The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Getting started
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Engine, Exhaust, Fuel and IgnitionMessage format
 
Charlie8575
Posted 2021-04-14 1:02 AM (#611003)
Subject: Getting started


Regular

Posts: 75
252525
Aside from doing some small cosmetics in the form of getting the rims cleaned up (and some tires that at least hold air) on the car, my other major project for sometime in the next week or two will be to see if I can get the car to fire.

Planned steps that I intend to get started on this week include:

1. Check spark plugs for condition and signs of anything not good.

2. Change the oil. The oil in the engine is remarkably clean, but as I was advised, it might have accumulated moisture, and changing it out first is cheap insurance.

3. Make sure the carburetor actually works.

4. Try to perform a compression check.

5. The points looked nearly new, as does the cap.

6. Need to get a battery.
The engine is known free. I have no idea when it was last run, but the what appears to be the remnants of a 1977 inspection sticker should provide clues.

I have a set of wires, but don't intend to put them on quite yet. If what's there isn't working, they'll go in.

Anything I missed?

Charlie Larkin

Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2021-04-14 2:08 AM (#611005 - in reply to #611003)
Subject: RE: Getting started



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9854
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
.
This is not a joke: Watch a few episodes of Vice Grip Garage where he gets cars going that haven't run for many many years. He (Derek) typically uses a remote starter button (connected to the starter button) and a gas can that he uses to pour a bit of gas down the open carb. He turns the ignition on and then uses the remote starter button in the engine bay while feeding some fuel down the carb. He also has a spark plug tester that he uses to check for spark while cranking. The odd time he will retard the timing a bit (so it is a bit After Top Dead Center) so it is easier to get the engine to fire.

Uncle Tony (of Uncle Tony's garage (UTG)) uses a similar technique except he has his gasoline in a spray bottle that he uses to feed the carb.

Once they know that the engine will fire and run with the external fuel source, then the refinements in fuel supply and timing (and plugs and points, etc etc) can happen.

The other trick is tapping the carb to free up a stuck inlet needle valve (as need be).

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Charlie8575
Posted 2021-04-14 8:29 AM (#611008 - in reply to #611003)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Regular

Posts: 75
252525
I like Uncle Tony. Good sense of humor, and seems to know what he's doing. His stuff on Slant Sixes is really interesting. I made a friend cry with his new Slant Six Miata (she auto-crosses).

Okay...now a question. Does the key have to be on to use a remote starter button? I have one of those, but I have no keys (still working on that, I think I'm going to order an ignition/door set from Andy Bernbaum unless someone has another source).

I'll probably be using a remote-feed Jerry can. I have no gas tank....or trunk floor to mount it on. Money permitting this year, I plan to get a new trunk floor from the fellow in New Hampshire whose name I can never remember that makes them, rockers, and a few other parts.

Good tip on the carb. I assume tapping it with a small rubber mallet is best?

I'll have to see if I can put my hands on a spark plug tester. If not, I have a new set of plugs, and can just drop those in; I was originally thinking of waiting until I was a little closer to getting on the road.

Charlie Larkin
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2021-04-14 12:25 PM (#611021 - in reply to #611008)
Subject: Re: Getting started



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9854
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
.
The remote starter button (and its two cables and alligator clips) is only used to spin the engine. Normally if you are trying to start the car, you need the ignition key turned to "RUN" (ON). If you don't have key, you could jury rig something to get power to the input side of the ballast resistor (the terminal that has a wire coming into it from the horn relay (normally a switched 12V wire). You could connect a wire from the battery to that nutted terminal on the horn relay or run a wire all the way to the ballast resistor. The horn relay would be easier. (See photo below)

The spark plug tester is to show that you are getting any spark, not the quality of the spark. Putting new plugs in (or cleaning the old ones) will help the engine to run better but it won't guarantee that there is actually spark from the coil (through the distributor to the plugs).

