Hi all and thanks to everyone who have chipped in and helped me get my 51 CJ3a Jeep back up and running after a 12 year nap. Couple of quick questions..

Warming up- right now it is taking maybe 10 mins of throttle elevated idling to get it warmed up to maintain an idle that does not stall. Any tips?

Finally Fuel..welcome fuel thoughts assuming 87 with lead substitute. Any other additives especially out of storage? When it last ran I in 1999 I could still get leaded. I replaced the fuel tank,fuel pump,and lines.

Great to have it back on the road..52 years and counting as a member of our family!

Thanks for response and the MMO tips. I did use MMO to lub the cylinders prior to start and it turned over very easily.

One final quick question for any light experts. My passenger side taillight is out. Cleaned the socket and replaced with new 1154 and still no light. Wiring seems all good any thoughts??

Rus Curtis wrote on 07/03/13 at 13:39:45:


Okay interesting question I pulled an old 1154(6V) that frankly looked okay. My other tail light bulb also looks like a 1154 and works but I have not pulled it yet. Some corrosion is holding it pretty firmly in place. I have the original tail lights on the Jeep nothing custom. I have yet to do the volt meter.

Had the Jeep out quite a bit today teaching my 16 year old son how to drive bringing back quite a few memories of my Dad teaching me at 12 in this same Jeep. With 500 acres to roam that was a sure lot better than a bicycle during the summer. And the good news it seems to be settling down and overall running pretty darn good. Multiple start-ups today with no choke and right to idle.