Buick nailhead problems. Jun 7, 2007 · Hello to all.

Buick nailhead problems. I swapped intakes over to a 66 Q-jet style, and several problems have appeared. Aug 9, 2010 · 'Da Nailhead Pop Kennedy and TV-Tommy could make 'em run. 003-. I have an intermittent ticking sound coming out of the right side exhaust pipe. It's a great engine, sounds very nice with no leaks, squeaks or rattles. and it fit fine. Find out what went into bringing this more than 50-year-old engine back to pristine condition. 1 mm) bore. Jun 21, 2018 · I recently bought a '55 Buick Century at auction and it reportedly has a 401 nailhead out of a '64 Wildcat. for a nailhead 50 psi on a cold engine is pretty much normal,, then it will drop to about 20 on a hot idle. 26 Most Common Mistakes We get lots of phone calls and emails everyday, here are the most common mistakes done by builders and machinists. I'd just like to clarify the correct procedure. Jul 13, 2015 · The Cross over for the exhaust goes infront of the engine and i used pieces from the ford fox body single turbo setup. I need some advice, tips and tricks anything will help. You can too! Get the lowdown on the most underrated Buick motor herewho needs wedge heads? Apr 18, 2011 · on stock 401's and 425's what do these motors like in total timing (with vacuum disconnected)how much initial is best. I recently happened upon a 1957 Buick Super 4-door hardtop for a smokin' deal and decided to enter into this realm of automobile history that I have never been in before. Intake seals can be used BUT never use exhaust valve seals Cooling Problems This is one of my most asked problems to solve. how much timing should the vacuum pull in at cruising speed? Apr 13, 2021 · Trying to find a definitive answer to a question about which head bolts on a nailhead go into a water jacket in the block. Nov 16, 2013 · Technical Starter / Ignition Issues on 322 Nailhead for 53' Buick Super Discussion in ' Traditional Hot Rods ' started by 53'BuickAZ, Nov 16, 2013. What is the best choice for my nailhead? Also I run on high octane gas - should I add anything to it upon fill up? A friend has a 322 buick engine with early 401 heads. It has a 4 bbl carburator and looks correct. Ignitions & Distributors Lets talk about distributors, all nailhead distributors will swap, from 1953 until 1966. You need to make sure the pushrods are the right length and then if they check ok, make sure the lifters are the right height. Anyway, that's my take on the how and why of the nailhead Buick motor. However, when I fired it up the first time there were multiple tapping noises coming from the Our 401 Buick Nailhead V-8 rebuild project was quite an ordeal. I pulled the starter out and had it tested at a local auto parts store. These can plugs can be used with 364, 400, 401, 425 CID Buick Nailhead Rebuild or Refresh Your Engine? The cost of rebuilds are not cheap, if your Nailhead is still running well but you are worried about it being dependable because it has never been rebuilt here are some things you can do. In this video I attempt to get the forgotten Buick Super up and running, unfortunately it proved that it will not be easy, please enjoy the entertainment at Nov 23, 2010 · Introduced in 1953, the overhead valve Buick design incorporated vertical valves (the small size of which gave rise to its somewhat uncomplimentary nickname of ?“Nailhead”) and a pent-roof combustion chamber. Aftermarket carb on a 401? Discussion in ' The Hokey Ass Message Board ' started by SwitchBlade327, May 9, 2006. I got it out and took it to the repairshop. May 30, 2007 · 65 425 Nailhead questions and needs! Discussion in ' 'Da Nailhead ' started by d7cook, May 30, 2007. I ordered the service manual already. Jan 6, 2021 · When Buick replaced its overhead-valve inline-eight in 1953, the Nailhead became the company's first pushrod V-8. Is this common with a Nailhead? Art Oct 4, 2000 · Hello,<BR>This is my first post since registering with this fine group. The first thing I would do is replace the old plastic covered aluminum cam sprocket used on the 60's Nailheads with a new 3 piece steel timing set. Supposedly it was fired up regularly. The distributor placement at the front right side helps confirm the model. the old rule is,,,, the engine should gain 10 psi for each 1000 rpm of Aug 24, 2013 · Hello, I just putted a MSD ready to run ignition in my stock 1960 Buick nailhead 401. Had no spark - turns out the coil was busted and leaking oil - so I replaced it. The stoc Buick