Messages

1

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Copper vs Carbon Spark Plug Cables

« on: February 25, 2014, 05:59:05 PM »

Johnny B,
  Napa probably has belden or Echlin. I assume your running a flat 134 or F head134. Either eng is low tech and will run fine and dependable w/ solid core wires. Any benefit obtained using resistance would be unnoticeable. Solid wires will take more abuse by people unfamiliar w/ proper wire handling. Google Aurora Electronics, click products, then ignition wires. a small tutorial. They do list a set for '55 CJ3B. No doubt pricey and the rest of your ignition system should be in good shape to match. Spiral w/ ferrite is high quality. Google Taylor Spiro-Pro for more info. David

2

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Copper vs Carbon Spark Plug Cables

« on: February 24, 2014, 09:19:52 PM »

Johnny,
  I always make my own wire sets (we used to call them harnesses). It's not hard to do. Today you can't walk into most these so-called auto parts stores and get anything for a 3A, let alone a 12 cyl Packard, Pierce Arrow, Locomobile,etc engines all sitting in shop right now. Will get some #s tomorrow. Past my sack time. Arise 3:30 AM. David

3

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Copper vs Carbon Spark Plug Cables

« on: February 24, 2014, 08:41:12 PM »

Gentlemen, The carbon wires worked well years ago ('50s) but didn't allow mishandling which happened all the time . That increased gaps within the wires. I've dealt w/ ignition analysis and combustion for over 60 yrs. Daytona championships, etc., plus Gov't consultant on air quality. Carbon wires become undependable in service. Suppression is very beneficial to good combustion, better fuel mileage,cleaner oil, more power and lower emissions. This is a fact. A non supressed ignition duration is prox 1/2 milisecond, suppressed can be 2 full ms. A lot more fuel starts burning and there is much more complete burn. This is all easily read on analysis eqpt.Nowadays there are wires w/suppression that aren't made w/ carbon. I will not build any eng w/o supressed ignition. Don't group all supression wires as being called "carbon". David

4

Engine compartment / Re: Oil Pump woes

« on: December 01, 2013, 04:24:47 PM »

Gunslinger, That's one of the problems w/ people "rebuilding" their pumps. The gasket does not set the "head space" as you called it. (a new term to me). It is the responsibility of the installer to know these things. You can't blindly think the gasket is correct. It usually isn't. The "body to gear" end clearance must be verified accurately taking into account that gasket. Either trim the gears, the body or eliminate the gasket to obtain no more than .002". Orig gskts are typycally .002-.003". Most kit ones are much thicker creating low pickup suction and low pressure. Everybody is worried about lash between gears. It is NOWHERE as important as gear end play. David

5

Engine compartment / Re: Oil Pump woes

« on: November 30, 2013, 12:11:50 PM »

F Bill, All clearances are poor fits. Rough surfaces. Many burrs on housing and gears. Just no quality control at all. Another real problem I've found is the built in pressure relief valve will "hang " open partially or fully and they'll be low or no pressure. this problem can be erratic. I'm seeing this on Flathead Fords and hear many complaints on the subject. That's why I rebuild the originals. Never have a problem. Parts of the Stephentown 3B will live on. David

6

Engine compartment / Re: Oil Pump woes

« on: November 30, 2013, 08:01:33 AM »

Gentlemen, I've been a mechanic and eng builder for 60 yrs. Melling WAS always a good pump. Few people had trouble w/ them. I always rebiuld and blueprint the original pump on every eng I do. Many antique rare engs have no parts available so I make my own. Ocassionally a pump will be broken so I find another used one to rebuild. My understanding from my warehouses is Melling has been having the pumps made in China for the last few yrs. A lot of failures. I always dismantle and verify a new pump when supplied. The seizures and problems w/ the Mellings is w/ pumps for all brand engs, not just these 134s. I suggest the rebuild route. David