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?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Positive Events!
Transfer Case
I mentioned earlier that I thought the jeep was stuck in 4WD since I couldn't shift the transfer case engagement gear. It shifts in/out of H and L.
In an unrelated effort I jacked up the front right tire to rotate it a little. It's a little low on pressure and I didn't want it to sit too long in one position (being somewhat flat) and ruin the sidewall. My compressor is at the lake house and I’ll get it back next week.
Once I got it in the air and tried to move it I noticed it wouldn't move much at all. Then I remembered that it was 'stuck' in 4WD. I tried the shift again and "viola!", I could move it into neutral. I confirmed that by giving the front tire a free spin.
The guy I bought it from said that the gears are fine and the 4WD would 'climb a tree if it could hold on', so I'm hopeful that the transmission/transfer case requires clean up and not rebuild.
F134 under the CJ3a hoodline
After posting a question on http://www.jeepforum.com/ and doing some more research (http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3B/Tech/LowHoodFHead.html) I learned that the carburetor from an early '60s Falcon will fit the F134 and be low enough to clear the hood. The air horn needs a little modification, but otherwise resolves the issue.
Now, the hood has a significant hole - why the prior owner felt he needed that big a hole is another question - that needs repairing. I'd rather repair than replace. Although I don't have the coin to get it back to stock, I do want to keep as many parts as possible, especially the body.
I have a master cylinder, fuel pump and muffler on order. Once I get those I should be able to get it running and test to see if any of the gears are slipping.
Maybe get some work done during the holidays.
Monday, November 30, 2009
More Pictures....
Here are a few more pictures now that it's dry and in the garage. Although it doesn't show it here, the large metal 'scoop' is now gone.
I've gotten the master cylinder loose, just need to disconnect the brake lines. The nuts holding those on are rusted and I'm waiting on the rust penetrant to do its thing.
I think the best thing to do after I get the engine running is to remove the body to gain easy access to the brakes, drive train, suspension, etc.
Here are a few more pictures now that it's dry and in the garage. Although it doesn't show it here, the large metal 'scoop' is now gone.
I've gotten the master cylinder loose, just need to disconnect the brake lines. The nuts holding those on are rusted and I'm waiting on the rust penetrant to do its thing.
I think the best thing to do after I get the engine running is to remove the body to gain easy access to the brakes, drive train, suspension, etc.
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