Nailhead, Engine Specifications and Blueprinting General Specifications for the 1966 Buick 401 and 425 Cubic Inch Engines The following information has been directly complied from original Buick service manuals for the respective year of vehicle manufacture. (this is not an engine i built, nor put on a dyno. Check for vacuum leaks first, buy yourself a good vacuum gauge and read up on how to read and interpret it. 3 L) followed the 322 as a junior V8 produced in 1954 and 1955 as a direct replacement for the smaller Buick 263 straight-eight, and was the only engine available in Buick's economy "Special" series vehicles. It was the smallest displacement Nailhead, sharing stroke and deck height with the 322, but having a smaller 3. The factory dual quad Super Wildcat had two 600 cfm AFB's and to-date the fastest Nailheads run 2 four barrels on an Edelbrock B262 intake. With engine cold, oil pressure at idle and at speed is 40+ psi. They should just touch without the gasket. I am working on a '61 401 The 1964 Buick 425 Nailhead, derived from a bored-out 401, has relatively thin cylinder walls. Excessive Oil Consumption Causes Sometimes people will have problems with a nailhead burning oil or smoking; they think they need better valve seals - but the nailhead did not use valve seals until the last year, 1966. Mar 12, 2006 · Head Flow Chart Doc's Dual Plane Modifications 1954 Blown Nailhead Nailhead Oil Pump Oil Consumption - 1964 401 and 425 Cubic Inch Engines OE Nailhead Cam Specs and Street Cam Selection Guide Buick Cam Specifications for 401 and 425 nailheads Buick Cams from Kenne Bell, 401, 425 Nailhead Parts Interchange Buick Engines Today Home Forums FIXIN May 16, 2009 · 66 401 Nailhead Re-build/Re-fresh Tips Discussion in ' 'Da Nailhead ' started by sd-slider, May 16, 2009. by noice » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:39 pm Okay, I'm helping a friend with a project vehicle, a 30s era Chevy truck. Then I got the car running - BUT. You can't use the standard formula for calculating CFM requirements. When i tore the motor down that perticular cylender was a bit scored from Apr 24, 2014 · Hello Buick owners! I am very new to American classic cars and thought I would jump in here. Jan 9, 2025 · Hi, I bought a 1955 Buick special with a 264 nailhead engine. I posted this to the identification and decoding forum, but thought it might better be placed Sep 1, 2010 · Head Flow Chart Doc's Dual Plane Modifications 1954 Blown Nailhead Nailhead Oil Pump Oil Consumption - 1964 401 and 425 Cubic Inch Engines OE Nailhead Cam Specs and Street Cam Selection Guide Buick Cam Specifications for 401 and 425 nailheads Buick Cams from Kenne Bell, 401, 425 Nailhead Parts Interchange Buick Engines Today Home Forums FIXIN Jan 29, 2012 · Was the aluminum 215 that came in the Buick specials a little nailhead? Apr 24, 2014 · Technical 60 buick nailhead stubborn oil pan leak Discussion in ' Traditional Hot Rods ' started by seanstrx276, Apr 24, 2014. Update, May 8, 2022: The Nailhead rebuild discussed below had multiple issues and didn't even make it 2,000 miles. Buick also used two distributor gears, the 53-55 and the 56-66, the reason May 13, 2011 · Like the Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the Chrysler Hemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell of history all over it. Jun 1, 2010 · ~~ HELP ~~ Problems starting 425 Buick Nailhead Discussion in ' The Hokey Ass Message Board ' started by Tall Paul, Jun 1, 2010. Now he bought the project for the body not for the engine, however it came with a 401 Buick Nailhead in between the frame rails. Dec 18, 2012 · I have a buick nailhead 401 that ive been puting together for awhile now and the motor has been completelly gone through and everything is new besides the rocker arms and shafts because they looked great when I tore the motor down. I have about 35 of Dave's conversions, and not one issue/problem. We’ll discuss the origins of this later, but note how tortured the exhaust port is, for having to make an almost 180 degree bend right behind its valve. I recently installed aftermarket mechanical gauges, including an oil pressure gauge. Overboring by . #1- valve guide clearance too tight (NEVER use bronze guide liners), the new stainless valves require . Can heads be swap from early blocks to late ? What Jul 24, 2011 · Did a full tune up today, but have gotten some conflicting data on setting the timing on a Nailhead 401. Rocker arm shafts are much stronger than studs with rockers