Monday, December 6, 2010

Carburetor rebuild

As I mentioned on the last post, I managed to resolve the spark issues and got the engine to turn over. However, that required pouring gas down the carb.

I've rebuilt the carb a few times, finding something else needing resolution each time and did get it to start at the turn of the key without priming the carb with gas.

Still not running great as I think I still have some leaks that need to be sealed. Also still have to fix the cabling for the accelerator and choke.

Once that's resolved I'll need to install a generator and voltage regulator and should be in shape to move on to the brakes.

I'll work on posting a video of the running engine.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Finally Back

Been a long time since the last post.

The summer was extremely busy with family, work and other issues and the jeep quite frankly sat mostly untouched.

However, I did manage to get some work done recently and turned a major milestone last weekend: it runs!

I've been chasing the ignition system and finally got the engine to fire up. Beautiful sound! Went out and bought a muffler so as not to disturb the neighbors. I apparently have an issue with the carb as I have to pour gas down it to get it to start. But once it runs it's a smooth running engine. It just doesn't keep running.

I rebuilt the carb a while back, replacing parts from a rebuild kit. May need to go back and re-adjust things to be sure it's setup correctly.

I put a new fuel pump and lines and I've confirmed that gas is getting to the carb.

It's a great feeling to have made some real, tangible progress.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Spark up!

Wrestling with the ignition system....not getting a spark to the plug. Been chasing this on and off as I've been waiting for warmer weather.

I replaced the coil and tested/confirmed that I'm getting a spark from the coil to the distributor after bypassing the ignition switch and solenoid. So now I think the issue is with the solenoid as the engine will turn over when I turn the key.

Hopefully I will be getting more work done and posting more progress now that it's warm.

Did I mention that I like it warm?

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Fuel Pump

Installed the fuel pump, fuel lines and new plugs. The jeep does not have a gas tank and the prior owners were using a plastic portable tank. I'm using it too for now. With that, the carb rebuild, fuel lines and new plugs I now have a complete fuel/ignition system.

Not quite running yet as I'm not getting a spark at the plugs. Getting advice from the CJ3a forum on what to check, so I've got some investigation to do. The prime suspect at this point is the distributor. I replaced the condenser, but may need new points and some tightening up. If the timing is off, I've really got some work to do.

It is nice to see some new parts in place as it begins to look more like a real engine. It's also good to feel like I'm making some progress. Still a long way to go, though.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Carb rebuild

Finally got around to working on the jeep again. We've had unusually cold weather for Georgia and just not excited about working tin the garage when it's bellow freezing.

I ordered up a Carb rebuild kit and a fuel pump and they arrived earlier this week. Decided to spend the weekend rebuilding the carburetor since I could do the tear down/build up inside.

As mentioned before, the CJ3A Jeep has the F134 Hurricane engine - which doesn't fit the hood profile. I've learned that this can be solved with another carburetor, but for now I'm focusing on getting the engine to running order with the existing Carter YF carburetor. A rebuild kit for the Carter is cheaper than getting a new carburetor. Besides...I'm a (very) long way from doing any body work.

I bought a rebuild kit full of gaskets, springs, jets and other assorted brass pieces. I've some documentation, but took the simple approach of replacing the old piece with the new piece - if I could find the matching old piece. I took lots of pictures of the dis-assembly process so I had reference material for putting it back together. Digital pictures are cheap, and they sure are perfect for this type of approach.

The carb had some corrosion inside and I used a 200 grit sandpaper to lightly smooth that off. I blew out the various holes with compressed air and made sure that I could see light through them.

I did end up with various new parts left unused, but I chalk that up to a kit that would likely be suitable for more than one Carter model and duplicate parts.

Next step is to install the fuel pump.

The engine will freely turn over, so there are no frozen pistons or anything of that nature. Once I get the fuel pump in place, I'll see if i can get it to start.

I've got concern that I'm not getting a spark at the spark plug. I've tested the ignition coil with an Ohm meter and it appears to be fine. I'm getting a spark at the distributor as well. I noticed some corrosion inside the distributor and replaced the condenser. The points looked rather new, so I left them intact. The plug wires also look fairly new as does the distributor cap itself. Gonna get a new rotor just because.

Hopefully it won't be too long before it's running.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

BRRR!!!!

So much for living in the South. Here in the Atlanta area we've been at or below freezing for coming on 2 weeks. I have a battery to crank the engine. However, I'm sticking with just checking the cylinder pressure. Trying to start a 59 year old engine that's been sitting a while in 32 degree weather, I can't imagine much more of a outcome other than, "Gee, why won't it start?".

It's suppose to warm up to high 40s/low 50s late in the week. Maybe next weekend I get some engine work done.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!




Not much accomplished on the jeep over the holidays. Busy with family and vacation. Spent the last week in South Florida with family covering Coral Springs, Key Largo and Goodland.



It sure was nice to be warm for a while.....



Managed to get some fishing in and caught spotted trout, mangrove snapper and a very nice redfish. He was delicious!



Hope the new year finds everyone prosperous and healthy!