Re: 1938 Super 8 1605 - adventures with a newbie
Posted by kevinpackard On 2022/12/17 22:03:16
Over 2 years after our last failed engine, we were at it again today. Our good friend has been diligently plugging away at getting the engine put back together in between health problems and other unexpected issues.
We had it towed to his shop, then dropped the engine into place. During the course of pulling the battery, we noticed that mice had somehow gotten into the car and started to make a mess. In fact when we lifted the seat, several of them scattered. Ugh.
We spent some time getting everything hooked up to the engine in preparation for starting. Drained the old gas, new oil (10W-30), and adjusted the distributor. The engine started right up first time. It definitely needs timing dialed in and to be tuned.
Once we confirmed the engine started, we installed the radiator and filled with coolant. On the second start try the ignition wire shorted out somewhere and caught fire. Quickly shutting the ignition off stopped it. We removed the ignition from the circuit and started the car without it. The engine immediately raced (not good) because the throttle was stuck. We killed it immediately.
Third time was a charm with normal starting, idle, and running. We took it up to operating temp, lots of smoke out the back initially, and smoke off the newly painted exhaust manifold. Confirmed the '39 water pump works and no leaks. Let the engine cool down and will retorque the head nuts after.
Video:
Problems:
1.) Fuel pump leaks all over the place. It works, but the gaskets are likely shot.
2.) Carb needs a rebuild. Runs a bit rough, and accelerator pump is no good.
3.) Need to replace the ignition wire. It's going to be a nightmare. Under the dash is packed with air conditioning equipment and wires. I'm seriously considering tearing out all the A/C stuff. It is very frustrating to work around.
4.) Need to figure out a fan solution. The '39 water pump is much shorter than the '38, which leaves the fan about 6" from the radiator. I'm thinking it may be best to ditch the belt-driven fan and do dual electric fans. It's not original, but options are very limited with the situation we have.
5.) Need to find the right fan belt. 3/4" and about 49" long. We threw a temporary one on there. It works but not well.
-Kevin
Attach file:
Dropping the car off.jpg (141.31 KB)
Mouse droppings.jpg (171.24 KB)
My worst enemy.jpg (128.22 KB)
Dropping the engine.jpg (156.16 KB)
Engine in place.jpg (165.00 KB)
Burned ignition wire.jpg (82.46 KB)
Burned under the coil.jpg (119.43 KB)
Stromberg carb.jpg (139.92 KB)
Fuel pump.jpg (120.80 KB)
We had it towed to his shop, then dropped the engine into place. During the course of pulling the battery, we noticed that mice had somehow gotten into the car and started to make a mess. In fact when we lifted the seat, several of them scattered. Ugh.
We spent some time getting everything hooked up to the engine in preparation for starting. Drained the old gas, new oil (10W-30), and adjusted the distributor. The engine started right up first time. It definitely needs timing dialed in and to be tuned.
Once we confirmed the engine started, we installed the radiator and filled with coolant. On the second start try the ignition wire shorted out somewhere and caught fire. Quickly shutting the ignition off stopped it. We removed the ignition from the circuit and started the car without it. The engine immediately raced (not good) because the throttle was stuck. We killed it immediately.
Third time was a charm with normal starting, idle, and running. We took it up to operating temp, lots of smoke out the back initially, and smoke off the newly painted exhaust manifold. Confirmed the '39 water pump works and no leaks. Let the engine cool down and will retorque the head nuts after.
Video:
Problems:
1.) Fuel pump leaks all over the place. It works, but the gaskets are likely shot.
2.) Carb needs a rebuild. Runs a bit rough, and accelerator pump is no good.
3.) Need to replace the ignition wire. It's going to be a nightmare. Under the dash is packed with air conditioning equipment and wires. I'm seriously considering tearing out all the A/C stuff. It is very frustrating to work around.
4.) Need to figure out a fan solution. The '39 water pump is much shorter than the '38, which leaves the fan about 6" from the radiator. I'm thinking it may be best to ditch the belt-driven fan and do dual electric fans. It's not original, but options are very limited with the situation we have.
5.) Need to find the right fan belt. 3/4" and about 49" long. We threw a temporary one on there. It works but not well.
-Kevin
Attach file:
Dropping the car off.jpg (141.31 KB) Mouse droppings.jpg (171.24 KB) My worst enemy.jpg (128.22 KB)
Dropping the engine.jpg (156.16 KB) Engine in place.jpg (165.00 KB) Burned ignition wire.jpg (82.46 KB)
Burned under the coil.jpg (119.43 KB)
Stromberg carb.jpg (139.92 KB) Fuel pump.jpg (120.80 KB)This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=251697