My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: CJPilot on March 28, 2015, 04:54:06 PM

Title: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 28, 2015, 04:54:06 PM
Well I finally got my engine back together after my oil pump seized and took out the cam.  Now I�ve got a new problem.  The engine will start but has very low intake vacuum reading (5 inches) as measured at the threaded port in the intake manifold. 

Things I�ve tried

Checked for a vacuum leak using a propane tank
Plugged the PCV port
Replaced the carburetor gasket to eliminated the sleeves
Sprayed the intake, carburetor, etc with WD40
Adjust the timing
The carburetor was rebuilt.
Re adjusted the valves to .016�cold

I but I can�t find any leaks�

I should mention that this engine has never run correctly for me.  I'm as they say fixin it up!!

The exhaust manifold is new as well as the heat control diverter.  My research on low intake vacuum says to look for a leak at the intake manifold or heat riser or late valve timing. The cam has just been changed so could I have screwed anything up putting it back together? Here is a picture I took of the cam gear before I buttoned it up. 

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150321_102532_zps8orjz8kl.jpg)

Guys, any ideas?



 
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on March 28, 2015, 06:19:52 PM
I'd try a compression check...
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: garage gnome on March 28, 2015, 08:09:10 PM
Could be a worn throttle shaft or warped intake.
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 28, 2015, 08:22:00 PM
The compression reads right about 90psi dry, all cylinders, a little low. The rings might not have seated in yet?  The carburetor was rebuilt by Scoutpilot and I think he put in an oversize shaft.

I�m thinking I might have to pull the intake and have a good look at it.  I�m just surprised the propane/WD40 didn�t have any effect on engine speed if in fact the intake has a leak.
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: scoutpilot on March 28, 2015, 08:27:15 PM
[size=12]Replaced the carburetor gasket to eliminated the sleeves What do you mean by "eliminated the sleeves"?
Sprayed the intake, carburetor, etc with WD40 You need to use either propane or starting fluid (spray ether). Don't worry. You won't start a fire.With the engine warmed up and running start at the front of the manifold and spray, in short bursts, every conceivable location for a leak as you work your way to the top of the carburetor. I can conceive of cracks in the manifold itself. Check it very closely.

How many miles have you put on that rebuilt motor?
[/size]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: Carls_jeep on March 28, 2015, 08:46:21 PM
WD40 no longer uses propane as a propellant. That change was years ago.
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 28, 2015, 09:05:42 PM
The little cooper sleeves are below.  I read that some people have had problems with these not crushing and causing leaks.  I just wanted to test so I removed this installed another gasket and started it up. Ran the same.
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150328_204751_zpsknm0npw9.jpg)

This is a picture of my propane leak tester.  I used it generously around the intake manifold, heat riser, and carburetor, no joy.

(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150328_204838_zpsssies24i.jpg)


I only tried WD40 after the propane didn�t find a leak.  I�m really at a loss on this one right now.  :'(
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on March 28, 2015, 10:06:04 PM
You say that it runs poorly...can you be more specific?

Does it pop and backfire, or does it just accelerate very slowly or not at all?

Hard to start?

spark plugs black or grey?

I found that i had the wrong studs in my intake manifold and was unable to squeeze down the copper eyelets in the diffuser gasket even though the nuts were tight....there were not enough threads to fully tighten the carb to the manifold..so I had a leak...

Video maybe?
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: scoutpilot on March 29, 2015, 05:11:41 AM
[size=12]I agree. Exactly what is the motor doing/not doing?[/size][/b]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 29, 2015, 09:09:41 AM
Thanks guys.

I knew I was looking for a vacuum leak, but didn�t find one, so I had a thought.  Maybe the fan was pushing enough air causing my propane testing to fail and giving me an inaccurate result.  So I pulled the fan blades off.  Not much different but I  did notice  a tiny change as I applied the propane to the #3 and #4 intake / block interface.   Next came out the starting fluid and that confirmed a leak.  It doesn�t seem like a big leak but at least I have a direction to go in.  Once everything cools down I�ll pull the manifold off and have a look. 


My take is starting fluid works a lot better that propane, and Carl your right WD40 doesn�t work any more for finding leaks.



(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150329_082552_zpstpwcdfox.jpg)
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: Ryan_M on March 29, 2015, 12:11:03 PM
I had a heck of a time with an exhaust leak around the manifold on my 3A. I tried a variety of gasket/sealer combos and just couldn't seem to stop it. I finally bought one of these last year and it has held tight ever since. No sealant of any sort needed.  Not the exact same problem you are having but it could have the same solution.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Willys-MB-GPW-NOS-exhaust-intake-manifold-to-block-gasket-134L-/291140676661?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c9562c35&vxp=mtr
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 29, 2015, 01:48:02 PM
I checked flatness on a surface plate and it�s O.O.F. by .008� at the #3 and #4 intake location.  Doesn�t sound too bad to me but I�ll machine it flat just to be sure.

Ryan that�s a good thought.  The last time it ran I was using a Felpro gasket this time I think it�s an Omix-ADA. Maybe the Felpro was able to handle the O.O.F. condition?



(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150329_111725_zpsdvrfci33.jpg)
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on March 29, 2015, 03:30:27 PM
You can also loosen the four bolts that hold the two manifolds together and see if that doesn't allow enough movement to eliminate your  .008" gap....

