Sunday was our first attempt at making the ’48 run. Let's start by examining the current state. As promised here are a few pics...
We started by removing starter since that was not working. As I have read, it was essential to remove the oil filter housing to get proper clearance for the starter. It was also not easy to get it to clear the valve for draining the water from the block.
Here are a few things we removed:
- Generator
- Air filter
- Homemade hood
- Gas tank
- Voltage regulator (no longer will be needed)
- And the old wiring harness (most of which was not being used)
- Pulled the spark plugs to inspect
- Removed frequently damaged and repaired original front bumper
- Radiator and hoses
Finally we got down to business. Using another running 8n (’51 I believe) we pulled it in the field to see what was happening. Pulled the plugs and checked for spark. None was present. Towed it back and cleaned the points and built a homemade crank for it. Replaced some wiring and rewired a switch as the kill switch. Cranked it over by hand and “bang” plenty of spark now. Poured some gas down the fuel line and filled the bowl and took it back to the field. Put it in 4th (which is not as easy as one might think but we’ll cover that another day). After a few sputters and some playing with the choke, it fired up. I let it run for a few seconds and I hit the switch to cut it and we towed it back.
I feel great since the engine should be in good working order and shouldn’t take much work. The plan is to start picking up the bare essentials to get it to a working condition (radiator, starter rebuild kit…) and then eventually save up for the engine rebuild kit.
Here is how she sits at end of this weekend...
Here is how she sits at end of this weekend...
Well, until next time…
