m 170 questions

weldernewt53 · Post by **weldernewt53** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:29 pm

I am new to the sight and have a 1954 m38A1-M170. I do not think I will ever be able to completely restore it. It is in great shape and runs like a top . I suspect I have a weak coil because after it reaches op temp. it has trouble starting. After it cools off it will start but can easily be flooded. Any info will help. I replaced the coil last fall with a complete tune up and new in line fuel filter ect. John Bizal from Midwest Mil. rebuilt the fuel pump. Great sight ,sorry for such a long post.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:06 pm

We need a bot more info.

1-Do you have stock M170 engine, fuel system, and ignition system?

2-What PN / model coil? US made or foreign?

3-When you say hard to start when hot do you mean:
A-Turns over very slow?
B-Turns over normal but doesn't fire?
C-Turns over normal and fires but won't keep running?

4-Have you run the standard tests already? If not run the tests and post the results here.
A-Compression Tests.
B-Vacuum gauge test.
C-Fuel pump pressure test.
D-Ignition Timing check both basic an centrifugal.

weldernewt53 · Post by **weldernewt53** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 4:30 pm

wesk wrote:We need a bot more info.

1-Do you have stock M170 engine, fuel system, and ignition systems? >>>Yes

2-What PN / model coil? US made or foreign? >>>US made from Midwest Military

3-When you say hard to start when hot do you mean:
A-Turns over very slow?
B-Turns over normal but doesn't fire?>>>yes
C-Turns over normal and fires but won't keep running?

4-Have you run the standard tests already? If not run the tests and post the results here. >>>No, Do not have the equipment to perform the tests

B-Vacuum gauge test.
A-Compression Tests.
C-Fuel pump pressure test.
D-Ignition Timing check both basic an centrifugal.

ye

Post by **wesk** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 10:01 pm

4-Have you run the standard tests already? If not run the tests and post the results here. >>>No, Do not have the equipment to perform the tests

B-Vacuum gauge test.
A-Compression Tests.
C-Fuel pump pressure test.
D-Ignition Timing check both basic an centrifugal.

You are looking at an investment of say $40 for a compression gauge and a vacuum gauge. These are an absolute minimum for troubleshooting engines from this period.

A $20 digital Volt/Ohmeter is also a necessity for maintaining a 40 or 50 year old vehicle.

Cheap investment and will make your jeep life much easier.

In the interim we can ascertain the condition of your coil by reading it's primary and secondary wiring resistance both cold and hot. This requires the digital VOM. With the engine cold open the distributor cap and disconnect the wires on the two coil terminals. Measure resistance across the primary (+ termial on coil) and the coil's ground. Then measure resistance between the secondary (high tension terminal in center of coil) and ground. Record the readings and then using a heat gun or a hair dryer warm the coil up until it is uncomfortable to touch and take the same pair of readings. Then post the readings here.

weldernewt53 · Post by **weldernewt53** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:57 am

Wes Thanks for the info. My son is a auto mechanic and I am trying to get him interested. I will get the required.equipment and start there. I take out everyday for a spin and today after a short drive she started right up. I would like keep the old girl as original as possible. I am glad I found this sight because they are a little different from what I worked on in highschool. Hope to see you at Iola on the 14 so we can meet and say hello. Thanks again. Greg Monahan Boscobel Wi

Post by **wesk** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:23 pm

Greg,

Have you met Joe DeYoung in Madison. Heck of a jeep guy. He's really heavy into column shift CJ2A's.

I used to get into the Boscobel airport pretty regular in the 90's passing thru to Galesburg with the Stearman. The James brothers used to operate a T6, P51 and T28 out of there back then.

weldernewt53 · Post by **weldernewt53** » Thu Aug 04, 2011 4:32 am

Wes, I used to work for the H. James &Sons. I spent 26 yrs. with them. I recently retired and bought my M170 for a hobby. I am a Navy Viet Nam vet and use it for parades and car shows. I will try to get my wife to help post a pic. I am not that computer savy yet. Not very many Willys around here, only 2 that I know of. There are a few guys that work on them, but I am trying to do most of it myself. I did quite a bit of mech. work in highschool and was a welder and fabricater for James. I am used to 24 volt systems so that does not bother me. It sure is a blast to drive and everyone waves when you go by. Gotta luv the old girl. Thanks for your reply Greg