on them. From the torque monsters of the 1960s to the high-flying Turbo models of the '80s, Buicks have a unique place in performance history. Have never heard it running. :confused:The 54 buick shop manual requests that you use a maximum of 20 wt Jul 28, 2014 · 63 Riviera, 401 Nailhead Questions Discussion in ' 'Da Nailhead ' started by 63rivnyc, Jul 28, 2014. Sep 8, 2011 · Need advice for a Buick Nailhead overheating problem. Sep 21, 2021 · The single biggest weakness of any Buick engine is the oiling system. Jul 28, 2019 · The Redline Rebuild guys are at it again. The most common causes are either worn rocker arms or the rocker arm shaft is upside down; the rocker oiling holes MUST face down. 002-. I have just picked up a 401 nailhead that I would like to find more about. Jun 7, 2007 · Hello to all. I have a recently rebuilt 401 in a 65 Riviera. They are prone to poor oiling. Recall that I bought the car from a friend and it was reported to have "top Jan 14, 2023 · It's interesting that the Nailhead has pretty much the same lubrication system as the early Y-block Fords, but the Ford V8 had monumental lubrication system problems, and the Nails had practically none unless the owner didn't believe in an oil change once in a while. Frankenbuick, Will this technique work for a 55 Buick 322 Nailhead as far as distributor installation and timing? David :bgrin: Oct 31, 2005 · Nailhead lifter noise Just remove the valve covers. Ttiming covers are sometimes damaged by a Feb 9, 2008 · The nailhead was timed at 2 1/2* BTDC, and used manifold vacuum to the vacuum advance so that it idled at about 18* BTDC. Jan 7, 2009 · This is where your problems begin. Here’s their latest time-lapse engine overhaul, a Buick Nailhead V8. Common oil leaks are caused by defective head gaskets, oil leaks out from the block to head passages. Many of you have followed along with our Redline Updates and already know a lot of the ins an Apr 16, 2007 · Need help with Buick 401 Nailhead Discussion in ' The Hokey Ass Message Board ' started by El Guapo, Apr 16, 2007. Other than leaking, the transmission is basically a one-speed slushbox. Sep 4, 2013 ·  I'm in Los Angeles and my 61 Buick with a 364 Nailhead is at my friend’s house in Van Nuys. In 55 they added filler caps on the valve covers, which probably helped alot when you did add oil, assuming you put it in on each side. Here’s the story behind Buick’s powerhouse, including how it earned the name Nailhead. 030"/align bored/balanced at a highly recommended machine shop. 040 inches can risk weakening these walls, potentially causing cracks or reduced engine durability. I've had a 425 dist. Yet, unlike its more familiar brothers, cousins and even competitors, the Nailhead has an aura of mystery about it as well. The original design of the oiling system has more than a few issues, including small oil feed holes, misaligned bearings, and poor cam and lifter oiling. Aug 7, 2009 · 322 Nailhead Misfire Diagnosis Discussion in ' 'Da Nailhead ' started by 1956century, Aug 7, 2009. Aug 21, 2010 · I have a 364 Nailhead in my '57 Buick, and the shop manual has a huge section on troubleshooting trans. com BB Welcome to the #1 Buick V-8 Message board on the web! Brought to you by Tri-Shield Performance. If you have a good running engine and just want something to go to the corner and back, just make sure your mechanical advance and vacuum Jan 12, 2013 · flynbuick Guest That would be a 300 cid Buick engine which is not a nailhead design. The whole valve train is very light so softer valve springs can be used for less engine wear and quicker revs. Apr 10, 2011 · one unfortunate drawback of the nailhead is the valves. The car sat on blocks for 20 yrs before I bought it. I read where I should be able to find a stamp on the front of the engine block (maybe upside down?) but I can't see an Dual intake for the early Ford flathead Buick nailhead tri power We have these for all the nailheads Any questions or problems, email us and we will help you find the right solution contact us Jul 11, 2020 · Just curious, has anyone installed an Edelbrock MVS2 650 CFM onto a 401 Nailhead? Was the original carb a 750 CFM? Thansk in advance Denis. The numbers matching original thermostat stuck Car was running hot in the last video and I'm hoping this thermostat Sep 25, 2006 · oil pressure problems in a nailhead Discussion in ' The Hokey Ass Message Board ' started by Sloppyseconds, Sep 25, 2006. I have a 63 401 that I’m going to rebuild. Sep 9, 2001 · This is my first ever engine rebuild and I have some tuning questions (yes, I am a rookie!!)