Messages

1

International Flat Fender Club / New IFFC forums

« on: February 10, 2021, 09:49:01 PM »

Hi everyone,

I volunteered to help Lew build out an online IFFC forum where every patrol can have their own online clubhouse. The new home of the International Flat Fender Club is at https://internationalflatfenderclub.org. I'm Otto on the new forum. If you're part of a patrol and we haven't yet created a section for you, just shoot me a PM and I'll get it done.

2

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: July 05, 2020, 07:53:27 PM »

As mentioned with link to article, you'll note that the pump install needs attention for distributor orientation.  Before you pull it back out and realign, try this flow chart that may help:

https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/l134-ignition-timing_topic13819.html

This points out that if you can position the distributor for adjustment and are at TDC, you can renumber based on the SM order of fire and maybe that will work for you.  Otherwise, follow the SM for pump install.

Rus, this was just the info that I needed! In the L134-timing.PDF document, it says, "If your plug wires aren't close to "stock" locations, the oil pump was indexed improperly. This is NO BIG DEAL, it runs fine any way, but KEEP YOUR CAP DRAWING for future reference." I think my oil pump is one tooth off from stock -- reading this saved me from pulling the oil pump again.

I believe I have timing correct now. It sounds like it is very close to starting.

I suspect I need to make some carb adjustments at this point. I had my old Carter carb rebuilt by Scout Pilot last year and I think I just need to make some adjustments at this point. Once it's running, I can do a little fine tuning on timing.

3

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: July 05, 2020, 12:45:21 PM »

With the engine at TDC...

How do I establish TDC if I cannot see the timing hole? Do I need to cut the bracket as shown in the Willys manual?

4

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: July 04, 2020, 10:27:02 PM »

So I ended up pulling the oil pump to get the stuck tang out. Good thing I did -- it was really stuck. I had to drill it out.

Another good result is that I was able to try my new distributor with the oil pump slot and the new tang was too wide. I ground it down until it fit great.

Everything is back together now. Spark plugs are hooked up in 1-3-4-2 order. I think I have them oriented wrong. Tried to start it and got a back fire. Any harm in just rotating all of them 90 degrees and trying until I find the right orientation?

5

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: June 27, 2020, 03:20:28 PM »

Any advice for how to figure out TDC? I don't have a hand crank. Do I need to pull the valve cover?

6

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: June 25, 2020, 01:32:34 PM »

I had the same thought. I tried both a long-handled magnet and a long screwdriver that I magnetized. No luck.

7

Engine compartment / Re: Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: June 25, 2020, 12:20:44 AM »

Here's a photo of my oil pump, in case this makes a difference.

8

Engine compartment / Broken distributor tang stuck in engine

« on: June 24, 2020, 11:43:54 PM »

My '53 CJ3A hasn't been starting at all, so I decided to do a tune-up. Bought a kit from Kaiser Willys that included all the usual new distributor parts and spark plugs. The distributor parts weren't quite right, and Kaiser Willys couldn't help me figure out which parts were correct because I couldn't see any numbers on the distributor. So I bought a whole new distributor during the Memorial Day sale from Walck's.

Then I found my distributor was stuck in the block. It took me several days and a lot of penetrating oil to get it out. Everything is out except for the tang that sits in the top of the oil pump. It broke off. I can't seem to pry it out with a 9" screwdriver that I sharpened to a point.

So what's my next step? Can I remove the oil pump while the engine is still in my Jeep? Do I need to drop the oil pan?

This was supposed to be an easy job. 

9

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Re: Please help identify my distributor

« on: October 17, 2019, 11:06:49 PM »

Thanks everyone -- you're the best!

10

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Please help identify my distributor

« on: October 16, 2019, 02:42:08 PM »

I'm trying to get my 1953 CJ3A running better. I thought I would order plugs & points, but it looks like there were several options for distributors for my Willys. Can any of you help ID my distributor? The label is impossible to read at this point (maybe I need to use paint thinner on it). Here are some photos:

11

Electrical Systems / Re: Correct 3A headlights

« on: January 29, 2019, 12:30:58 AM »

Is it possible to re-silver the inside of one of the bulls-eye bulbs? I have 2 of these bulbs on my CJ3A, but one of them apparently had water in it for a while. It dried out and still works, but it's dark compared to its shiny brother.

12

BODY and trim / Re: Side mirror - where to mount?

« on: September 18, 2018, 01:34:46 AM »

Do you have an original tub? There should be a piece inside that is a stiffener to keep the mirror bracket from flexing the sides too much.

I don't think I have the stiffener. I mounted the mirror and it seems fine. I will take a photo and post it soon.

13

BODY and trim / Re: Side mirror - where to mount?

« on: July 12, 2016, 01:11:11 AM »

Good pic! Do the holes go through the interior channel/brace or in front of it?

14

BODY and trim / Side mirror - where to mount?

« on: July 10, 2016, 10:01:44 PM »

I bought a side view mirror from Walck's. My problem is that I don't know where to mount it. Does it mount to the dash? To the side? To the windshield?

Thanks in advance for the help!

15

"Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations / Front seat cushions & entire back seat for 3A

« on: June 10, 2016, 02:19:29 AM »

My 3A has frames in the front with a piece of plywood for the seat and nothing for the back. Any recommendations for which vendors are good choices for new cushions? These cushions from Kaiser Willys look pretty good, but I'm open to suggestions.