I left those four bolts loose until after both manifolds were securely fastened to the block and then tightened them.  You need to be careful if the fit is way off but if it's close it should be OK...
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 29, 2015, 05:05:57 PM
[size=12]
Quote
You can also loosen the four bolts that hold the two manifolds together and see if that doesn't allow enough movement to eliminate your� .008" gap....
I had left them loose when I assembled the manifolds. 


I put everything back together and it still runs horrible.  I did a leak check by spraying everything with starting fluid and no leaks detected.  Did another compression check and a couple of cylinders are now at 95PSI.  Rechecked the valves.  I read that they can be set to .017� on a new engine to compensate for run in so I set them to.017�.  I did a cranking vacuum check and it�s 0.  I can put my hand on the carburetor as I crank the engine over and feel very little vacuum.

I�m going to pull the manifold off and separate the intake from the exhaust.  Really running out of things to check.  It�s time to have a few beers.
[/size]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: Ryan_M on March 29, 2015, 05:35:53 PM
Are you getting a good seal with your vacuum gauge? And are you sure your timing isn't completely out of whack or a couple plug wires mixed up? A faulty reading on your gauge and ignition issues could give you the results you are seeing.  A video of this thing running would be a huge help.
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 29, 2015, 09:02:12 PM
[size=12]It's hard to see in this picture but the  two arrows show how the water is flowing.  Is this normal or did I find the LEAK?
[/size]
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150329_204215_zpsmn8l0mum.jpg)
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on March 29, 2015, 09:35:44 PM
I think you have a leak..the only way water would flow out of the intake tubes is if you poured it in through the carb flange....that chamber is for hot exhaust gasses to warm the intake tube, but not flow through it....

Try a flashlight in a dark room shined into the tubes...you ought to be able to see it...
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 29, 2015, 09:53:05 PM
[size=12]I tried flashlights and tiny mirrors but could not confirm a leak.� The water flowing in the exhaust and out the intake did it for me.

You have no idea what finding this did for me. I'm embarrassed by how much time I spent chasing this!!!�
[/size]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on March 29, 2015, 09:58:03 PM
Don't be embarrassed.....intakes are known to crack but your's is unusual for sure.....Glad you found it, nice work...

 
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: scoutpilot on March 30, 2015, 05:06:40 AM
[size=12]The simple fact that you had the intuition to look where you did bodes well for you. Now the search for another intake begins as I don't think the one in hand is salvageable.[/size][/b]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: Ryan_289 on March 30, 2015, 10:04:09 AM
I may have a good intake at the shop.  If I remember correctly it had some broken bolts in it and would need machined on the mating surface.  If I still have it your welcome to it. 
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on March 30, 2015, 07:14:44 PM
Ryan thank you for your generous offer. I think I may have an intake on a parts jeep.

After watching me find this leak my significant other thinks I should buy a new intake manifold.   :o
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: scoutpilot on March 31, 2015, 06:05:17 AM
[size=12]Hmmmm. An understanding AND generous significant other. There's a rare find.[/size][/b]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on April 05, 2015, 08:14:17 PM
[size=12]I installed the new intake after machining the block interface flat and the opening up the area for the PCV. The engine finally runs half way decent.

My next issue, small as it may be, is something I think should be resolved. The engine idles at 980 rpm, not the 600+ rpm it is suppose to.  It idles fine just too fast.  I have backed the idle set screw out all the way.  I have adjusted the ignition timing with a timing light.   I ran it with the accelerator linkage disconnected and the PVC valve port blocked.  I sprayed the intake manifold down with stating fluid and no found no leaks. The vacuum is mostly steady at 19.  The idle mixture screw is out 4 turns. If I turn in the idle mixture screw in the engine starts to stumble and run rough.  I feel I have another small vacuum leak but it�s not showing up by spraying the intake with starting fluid.   If you have any ideas were I should look please let me know.
[/size]
(http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o537/CJPilot1/Publiccj3a/20150403_174600_zpsw5fs4npq.jpg)

Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: scoutpilot on April 06, 2015, 05:11:58 AM
[size=12]The metering rod in the carb may be too high.[/size][/b]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: Ryan_M on April 06, 2015, 06:31:59 AM
I had the same problem as what you are describing. With the help of roughly 1000 patient e-mails and this excellent video Scoutpilot got me back on track.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcjB0iGEEmQ[/media]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on April 06, 2015, 08:43:40 PM
Thank you Scoutpilot and Ryan.  Once I get a little shop time I'll check that out.

Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: CJPilot on April 10, 2015, 10:09:13 AM
[size=12]Throttle connector rod seems good, it's not binding at all at the pump arm.

Does the metering rod setting effect the idle that much? I always thought it set up the mid range fuel delivery.[/size]
Title: Re: Need Engine Help Low Vacuum Reading
Post by: athawk11 on April 10, 2015, 10:45:39 PM
The metering rod does affect the idle.  Mine was set too high off the seat.  Before I fixed it,  I had to turn up the idle  to a 1000 + just to keep the engine running.  The carb would also drip fuel out the throttle shaft after shut down.  Once the rod was properly adjusted, both issues went away.  I have my idle at 700.  I like the way my engine sounds and responds with this setting.

Tim