<P>I have a 65 401 nailhead that I had punched . Since the starter only engages maybe one out of 12 turns. Its in a bad condition. Transmisson was broken when i bought it and it makes horrible noise and gears slip back to neutral. Aug 28, 2020 · In Buick's defense, design did work well for engine's intended use. Mar 3, 2016 · The Buick Nailhead was among the best of the original postwar American V8s—and among the most misunderstood. With its handsome looks and unique engineering, the 1953-66 Buick Nailhead is one of our all-time favorite Detroit V8s, We … Continue reading → May 13, 2011 · Like the Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the Chrysler Hemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell of history all over it. Is it correct to disconnect the vac advance line to the distributor, plug the line, then check and set timing while engine idles at around 550-6 Mar 5, 2019 · When a long-time customer came into Fisher Federated Auto Parts' Machine Shop with his 1962 Buick Invicta 406 cid Nailhead engine, machinist Jeff Mazzei jumped at the chance to breathe new life into it. If you do this be aware that Buick changed the amount of advance many times during those years so make sure initial timing (idle) matches the distributor you are using, they varied from 2. it's so hard to get it started - I crank and crank and if I am lucky it get started (if not it get flooded) Every Nailhead, not just the high performance models, had forged rods and cranks. There is room for a standard HEI on the motor, I'm making one and have had the housing in. T300 ST400 Wiring Instructions Engine Vibration Problems Rebuild or Refresh Your Engine Nailing Down the Buick Nailhead Nailhead Engine Swaps Nailhead Merch Parts May 9, 2006 · Nailhead guys, need carb help. You should see the valve train along with one hole fore and aft of the assemblies. This is my first nailhead and I want to get it right. u can use a ford 302 header and lengthen it 4 inches in the middle and weld a buick flange on it. Unlike Cadillac and Oldsmobile, the Buick division of … Continue reading → Feb 1, 2016 · It seems I remember a while back that some of the Buick guru's were talking about problems with installing bigger push rods in nail head engines. The ford 302 port spacing is the same as a buick nailhead but the nailhead flange is 4 inches longer in between port 2 and 3. My 64 Riv, 425, dual quad engine sometimes at start up will have some lifter noise, but seem to go away when I start driving it. The engine took its name from the small valve covers mounted on top of the heads Nov 1, 2008 · Nailhead History Among the first engines built by Scottish-born David Dunbar Buick was an overhead-valve one-lunger at the close of the 19th century, so the cusp of technology was associated with buick nailhead problems:How to Build Max-Performance Buick Engines Jefferson Bryant, 2008-06 The photos in this edition are black and white. Apparently my transmission is beyond repair or its Timing Your Buick Engine, Curving your Buick Distributor This is a lesson on timing, Bob's style! Not a guarantee Before doing any of the following, if you have points, they must be accurately adjusted! Point gap effects timing! Requires a dwell-tach. The oil is real dirty and Feb 24, 2018 · When I take my 1966 Riv to the garage for an oil change I get conflicting recomendations from guys who have older cars. I read that, even know the heads can be swap from early block to late block, you would have compression problems. I originally thought it was the resonator as it appeared to be coming from that end of the exhaust, however when i straight piped the car, the noise was still Oct 18, 2010 · I know there are a lot of nailhead nuts on here and have a nailhead oiling question. from any Nailhead, 264 to 425, will fit. I didn't make it but I do have the T300 ST400 Wiring Instructions Engine Vibration Problems Rebuild or Refresh Your Engine Nailing Down the Buick Nailhead Nailhead Engine Swaps Nailhead Merch Parts Feb 27, 2010 · The Devil Well-Known Member I have 4 Nailhead powered vehicles, and ALL of them have Dave's small-body HEI's in them, and I could not be happier with all of them, no problems what so ever. My question is how the oil gets up to the rockers if the push rods are not hollow and the lifters are hydraulic or are they? Are there any secrets or upgrade secrets in making sure the rockers are being oiled ok? Aug 26, 2002 · 322 Nailhead timing Dr. Advance is different but you can change that. Dec 19, 2010 · If this port is actually open, - there's your vacuum leak, and hopefully problem solved. Can some of you Buick Guru's refresh my memory? Nov 25, 2020 · Hi All, I thought there was a thread on this already, but can't find it. If you use ported vacuum, the engine will run hot at idle in traffic. But, when engine warms Jan 6, 2021 · Here’s a nice cutaway of the Buick nailhead engine. 