The Ford Zodiac V8 Finally Idles! 🔥 | More Progress at Last

The Ford Zodiac V8 project takes another huge step forward! In this episode, I wire up the tachometer and electric radiator fan, pressure test the cooling system, finish the radiator plumbing, fill it with coolant, and track down a leak before getting everything sealed up. With the oil system finally primed, I fabricate a temporary belt tensioner to test the water pump, install the throttle cable, and offer up the exhaust system to measure for the final pipework. Then comes the moment we've been waiting for... the Ford 302 finally settles into a smooth idle under its own power! As always, it wouldn't be a day in the garage without a bit of conversation along the way—including the Springboks' win over England and a quick explanation of what a proper South African braai is! 🇿🇦🔥 🚗 Car: Ford Zodiac V8 🔧 Job: Wiring, cooling system, oil priming, throttle installation & first idle ⚠️ Reason: Completing the final systems before moving on to the exhaust Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:39 - Wiring 03:40 - Oil Priming 08:30 - Radiator Fan Electrics 10:48 - Cooling System 15:40 - Trial Fitting The Fan 18:12 - Day 2 Quick Update 19:07 - Throttle Cable 21:51 - End Of Day 2 23:06 - Day 3! 23:23 - Exhaust Fitting 28:27 - Makshift Tensioner 29:43 - Cooling System Leak! 31:37 - Idle Attempt! The project is really starting to come together now, and we're one step closer to getting this classic Ford back on the road. #ford #fordzodiac #v8swap #ford302 #classicford #projectcar #restoration #smallblockford #braai #springboks #cartok