Date
Time
Cost
Work Done
Picture
Replaced Starter Motor
Starter motor died, went to Hammond 4WD (Jeep Specialist) and got an exchange starter.June 2005
toAugust 2006
Head gasket kept leaking, replaced three times
First time I had head off, stripped a head bolt socket, had to purchase and heli-coil kit, very happy with results of heli coil, I thin the repaired thread is stronger than the others.ANZAC Day parade
Drove the Jeep in the ANZAC day parade at Sandgate. Took some veterans in the Jeep who were marching as part of the Northgate Rememberance Lodge of Freemasons. This is my first parade.The photo to the right is my engine before rebuild. The head gasket kept blowing and after replacing 3 head gaskets, and consulting a few experts, I decided it was time to rebuild the engine. Removing the engine was easy. All parts were removed and paint stripped (mostly by wire brush). I decided to paint the engine block Ford Grey, whilst the block is a Willys block and would usually be green (olive Drab) the head is a Ford head, and the head being more visable. Also I was able to obtain an original looking Ford Grey in heat proof paint from local AutoPro car shop. Hence I chose Ford Grey. It took two days to remove the engine from the vehicle whihc was done by removing all parts from the block, then removing the block using a trolley jack.
I originally sent the block to a business known as Morice Engineering, who were known in the Gold Coast car Club's as good quality/experienced engine rebuilders. However the owner (Graham Morice) passed away half way through the work, and his son (Scott Morice) committed to finish the job. I won't slander the business as I can only consider his intentions honourable; it was a learning experience. After paying almost double my quote to get my block back, I had to take it to someone else (who did a fantastic job) to complete the work required. Anyway I had cylinders re-sleaved back to standard, new pistons, new bearings, bearings put around cam shaft, replacement crank shaft, pistons ground and balanced, new oil pump, head & block shaved, new valve seats, new head studs (instead of bolts), new timing chain, etc, etc.
All engine parts were cleaned, replaced (if needed) and bolted back on, so that when engine went back in, I didn't take so long to start her up.... When everything is clean its alot easier to work with.
I had to use an engine hoist/crane to install engine (its not as easy as removing - its alot heavier and I didn't want to scratch anything). Putting the engine in place took about 3 hours, lining up the gear box shaft and clutch bushing was, well shall I say time consuming. I turned the motor over on the starter motor untill I had oil pressure, then turned ignitions on ........ and ....... first go she started, without even setting timing exactly. I then went through a cycle of starting, running for short periods and letting it cool down.
The rest of the Jeep looks so dirty compared to the nice clean engine !!
Had to buy a new 'NOS' Water pump. When the engine was final running the seals in the water pump had dried out, so I had to buy a new water pump and install. Water pump was purchased from Fylcom Spares, and took 2 days in mail (how good is that).
I also had to repair the thread on the brass heat sender unit, it was cross threaded when I got the Jeep and after undoing I couldn't get it back together. Next door neighbour lent me a thread repair tool (got to get myself one of these - hint, hint family for Christmas) and the thread being a water fitting is tapered, so I was able to restore thread and it screws in realy well now.ANZAC Day parade
Second parade, did Sandgate, Chermside and Virginia parades with veterans in all. This was the first big outing after engine rebuild.I don't think my generator is charging properly, got a flat battery today after a long drive, but battery holds charge OK. Posted on the G503 forum and it needs more checking out. Will have to look further into this.....
I have never been happy with my Carby, I guess after 60 years of use it is a little worn. So I did a home rebuld using parts from a spare Carby I had (which was also a Carter Model WO, but out of a Studerbaker vehicle) The Studerbaker Carby's are almost the same, only slight differences. I also had to connect up the hand throttle and choke links.
After the rebuild, the Jeep seems to idle nicely, it dosn't stall (even when leaning to the left !), and I don't get back firing at high speed (whihc I though was a timinng issue not a carby issue.
I Got this idea from the G503 website. A friend of mine is a boiler maker, so he made the bracket up for me (Thanks Michael). Now I can tow regular trailers behine the Jeep, whilst keeping the look of originality. This has been in the pipe line for some time, and I am very happy with the result :-)
Swap meet
Purchased new spring fittings for the carby, the one's that return the throttle to idle when you lift your foot of the accelarator, I previously had none which wasn't a real problem, however every now and then the engine would idle at 1,000rpm, rather than 600rpm. Also purchase and installed correct hose clapms for the air filter cross over tube.My generator has been re-wound to 12v, and a more modern 12v Lucas regulator placed inside the original regulator box; that way it looks original but produces 12v, rather than 6v.