0025 on intakes and . 625 in (92. They assembled the short block and I put the remainder of the engine together. So Im just about ready to pull the engine out. My issue is the number 7 cylender has no compression for some odd reason so it wont fire. The distributor on your engine should be in the front whereas a nailhead is in the rear. com The V-8 Buick. What instantly stands out is the unusual arrangement of the valves and valve train, in that the valves hang vertically in a pent-head (or almost hemi-head) combustion chamber. Looks like its been abused. Sep 26, 2005 · Can anyone give me any advice on this problem? I have a 425 nailhead that is tapping on the #2 cylinder. Jan 30, 2019 · Hello! So I have recently discovered an issue with my 401. All of these issues are easily fixed if you take the time to learn the proper techniques […] Mar 27, 2015 · I recently acquired a 1963 Buick Riviera. I hope you can help. in my 322 for 8 years with no problems. The Number 310 is the torque rating for this engine in foot pounds. So, for starters, replace the plugs, and if it doesn't run any better, go to the fuel system. Are the 425 and 430 V8s found under the hood of 60s Buicks Nailheads?3. Jun 2, 2014 · I'm running an Edelbrock 750 cfm carb on a Buick 401 nailhead. ) there's a common misconception that the generic CFM chart, found online which is designed around the small block chevies, is a one size fits all for all engines, in deciding whats the best carb size for a particular engine Nov 28, 2003 · Buick's answer was the "nailhead" with its small valve diameters and appropriate runner sizea that produced the desired high intake velocities right from the time the throttle was opened -- creating the instant-response, right-now torque charastertic of all nailhead Buicks. I can't verify the motor. He was told the heads were milled down so that the intake would fit. Jun 11, 2025 · V8buick. I have an Offy tri-power on it in a '52 Chev. 5 to 12 degrees. leaks, on a brand new car. and when you rev it up the pressure will come up to 38-40 on a fully warmed up engine. I took the stuff off the top of my 62 401 back in June to clean the engine compartment and engine and freshen things up for the BCA convention in Kokomo. Skylarks, GSXs, Grand Nationals, Rivieras, Gran Sports; the list of formidable performance Buicks is impressive. these are results shared from another shop. but I'm having a real problem trying to turn the engine over. This is a nice, easy engine to repair, or if needed, to rebuild. How reliable is the Dynaflow?4 And last but not least, when did GM cease production of the Dynaflow? Jun 16, 2011 · Without the lifters in place you cannot possibly have any oil pressure. Nov 19, 2006 · The Buick "nailhead" of the '50s and '60s was eventually discontinued and replaced with another excellent Buick V8. With age, mileage and heat Nov 14, 2010 · New Member Nov 14, 2010 #1 new to the site, been building 1960 (lesabre) 364 nailhead for a friend got it running BUT when i rebuilt the oil pump seems to be that the shaft is half inch too short to hook up to distributor, can i get a longer distributor, or do I need to pull engine back out to get to oil pump any help is much appreciated -Max Aug 13, 2006 · Dist. The engine now keeps running after turning the the ignition 1955 Buick Roadmaster Sedan all original survivor with a 322ci Nailhead V8. Mar 6, 2008 · Hi, I am new to this forum. How reliable are the Nailhead V8s?2. What is happening is that oil is being trapped in the valve cover area because it is not draining Aug 8, 2009 · As Buick Racer commented, this being the first time ripping one of these engines down, take advantage of all the experienced people on these forums available. These are the drain holes that the oil follows back to the drain pan. "Red" engine started in '67 (400), evolved to 455 in '70 thru '76, so here you get 1967 engineering. I've always wondered what advantages Buick engineers saw in the unique cylinder head arrangement, and why the design was abandoned--and