Re: 1941 One Eighty - curious engine problem

Posted by Matt snape On 2011/1/14 7:07:54

Damn - just wrote a whole post and lost it!

So this time it will be short...

Are pressures in psi?

Three turns - did you turn it by hand? I have always used the starter.

0 psi in #1 but highest pressure in #2... no overheating, water loss or water in oil or oil in water? Must be valve problem or venting to atmosphere between block and head.

I would re test compression using different equipment to be sure then if still the same problem pull the head off. Inspect for problems/leaks. Check valve timing (may be out a notch or two - common enough in rebuilt engines) and valve lift for each cylinder, which will test your faulty lifter theory. Worst case may be bent valve/s cause by incorrect fitment or overzealous maching of top deck/block or head during rebuild - although this should be noisy and also affect more than 1 cylinder. Could be damaged piston / missing rings on #1 but let's not think about that just yet...

At first I thought it most likely a fuel problem also. Have had/heard similar problems caused by porous fuel float which sinks when left sitting. This can flood the engine or cause rich running. Also when carby heats up air/vapour in float can expand, expelling fuel and then float starts to work better...

Just my 2 cents worth and good luck with what sounds like a fabulous restoration project.