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F-Head Troubleshooting And Repairs

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by william_cj3b, Jan 14, 2017.

  1. May 9, 2017
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    Sounds like it should be ok, especially since the stat did open. 7# radiator cap? Obviously you know the drill, check for oil in water, check oil and water level when cold for best readings. Retorque head bolts yet?
     
  2. May 9, 2017
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Sounds like a bubble in the cooling system, common after a drain-and-fill.
     
  3. May 9, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
    Messages:
    421
    Update...

    The good...
    • When I pulled the thermostat the water level was still near the top of the head. So I probably didn't hurt anything. The old (known good) thermostat is reinstalled and working. Neither thermostat had the bypass hole. I added one for good measure. BTW, the thermostat I took out didn't open in a pan of water until the water was at a full boil. Junk.
    • I've retorqued all of the head bolts. Only two yielded. One that I used to lift the engine into the frame and one for mounting the oil filter bracket.
    • I re-adjusted the valves. Much quieter now.
    • The Jeep drives well. The transmission and overdrive shift as they should, and the transfer case is reasonably quiet. The brakes are working well and don't pull when stopping hard.
    • All in all the B seems happy. It's slowly marking his territory in the garage as I type this.
    The not so good...
    • I'm disappointed with the steering. There's still some play at the steering wheel. As far as I can tell it's all in the bell crank which has a new pin and bearings. I'm definitely going to investigate a tapered roller bearing set up.
    • The carburetor is not working well. Transition from idle to part throttle and WOT performance is poor. The engine idles well and mid-RPM part throttle operation is smooth.
    • I managed to strip the screw threads that hold the choke and throttle cable bracket. I guess I'll have to through bolt that corner of the carb.
    • The center stud for the exhaust manifold is seeping a bit of water. I used sealer on the threads but this one didn't hold.
    Left to do...
    • Get the carburetor adjusted.
    • Install the front drive shaft.
    • Rebuild the generator. The front bearing is pretty noisy.
    • Get some decent gauge battery cables. The current ones are small enough they get pretty hot when turning the engine over.
    I'll drive it to work for the next 2 days. If that goes well I'll put a couple hundred miles on it on Friday which should add up to about 500 miles on the engine. Then I'll change the oil and start prepping for the drive to the Willys reunion in Indiana.
     
  4. May 15, 2017
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    Six volts requires larger cables than twelve volt. Twice as big, in theory. PO may not have known that.
     
  5. May 15, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    Twice as big in area, not cross section.

    In numbering terms you'd go up three sizes to double amp capacity, i.e. from a #4 to a #1 , from a # 2 to a 2/0.

    American wire gauge - Wikipedia

    H.
     
    william_cj3b likes this.
  6. May 15, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
    Messages:
    421
    Yep, went with 1 awg. The old ones we're #4.

    Good info!
     
  7. May 16, 2017
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    417
    Heli coil for the carb screw.
     
  8. May 16, 2017
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2003
    Messages:
    421
    The original screw was too short. I put in a longer one that is holding well.
     
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