Houston we have a (engine) problem

[JohnTeee]

Well, SpecialD sat for several years and I'm dealing with the problems, which are snowballing. Brakes are decent; I have to replace the Left Rear wheel seal and the pads on that wheel. Flushed the radiator and added new coolant. I've changed the oil and filter cartridge. Fuel was shot and I've dealt with that. May be dealing with a carb rebuild . . .

Had a lot of problems with the engine backfiring and something like tappet noise. Tried starting again today and it is backfiring horribly.

Pulled the valve covers and it didn't look like all of the valves were working like they should as the engine turned over. Even though I had not screwed a whole lot with the spark plug wires, I wondered if firing orders could have gotten messed up. Decided to start with #1 at TDC. Pulled the plug and decided I had gotten lucky. There was the top of the piston. Put a rod in it and turned it over. Nothing. Tried #2, it too was visible through the hole and appeared to be TDC - at the same time #1 was; also not moving with the engine cranked. Checked #6 and throw was very short.

I'm really hoping somebody is not going to tell me that it sounds like my crankshaft is busted . . . Also don't think that is likely.

What's my obvious first place to start? Drain the oil, drop the pan and see what I can see?

John

[JBNeal]

sounds like valves are a-stickin'; might be easiest to pull manifold and apply penetrating oil into the guides, rotating crankshaft to verify each valve is stroking & returning fully. It probably wouldn't hurt to pull the spark plugs and fill the combustion chamber with diesel or Marvel Mystery oil to get the rings to soak in some penetrant, they might be sticking too.

[JohnTeee]

Well, the odd thing is, I drove this around the block a week ago. Now, I'm having all these problems . . .

John

[Alshere59]

I think the best is start with the basics. I couldn't tell from your post but looking back I see you had gas tank problems. Are they solved? Did you flush the line clean with any filter you may have also? Carb clean? If you now have fuel during start up is there spark. Pull your plugs are they fouled? In your other thread you said they were sooty. Fresh and or clean plugs and clean fuel may get you where you want to be. If not Check the firing order you said you didn't mess with the plug wires "much" but how much is much? If you haven't changed anything else and your gas problem is solved "which I am not sure about" then plugs should equal running.

Also

The piston is not visable when you pull the plugs as they are over the valves.

There is a small plug over number 6 that will let you check if the piston is at the top. If you pull that and insert a rod watching so it doesnt bind fall in etc. you can check to see when that piston gets to the top but it only works for number 6.

Sorry after reading it sounds a bit abrupt. My intent is/was only to help.

Al

Edited October 12, 2011 by Alshere59
Tone

[Lou Earle]

After you drove it around the block did you remover the distributor?

If so youu mingh have put it back in reversed.

LOu

[Don Coatney]

For an engine to run you need 3 things. Compression (have you done a compression test?), Fuel, and spark delivered at the correct time.

I see you have been a member of this forum for several years. So I assume you have read everything on the main web page supporting this forum speciffically the section on static timing. If not you should read it as it tells you exactly how to static time your engine.

[JohnTeee]

@Don - You forget we've met? I am familiar with that, but, as I've been gone for a while, I feel like I'm starting from scratch. Time to refresh.

@Lou - Good suggestion. Have not pulled the distributor, so I should be good there.

@alshere59 - Wow! Let me address all those . . .

I think the fuel issue, short of rebuilding the carb is resolved. After tank rinsing, added Gumout and 5 gallons fresh fuel. I also ran about a pint of fresh fuel through to the gas line fitting on the carb and dumped it. Had also evacuated the fuel bowl in the carb (as well as the bowl on the pump). Have a commercial fuel filter in line after the pump. That DOES leave the carb . . .

Plugs ARE fouled, so I'll start with fresh plugs today.

Spark plug wires were pulled one at a time, and replaced as I pulled plugs and checked them. I did have #1 & #2 off at the same time once . . . Plug wires were pulled from the distributor cap one at at time, a little 'bulb grease' put on the ends and plugged back in. Coil wires have been pulled and plugged back in.

I did NOT know that piston top was not visible through the plug holes. I have seen that plug . . .

@49Dodge1ton - those sound like good suggestions. Thanks.

Guys, I've fooled around with with the '47, with my dad, going back into the 70's. Changed plugs/wires, points/condensor, generator, starter, fuel pump, water pump, oil pan gasket, pulled the transmission, checked the timing - all auxillary stuff.

I'm embarassed to admit . . . I'm an engine virgin. I have never pulled an engine, had the heads off or rebuilt an engine. This is the sweet mystery of life to which I have not been exposed.

So, I'll work on my basics, with the your good help, and see where it goes!

Cheers!

John

[Don Coatney]

John;

Thanks for the memory refresh. I did not know it was you. How is your dad doing?

This picture was taken in 2004.

[JohnTeee]

John;

Thanks for the memory refresh. I did not know it was you. How is your dad doing?

This picture was taken in 2004.

Damn! Didn't take you long to dig that pic up. You're FAST Don. The kind of guys mom's warn their girls to stay away from!

Dad's doing great. Still flying his Bonanza, but not doing as much. He is also guilty of letting his '48 sit and is wanting to get it back out. I've been feeding him parts numbers for things he may need. I really wish he was closer. He was quite a gear-head in his youth - grew up working in a garage, rode an Indian and built his own tubbed hot rod. He's probably forgot more than I'll ever know. Funny thing is, I remember him dragging a reluctant teenage son out to help work on various vehicles and me unable to wait to be done. A lot of what he had me help him with, stuck! Other than that, I learn as I go . . .

Cheers!

John