My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Austin on January 11, 2016, 08:52:40 AM
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We had a nice day here in VA yeaterday, so I took my 3A on a nice long senic drive about 150 miles. I started out in the valley going down some senic roads and eventually ended up in the George Washington National Forrest up in the mountains pulling steep grades in low low gear. The one road from Woodstock tower down the mountain raises 2000 feet in elevation in 2 miles. Anyways my mpg ended up being 20 for the entire trip, which I suspect would be more if I took out all the mountain driving. I was wondering what others were getting for their mileage.
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I generally get 18-20mpg just puttering around town.
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Same as Ryan - generally 18-20 for normal driving. About 15-16 when trail riding in 4wd. I do use a Solex carb. which may possibly run a bit leaner than the WO, not sure about that though.
This is a pretty cool site if you like to track your mileage:
http://www.fuelly.com/car/willys/cj3a/1949/aboyandhisdog/367873
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Hey Tom,
Pretty good gas milage until the end of September! :)
I liked the link you provided.
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That's right, George...do you think I can submit a bill to Mike for reimbursement for the poor mileage? ;)
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Austin, you were in my neck of the woods then. I live about 3 miles from Woodstock and occasionally go to the tower. Nice view of the seven bends in the Shenandoah river. You are very close to the Taskers Gap trail going down toward the Fort Valley side. That trail runs from Woodstock to Edinburg and is rough as it gets in case you never have taken it. Main trail is about 7 miles long with some trails leading off. However a permit is required. You can buy them locally. Proceeds go to the Forest Service for trail maintenance. Don't get caught without a permit. The monitor it pretty heavy. You can google it for the location and rules.
By the way, are you still selling some parts? I need a 16" wheel and a few other things.
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I have taken my 3a on the trail several times and I always have a great time. I buy my permit from the Fort Valley gas station. We should get together and do ride sometime. I have been wanting to find some other flat fenders to go riding with if your interested. Anyways, I have some parts. Let me know what your looking for. I might have a wheel. I will let you know tomorrow.
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We can do that sometime. Maybe this summer if I am on the road by then. I have a lot of work to do yet. Maybe take a ride over to Trout pond in West Va. across the Allegheny Mtn. Real nice ride.
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I get a solid 14mpg with mine, Carter WD, no overdrive. You guys in O'DONNELL to get that kind of economy?
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I hate auto correct, that's overdrive, we're you in overdrive for that 20 mpg?
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No Gun, I don't have overdrive. Just sane cruising in 3rd on rural roads. I do use all synthetic fluids which may help a bit, but my gut says having a carb that I could lean out a bit helps a lot. I'm at about 5200 feet and have the smallest main jet (Solex) I can use where I don't get any hesitation. Seems to be a working combination for me. BTW...good to see you back here! Where ya been?
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My 3A averages 17. Normal driving. If it was all road, it would go up. John
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I don't know exactly what I get now (a bit cold out west for long rides), but I know that the Solex carb was running very rich and our timing was waaay out. I don't think I quite got 15mpg before we made some adjustments.
We pulled the Solex apart and made a lot of adjustments and then set timing with a light. It sounds a lot better and should improve things considerably. I'll report back after I put some miles in.
I'm fairly convinced that the Solex tends to run a little rich by the way it is designed, even after adjustments. I'm not so sure those air bleeds do as good a job as one might hope.
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I'm fairly convinced that the Solex tends to run a little rich by the way it is designed, even after adjustments.
Did you put in a leaner main jet? That is the only one you need to deal with and they are readily available. The stock jet is a 127, and I'm running a 112 or 115. Both work good at 5200ft. Blowing out all of the other jets (6 total) is about all you need to do. Good luck, would like to know if it improves.
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I never got to thinking about the jets and carburator. I have a carter WO, not sure about what jet is in it. I just had it rebuilt with a kit from Kaiser Willy's. Anyways, a couple weeks ago I was climbing a mountain in 2nd, probable a mile or two of climb. Just when I got to the top it sputtered like it wasn't getting fuel. I pulled off to the side and checked everything out and it appeared to be fine. I drove off with no more problems. Possibly a carb problem I guess. That was the only time it happened to me.
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I do not have a over drive. My motor seems to be running really good. I had it sleved and taken back to standard bore. I am using castrol sae 30 with a zinc additive, ethinal free gas with lead additive.
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Just when I got to the top it sputtered like it wasn't getting fuel.
...probably because it wasn't getting fuel. The fuel pump and lines get hot on a long climb and often the fuel "boils" - vaporizes before hitting the carb. Usually if it sits and cools a while, you'll be good to go. Doubt you have a carb. issue. Just my best guess anyway. :)