Re: Rebuilding the Carter WGD

Posted by Hans On 2013/7/13 3:48:45

Hi guys,

The Clipper is back on the road, finally.
Because I also had some issues with the ignition I described what I did to fix them in an separate thread 'Starting problems'. The main points are that I found out that the starter was in bad need of service and drew too much current. This upset the electronic ignition and resulted in no spark when starting, basically only one when letting the key go. The ignition generally proved to be an unreliable player, so I decided to reverse to points. All in all I installed points, copper core spark plug cables (no resistance) and serviced the starter myself (cleaning, undercutting and lubricating). This did the trick and was very budget friendly with a fine result: just brushing the ignition key is now enough for the car to fire up: exactly what I wanted.

Now back to the WGD, which I rebuilt including new throttle shaft bearing bushes. Since my last report here I found out that the the carburator was leaking from one of the lead plugs just above the mixture screws. Nothing dramatic but too much for my taste and of course directly above the manifold. When I went over the parts that came with the car I found another carburator body, castingwise definitely in better shape than the one on the car. So what I did was swap bodies. No more leaks and better looks!

I have to humbly admit (especially to owen and Ross) that my doubts about the automatic choke were completely out of order, it works like a dream. Responses are exactly as they should be. The choke valve works fine and it is a joy to see it opening up and closing again when the engine cools down. The heat from the manifold stove reaches the choke housing with no problem at all. Rpm's at idle rise when starting from cold and return to normal when gradualyy warming up. Runnning at idle is very steady, thanks to the new shaft bushings no more air leaks which spoil the mixture.

Maybe it is wishful thinking but I think the engine feels and sounds better and there is more and smooth power under accelaration. At he moment I am not considering adjusting the valves as it seems totally unnecessary.

So this is the good news form the Netherlands: a very happy Clipper owner!

Once again thanks for all your advice and comments.