never replicated by any other manufacturer to Sep 29, 2002 · This post has been running a little while on the Nailhead site and I thought I'd give you guys a shot at it. During Sep 28, 2016 · 2 - the pump is generating pressure but the bearings are already shot and all of the oil pressure is being blown out around the first couple of mains bearings Nailheads are not generally known for oiling problems so you might just want to plan on a basic teardown and new gaskets / bearings / rings. Can anyone tell me the factory location for the brake booster vacuum, and the switch pitch transmission vacuum modulator? I currently have both run into the center rear of a replacem Need advice for a Buick Nailhead overheating problem. I have learned that the number 1 cylinder on these engines is the right (passenger) front, a little different than the SBC in my Camaro. I'm trying to find out what type of oil would get mostly used in the USA with these Feb 9, 2004 · Hi all, as some know I'm located in Australia an a Friend of mine has bought an original 57 Buick with a 364 Nailhead V8 from the States. I have read a lot and gotten a lot of info from you for the last year or so. The 264 cu in (4. My problem is that when the engine is hot, its hard to start and requires turning over Aug 10, 2017 · Found this listing on Ebay, do they work, are they necessary, and will they do any harm? This listing is for a set of 4 new intake manifold gasket, exhaust crossover portplugs to fit Buick Nailhead engines 1957-1966. Nov 22, 2005 · Everything is going fairly smoothly except that we have run into a problem with the harmonic balancer on the 401 Nailhead. The car was running fine until it was backfiring t Nov 8, 2002 · 1. Jan 17, 2002 · I need some help on my 65 Riviera. You should then be able to use "gun cleaning" brushes to open up the oil return galleries. There are many reasons you could be experiencing over heating, besides all the obvious things like a bad or plugged radiator. They said it's good and so I put it back in ,but to no avail Dec 11, 2009 · Head Flow Chart Doc's Dual Plane Modifications 1954 Blown Nailhead Nailhead Oil Pump Oil Consumption - 1964 401 and 425 Cubic Inch Engines OE Nailhead Cam Specs and Street Cam Selection Guide Buick Cam Specifications for 401 and 425 nailheads Buick Cams from Kenne Bell, 401, 425 Nailhead Parts Interchange Buick Engines Today Home Forums FIXIN I finally found some time to start taking my blown nailhead engine apart. Feb 9, 2004 · Hi all, as some know I'm located in Australia an a Friend of mine has bought an original 57 Buick with a 364 Nailhead V8 from the States. 0035 on exhaust valves or you will have serious problems. I'm trying to find out what type of oil would get mostly used in the USA with these Apr 22, 2018 · Hi I need some help identify a 425 engine I just bought. I'm rebuilding my 425 nailhead and want to build it to specs. I have posted a bunch of pictures Jan 5, 2015 · Hello!I have 1955 buick special with 264 nailhead and 3-speed manual tranny (5 bolt cover light duty). To identify a Buick Nailhead engine, locate the serial number on the left front of the block. The reason I bought this is because my block is cracked and hopefully this block is ok :-) This engine has original bore and has almost no wear in the cylinderwalls :-) The problem on this engine is that there is no number or letters in fro Jan 1, 2005 · Read how the Air Ride Technologies Air Wagon rebuilds a Buick Nailhead engine to keep that original feel, brought to you by the experts at Custom Rodder Magazine. Feb 4, 2022 · this is more of just a display of dyno results, than an actual blog article. Induction/Carburetion Buick's are different than many other engines, they love big carburetors. Dec 26, 2024 · GM’s third production overhead-valve V-8 engine in five years, the Buick “nailhead” was the warmup act for the small-block Chevy, and a classic in its own right. If you had the cam reground, or if it is a regrind, this will cause excessive clearance as well as the lobes are now shorter. Here are a few other things to check: Be sure the water pump impellers are very close to the inside of the timing cover. And this makes sense with our new timing chain installed "straight up". Buick Nailhead Engine Identification and Specs Guide Nailhead engines often face overheating and oil leakage issues due to aging gaskets and cooling system wear. 4qum0dm 5ohp dxa op5s bl ol ay50 dd3 niq l1puv

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