When I have watched Derek (Vice Grip Garage) and Uncle Tony whack a carb, they have used a metal hammer or a wrench or a vice grip to give the carb a sharp rap to free up the needle valve. I don't think that a rubber mallet would have the same effect.

The jerry can feed is one of Derek's tricks too.



Good luck.





Top of the page Bottom of the page
Charlie8575
Posted 2021-04-14 3:47 PM (#611032 - in reply to #611003)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Regular

Posts: 75
252525
I'll take a look at my car a little more closely. Being a '55, I have 6-volt, so I'll have to look at how it's wired together.

I think it's time to just order a lock set. In all likelihood, I'll be replacing most of the wiring anyway, but I hate splicing and dicing as a rule; I've never had good luck with it.

I do have a 3-oz. hammer that might fit the bill. I'll have that at the ready.

Charlie Larkin
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2021-04-14 4:01 PM (#611035 - in reply to #611032)
Subject: Re: Getting started



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9854
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
Charlie8575 - 2021-04-14 12:47 PM
I'll take a look at my car a little more closely. Being a '55, I have 6-volt, so I'll have to look at how it's wired together.


I forgot that 6 volt cars don't have ballast resistors. That makes it easier. All you need is power from the + terminal of the battery to the coil either directly or via the horn relay.





Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2021-04-14 9:45 PM (#611054 - in reply to #611003)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Expert

Posts: 4034
2000200025
Location: Connecticut
Charlie -

Is this a Dodge, DeSoto, or ? Also, don't 'whack' the carburetor with anything. If the linkages are not working, choke doesn't open and close, etc, then rebuild it or have it rebuilt. You'll save yourself a lot of grief.

Ron
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Charlie8575
Posted 2021-04-15 12:48 AM (#611055 - in reply to #611054)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Regular

Posts: 75
252525
ronbo97 - 2021-04-14 9:45 PM

Charlie -

Is this a Dodge, DeSoto, or ? Also, don't 'whack' the carburetor with anything. If the linkages are not working, choke doesn't open and close, etc, then rebuild it or have it rebuilt. You'll save yourself a lot of grief.

Ron


Wow. Don't believe I left that out.

'55 Dodge Coronet.

Where in Connecticut are you, Ron? Athol, Mass. here. I actually bought my car in Woodstock.

Oh,and the linkage does seem to work, but could probably use a couple of drops of oil on the pivots.

Charlie Larkin

Edited by Charlie8575 2021-04-15 12:51 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mopar1
Posted 2021-04-15 7:03 AM (#611076 - in reply to #611055)
Subject: Re: Getting started



Expert

Posts: 3027
2000100025
Location: N.W. Fla.
Pull the dizzy and int shaft & run the oil pump with a drill motor. Have someone slowly turn the engine over with a rachet while priming.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ronbo97
Posted 2021-04-15 6:21 PM (#611093 - in reply to #611055)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Expert

Posts: 4034
2000200025
Location: Connecticut

Charlie8575 - 2021-04-15 12:48 AM
ronbo97 - 2021-04-14 9:45 PM Where in Connecticut are you, Ron? Athol, Mass. here. I actually bought my car in Woodstock. Oh,and the linkage does seem to work, but could probably use a couple of drops of oil on the pivots. Charlie Larkin

I'm in the Hartford area.

You probably don't want to put any oil on that. It'll attract dirt and create all kinds of problems. Best idea is to rebuild it.

Ron

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stroller
Posted 2021-04-16 10:55 AM (#611127 - in reply to #611003)
Subject: Re: Getting started


Extreme Veteran

Posts: 371
1001001002525
AW cmon Vice grip would taste the oil and call it good. Fryberger and Finnegan would too. To actually firing an engine that at least turns over has numerous steps other than put in a battery and see what happens. Then again why put in a battery just use a jump pack first. I got an old '65 383 that hasn't ran since '86. I'm pretty sure it would fire up but no idea what would happen.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)