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cj6 as a dd questions

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by gearhead1985, Jan 9, 2012.

  1. Jan 11, 2012
    Alex V.

    Alex V. Member

    Campbellsville, KY
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2008
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    408
    I support PeteL's outlook. Petronix, Solex, and many other modifications - most of them, improvements - are all good, but the Carter carb. and points/condenser worked well for a long, long time, and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't now if you take the right approach when you do it all the first time.

    There's nothing really complicated about points and a condenser, except that (in my experience with a '74 Kohler-powered garden tractor with points ignition) when they start to get bad enough that you can't ignore it - after it has run almost perfect, but not quite, for quite a while - it can be a little difficult to troubleshoot. But, in that case, replace the points/condensor as one of the first steps to fixing the problem and that may cure it - they're cheap, and plenty small enough to carry in the glove box or a small tool box you'd keep in the Jeep.

    I got a replacement Carter YF for my '75 CJ5 (258-6) after the first year or so we had it, and that carb. ran fine with very little maintenance the remaining 8 or so years I drove it on a daily basis. Tuning a carburetor takes practice (not that I can tune one perfectly) but it seems to me that learning how to drive and maintain a vehicle with points ignition and the Carter carb. will only equip you better for future tinkering on it or other older rigs.

    I'm not sure if it's been clarified yet, but a points ignition that's in good working order won't need attention every month, or even every few months unless it's driven a lot more than it sounds like you'll be driving. I used my garden tractor over 200 hours (that's roughly the equivalent to 9,000 miles at 45 MPH) before the points acted up, many of those hours in the height of summer heat mowing grass at 3,000+ RPM's. There's also no way to know how long it had been since they'd been replaced before I got the tractor. That's my only prolonged experience with points, but they may not be as bad as they sound. If nothing else, they were adequate in your Jeep's day. :)
     
  2. Jan 11, 2012
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    Dec 17, 2002
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    2,361
    After using my 47 year old Jeep as a DD 19, going on 20 days now. I want my truck back. I know it is really reliable. I just miss how my truck drives like a car.
     
  3. Jan 13, 2012
    unclebill

    unclebill Banned

    a sun blasted...
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    2,358
    best things i did to the slug
    1 pertronix
    2 heater
    3 electric wipers
    once i figured out carb icing it was a slow but reliable dd
     
  4. Jan 14, 2012
    gearhead1985

    gearhead1985 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2011
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    well now i am looking for a top i really can't decide on what i want

    i am in a toss up between a full hard top or a half cab so i don't know i don't want a soft top for this one just a hard top so ideas any one
     
  5. Jan 15, 2012
    RedWing

    RedWing Member

    Sutton Bay
    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2005
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    564
    Definitely do the Pertronixs! I'm not a mechanic, by any means but have to say that it has increased performance from faster starts, smoother idle and acceleration. I think point work well if your distributor is in good shape. If it is worn or sloppy doesn't matter with the pertronixs.

    Also use their higher voltage coil. It will allow you to open your plug gaps which helps burn the fuel better.
     
  6. Jan 15, 2012
    Long&Low

    Long&Low Active Member

    Geauga County, OH
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    Dec 13, 2009
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    i think that is the key point here, DD, means reliability, and something that is nearing or past 40 years, really ain't that reliable. Sure, you CAN do it, but is it DD material? Naw.
     
  7. Jan 15, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Patrick used his as a daily driver. I used mine as a dd for two years with the stock F head, t-90, etc.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  8. Jan 15, 2012
    chuck123wapati

    chuck123wapati Member

    wyoming
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    Jun 18, 2008
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    761
    2 miles to work! I dont see a problem keep it well maintained an it'll work great, an turn some heads too. I used mine all one winter when my Chevy broke an didn't have a bit of trouble, tune it an check the points regularly an as I said before keep it well maintained. You know the first person that bought it probably used it as his/her daily driver. Enjoy..
     
  9. Jan 15, 2012
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    My older vehicles are the MOST reliable, simplest to maintain, and easiest to get parts for. But admittedly not intended for high speeds or high miles.

    Think about it - would there be so many early Jeeps still in use after 60 years (!) if they weren't somewhat dependable? (Seen many early landcruisers or subarus lately?)
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2012
  10. Jan 16, 2012
    unclebill

    unclebill Banned

    a sun blasted...
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    the slug was fun as a dd for a while.
    but antique jeeps make terrible commuter cars.
    i hope you never need to go somewhere quickly.
     
  11. Jan 16, 2012
    bobo

    bobo Sponsor

    canby or
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2008
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    69
    My head is spinning, lets see,generator vs alternator,9" brakes vs 11" brakes vs disc brakes.bias ply tires vs radial tires,stock head lights vs halegen, carb vs F I ross box vs saginaw,Thank goodness for all of our great choices:)
     
  12. Jan 16, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    I would make it as mechanically and electrically sound as possible obviously then decide what to change. If something needs replacing, then a good time to upgrade. If the component is good then run it and make your decision based on whether it works for you.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2012
  13. Jan 17, 2012
    gearhead1985

    gearhead1985 Member

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    best advice yet
     
  14. Jan 17, 2012
    Petesponies

    Petesponies Banned

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    Dec 18, 2011
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    You need a Pertronix #1548 for your Jeep
     
  15. Jan 17, 2012
    Long&Low

    Long&Low Active Member

    Geauga County, OH
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    thank you
     
  16. Jan 18, 2012
    RyanBailey

    RyanBailey New Member

    Salt Lake City, UT
    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2012
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    I love my Jeep and have loved every one I have own... but lets just say there is a reason I have an audi for a dd!
     
  17. Jan 18, 2012
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Certainly I agree Jeeps aren't built for comfort over the highway, or for long trips.

    I well recall the day my 6-volt F-head was the only vehicle in the neighborhood that started on a day when it was minus 35º F. Over 40 years, my jeeps have always gotten me home - more than I can say for some more sophisticated cars. On the other hand they were expected to do many more miles.

    My point is just that they need not be labelled as "unreliable" just because they are an earlier technology.
     
  18. Jan 18, 2012
    wsknettl

    wsknettl cuz

    NW Wisconsin
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    Aug 24, 2003
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    Ditto Pete on this one.

    For several years in South Dakota when I was stationed out there I left my new 1987 Toyota 4x4 home and took my 52 M38A1 up into the Black Hills on the Wyoming side for hunting seasons. I also drove it every day to work 20 miles each way while the Wife used the Toyota on bad weather days. I really liked and enjoyed driving both trucks but I preferred to be out in the wilderness with the simple rig.
     
  19. Jan 18, 2012
    chuck123wapati

    chuck123wapati Member

    wyoming
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    I agree thats why we love em an everybody back then drove em as Daily drivers!!! rejoice and raise your glasses to all things early jeep.!!
     
  20. Jan 19, 2012
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Cheers!
     
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