting goes to the carb, and the little slip on line is for a return to the tank. If that is the one you are referring to, you can just block it off. It was put there so they could keep fuel flowing, and so prevent vapor lock, but if your tank does not have the place for it , it is OK to block.

**39 Buick 455** · 09-26-2004, 08:20 AM

Thanks again!, Joe,

My tank does not have the return capablity so it will get blocked off. I was not sure if it would have too much pressure to block off but your explanation has resolved that. You help is very much appreciated! Thanks!

There is a hole in the very rear, just off of center, of the intake that has a grommet in it Can you help identify its purpose?

There are two small hose conections on the water pump and two on the intake, the smaller one is actually on the thermostat housing). One is smaller than the other in both locations. Are the smaller ones bypasses and the larger ones for the heater connections?

What do you set the timing at, 8 degreees BTDC at about 750 RPM?

Thanks very much!
Daryl

**theoldguy** · 09-26-2004, 06:00 PM

The hole in the intake is for,the PCV valve. You should have a connection on the front of the carb that is the same diameter as the top connection on the PCV valve. if you run a hose from there to a PCV valve that plugs into the grommet you will be all set.
The smaller connection an the front housing and the connection on the outlet need a 90 degree hose. This is the bypass hose . The bigger connection is form the heater. there is also a heater hose connection on the intake by the water outlet.

**39 Buick 455** · 09-27-2004, 03:00 AM

Thanks!

The motor is said to be stock excpet the carburetor (Holley) and the intake (Eldebrock) can you help with the timing information?

Thanks, you have a tremendous amount of knowledge about engines!

Thanks,
Daryl

**39 Buick 455** · 09-27-2004, 03:04 AM

Thanks!

The motor is said to be stock except the Holley carburetor and the Edelbrock intake manifold, can you help with timing information? Is 8 degrees at 750 RPM a good starting point? What is the stock recommended setting?

Thanks, you have a tremendous amount of knowledge about engines!

Thanks,
Daryl

**theoldguy** · 09-27-2004, 05:54 AM

I usually put a mark on the harmonic balancer 1 3/4 inches from the original timing mark (clockwise) This is 30 degress. Then I power time the engine to 34-35 and see where the puts the initial timing. If it is not at least 8-10 I rework the distributor. I also like the centrifugal advance all in by 2500 RPM