Engine cutting out and anti-freeze puzzle

MajBen · Post by **MajBen** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:17 am

Hi folks, due to health and other reasons beyond my control, I have not been able to be involved in jeepin for nearly two years. Some of you may remember my trials and challenges in restsoring my 'Leatherneck' SN 22797 back when. Now and then I have been able to start and drive her for very short distances and have tried to work out small problems but have a couple that I need help finding a solution.

1) When I initially start the jeep, it runs great but on a short tirp it starts cutting out; usually it will recover without much trouble. At first I was convinced that it was some dirty gasoline or small paricles getting past the in tank filter. I must point out that this restoration was fromt the ground up; tank was cleaned and coated and the screen insert new. I have noticed some corrison on the insert from just setting. Then I began to think it might be water or moisture in the gas so applied Heat. Yesterdy, I just started it and let it idle which it did in great shape for about 5 minutes; then it started cutting out; I could usually get it to recover by pumping the gas pedal. I am beginning to think that something is happening when it reaches temperature level. Since I can usually recover by pumping the gas pedal, I tend to think that it is in the fuel system but using the choke does no good. I may be completely on the wrong track. Any ideas would be appreciated.

2) When I finished restsoratin some 2 years ago, I opted to put in a rather new type of Prestone that was supposed to be good for 5 years and I used 50/50 mix which was supposed to be good to 40 degrees below zero. I was rather shocked when I tested it later and it only tested to 5 degrees above. My son and I drained the radiator and block and got it all out except about a pint and applied new Prestone---all I could find was the sol called stuff lasting for 5 years. We applied 50/50 just as suggested (one can buy already mixed but we bought what was supposed to be the real deal and mixed it ourselves). To my surprise, yesterday it tested just 5 above and I have two of the small ball type testers and both were the same.

Again, hello to all my old friends who helped me so much before. Any ideas will be appreciated. Semper Fi Ben

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:19 pm

Ben,

Sorry I cant help you, but it is great to see you posting again

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:42 pm

Hello Ben, it has been a long time...

I am no expert, but a couple of questions...

Does this stuttering happen only once just after start up or does it happen again after recovery... If it is a one time deal well that makes it harder to troubleshoot...

When you rebuilt you carberator, where did you have it done or get the kit to do it?

Reason: there is a more reliable kit out now for these carberators available from Midwest Militay and AJP...

May be you have a diaphram getting ready to ail from sitting in gasoline and not being used regularly... Just a suggestion...

Another is to disconnect the carberator vent tube to the air filter (little 3/16" tube and see if it is plugged or has some crud in it... bugs go wierd places...

Other than that I am not sure as where to go...

Hope this helps...

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 2:46 pm

Hey Ben!

I would not sweat the antifreeze too much, but if you are really into it there are some new types out now that are supposed to be better than regular antifreeze.

On the stutter problem are your fuel to carb lines away from the exhaust manifold? Could it be a vapor lock problem?

I am not a mechanical troubleshooting expert and Wes should be along to help.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 9:21 pm

Ben,

Welcome back and glad to see you can enjoy a bit.

Start with the fuel tank vent system. With the tank cap left off does the stutter develope? With the vent line for the carb bowl disconnected at the bowl does the stuttering still develope. Then is your carb fuel supply line routed closer than 2" from the exhaust manifold?

Glycol when mixed 50/50 will read that specified temp when tested properly. I would start by getting a real good quality full size temp corrected gage. That's the long unit (over 6") with the big round rubber squeeze ball.

MajBen · Post by **MajBen** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:34 am

Hi Guys, really nice to hear back. I have my profile set for me to receive an email when there is a reply but not having seen any I just came on the forum and was surprised; great.

I will try and answer Hal first, the stuttering usually does not happen until it reaches temperature which is a few minutes and then it is happens off and on---not a one time deal.

I had the carb professiionally rebuilt by a person who has done 4 for me and most of the MVPA I used to belong to and he is well thought of.

All lines were clear when I finished and the problem has been with me all along.

Ryan really nice to see you are posting--how are the twin boys, guess they are driving the M38 by now. Anyway, the vapor lock idea is interesting. Wes, nice to hear too, I will tie this in with Ryan. I will check the supply line and see how close I have it to the exhaust. Having the tank cap off soesn't seem to change anything one way or the other. I will disconnect the vent line to the carb bowl to experiment.

Will also look into a larger tester.

Actually, since I wrote, I have started it and let it idle for about 5 minutes two days in a row and it did not stutter but of course do not know how it will do at RPM on the road and the boss of 61 years doesn't want me to venture out of the yard without someone along. The carb could be fine tuned a bit but this implant won't allow me to be over the runnign engine. My son Skip along with a pascle of grandchildren over the weekend wanting a ride so it will get a work out then.

Bill thanks for your interest.

As a side light, some of you have heard my tall tales about my neighbor John Kelsey who has a large antique collection and manufactures tires for pre mid 30 collectibles. He also dabbled in manufacturing tires for the MB and GPW wiith the blessing of Goodyear. And, he has something new going with Keith Buckley who many of you know. John was just selected for the Hall of Fame of the Tire Manufacture Association of America and is in goo company with the likes of Mr. Goodyear, Firestone, and many other well known tire gsreats.

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. Any idea why I am not beingnotified when a rep;ly come in? Semper Fi Ben

Post by **wesk** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:55 am

It may be sending them to your old email address.

MajBen · Post by **MajBen** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:40 am

Hi Wes, no, I just checked my proile and the email address is correct and it is actually the same one I have had for a long time. And, the box at the bottom of the reply is checked to notifiy me.

Just went out and started Leatherneck and let it run for 7 or 8 minutes and again it never stuttered once at idle. Checked the space between the gas line and the exhaust and it looks like it is 2" in between but will measure it more closely when it cools. Thanks and Semper Fi Ben

Pelle · Post by **Pelle** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 12:37 pm

Ben

Regarding glycol tester I agree with Wes. The ball type seems to get worse with age. Also before shopping for a new one, remember to check what kind of glycol you are using. Ethylene or propylene. (Hope the spelling is correct) The testers usually only works for one type.

Regards,
Pelle