Engine Tune Up

The Red Chev seemed a bit harder to cold start the last few days, so I thought its probably about time for a tune up. I calculated that its probably been about 500 miles or more since the last one and there has been a lot of 45 to 50 mph driving since then.

So the thought process was to check out the points, plugs, rotor button, distributor cap and see what difference if any that makes. If starting is still an issue after this I would reset the air / fuel mixture on the carby.

The process included the following

1. Pulled off the distributor cap. Contact surfaces were a bit dirty. Cleaned and lightly polished to get a full contact face.

2. Rotor Button was heavily tarnished, probably OK but to make sure polished contact point on top and contact point to distributor cap.

3. Distributor points. Contact surfaces were slightly burned and dirty. Cleaned both surfaces. Checked point gap, should be 025" was under a few thou, so reset.

4. Cleaned inside of distributor, applied a very small amount of grease to the main shaft that contacts the points rubbing block.

5. Removed plugs, cleaned and reset to 030"

Everything back together, could not gauge starting as engine was already warm but definitely seemed to idle and run a bit better. Throttle response seemed better.

Will make final verdict next day or so and may still need to re tune carby.

These old bangers do require a lot of love and attention, but the good point is you are able to notice as soon as the engine goes off song.

Update later the same day: Cold start is fine, hopefully problem is now fixed.

Who is a happy boy - Maybe - I have taken a chance - let's find out

Hopefully I have just picked up a new old stock 635B distributor from EBay for the Red Chev. Yes you do take a chance on these, but as the pictures show the key indicators are signs of wear on the bottom gear, and the condition of the Delco Remy tag. Was reportedly sitting on the shelf of a Chev dealer in Iowa. Well lets wait and see.

I have purchased a few distributors over the years, all second hand in various condition for spares, and this ones looks very good. Just the bottom gear alone, if in good condition is a great find.

And by the way if your wondering why another distributor for the Red Chev. Well with the focus on freeway driving I figure it cant hurt to have a distributor spinning in the best possible condition, and I can always sell off some of my previous spare distributor parts to balance the ledger.

Just a tip: if you do a lot of miles like I now do, its good insurance to have a complete distributor set up with points and rotor button and cap wrapped up under the front seat just in case.

Some photos below, and I will update as to whether it was a negative or positive purchase when it arrives.

You will notice the tag is not knocked around or worn

And again the tag

An old wire to the coil has been fitted, lets hope it was to test?

That gear looks to be very nice

Points look new, insulation looks around body looks good

Screw holding down points has been used previously

23rd November 1954.The 50 Millionth GM Automobile Produced

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lle3ALeI4qE&feature=related

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPpxPCLkcvM&feature=related

Some More Vintage Cars and People

Not a Winnebago, but what an eye catcher for the time. The vision for the driver would have been terrible, not to mention the handling in a cross wind. For other drivers on some of those old narrow roads it would have been like trying to pass a moving freight train.

A nice restorable 29 or 30 Chev truck?

I love the straw hat and bow tie

Between the curtains and the outfit could almost be mistaken for the back room of a funeral parlour rather than a new car show room.

Check out the ceiling, pressed steel or plaster I wonder? Not to forget 3 brand new Chevs as well.

4th July 1928. This National sedan would have been pretty new, and it confirms that tube bumpers were an original option, way back in 1928.

Of all the photos I have recently posted, this one seems to highlight road conditions at the time, and how hard these little 4 cylinder engines had to work. Not quite sure of the year, 26 or 27?

Jealous Red Chev extracts revenge?

Between recovering from a chest infection and work being pretty hectic for the last few weeks or so, the Red Chev has not received much love and attention lately. The last drive was 132 miles to Trafalgar  on the 3rd December and as I pulled into the garage that day the fuel tank was bone dry.
Since then the poor old thing has sat there collecting dust, going no where. Little did I know the Red Chev had been watching everything going on. It must have noticed me sneaking up to Trafalgar yesterday to spend the day with Monty and Grant.

http://montythe1928chevrolet.blogspot.com/2011/12/resto-new-timing-cover-gasket-water.html

 And to make things worse I carried several boxes of Chev parts past the Red Chev and out into the car, for other places.

The final straw was when I arrived back home yesterday afternoon, and made the fatal mistake of working on a water pump from another 28 Chev, right in full view of a now sulking ALO 428.
My fate was set and it was only a matter of time before the Red Chev would take control and put me back into my place.

Thinking this morning I would fill up the gas tank and do a few jobs then go for a spin, I motored the 400 metres to the Gas Station, filled er up and headed for home, or at least I thought so. Nearing the last left hand corner to go home, the steering wheel was violently pulled from my hands and the Red Chev continued down the road out of control, for approximately 25 miles.

By the time I regained control it was too late. The Red Chev had travelled 5 miles down the main road, onto the East link Tollway and thundered at up to speeds of 45 to 50mph for another 20 miles before it slid to a halt at Kelly's Cafe, located about a mile of the Chelsea beach.

It took some 90 minutes, two coffees and a plate of bacon and eggs to calm the beast down enough to even suggest we come home again. Luckily common sense prevailed, the Red Chev is back in the garage, and all is forgiven. Or is it.

I had better make sure I drive the Red Chev to Trafalgar next time.

 

A very enjoyable day with Monty in the Rest Shed

There is something therapeutic to me about working on old Chevs, especially 28's. Even though it may come as a surprise to you, I am rather keen on them. Would you have guessed?

Today was no exception, working with Grant on a few more of the many jobs still to be done before Monty again terrorises the streets of Trafalgar.

Grant's attached posting tells it all, but a very enjoyable day was had by all, except for a water pump that just could not handle the pressure of the moment.

Hope you enjoy reading the posting as I did being part of it.

http://montythe1928chevrolet.blogspot.com/2011/12/resto-new-timing-cover-gasket-water.html

Some More Vintage Truck Photos