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1973 - Father and Son Project

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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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I just found the directions in Toms for the leaf springs. What is the front? I’m unsure what “military double wrap” means.

Regarding engine, tbd. We are going to try and get it running before making any drastic moves.


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.94 OR

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Military double wrap has the second leaf from the top creating a redundant wrap around the top "loop". This goes in the front.
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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I finally got the rear suspension done! Thanks for the help. I started tearing down the front today and got stuck on the Trac Bar Castle nut, I dont have a ratchet big enough for it! I also kept staring at the spring retention plates trying to figure out where the retaining screws were located. Turns out they are under a layer of styrofoam....who knew! Progress is being made.

https://flic.kr/p/2qiAv71
https://flic.kr/p/2qitCj3
 

okorangebrnco

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Nov 25, 2004
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1,656
I will have to keep a close eye on this build. My father's name was Mark and I am Levi. We built a 1969 as my fist car, still in the shop and still drive/wheel it. Enjoy the blood, sweat, tears, arguments, and all that this beauty will bring you both. the memories will be cherished for many years to come.
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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The deconstruction continues.

I spoke with an engine builder that said I should give the engine a shot to run before pulling everything apart. Levi and I got it started and it ran for 5-10 min before it choked out. We couldn't get it started again, white smoke was coming out of the carb but the engine still turns over. The professionals at google say...coolant is being burned in the engine, which can be a sign of a serious issue: Blown head gasket or Cracked engine block or cylinder head. Thoughts? I hope we didn't;t do too much damage, but it is all a learning process. #memories

https://flic.kr/p/2qqaWTX
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m_m70

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Pacifica, CA
Levi and I got it started and it ran for 5-10 min before it choked out. We couldn't get it started again, white smoke was coming out of the carb but the engine still turns over. The professionals at google say...coolant is being burned in the engine, which can be a sign of a serious issue: Blown head gasket or Cracked engine block or cylinder head.
was the white smoke coming out of the carb or the exhaust??

Do you know when the last time the engine was run and how old the gas is? did it seem to run smooth or was it more backfiring and sputtering/popping?

I would pull the sparkplugs to see what they look like, take a pic and post. You can tell a lot from the looks of a plug.....
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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was the white smoke coming out of the carb or the exhaust??

Do you know when the last time the engine was run and how old the gas is? did it seem to run smooth or was it more backfiring and sputtering/popping?

I would pull the sparkplugs to see what they look like, take a pic and post. You can tell a lot from the looks of a plug.....
Was coming out off the carb. Not billowing just after it had died when you moved the throttle.

I just pulled the plugs for a compression test and they didn't look too bad. I'll pull them again and post a pic.
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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doesn't sound all that bad to me. old gas? have you tinkered with the carb yet?
I have not adjusted any of the screws on the carb yet. It fired right up with a little gas in the top. It ran for 5-10 min then died, couldn't get it restarted. I may try and crank it over again today after some more thinking.

Gas tank is new. Here is a picture of the plugs.

https://flic.kr/p/2qqqM7W
 

m_m70

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Was coming out off the carb. Not billowing just after it had died when you moved the throttle.
wouldn't worry about that. most likely gas squirting on a hot manifold.

Gas tank is new. Here is a picture of the plugs.
Nice. Assuming the filters have been replaced and lines cleaned out?

It fired right up with a little gas in the top. It ran for 5-10 min then died,
Well you've already confirmed compression so that just leaves spark and fuel. If your fuel pump has good volume and you have a good spark, I would start with a carb rebuild.
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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New spark plug wires and a couple turns to adjust the idle and we got it to fire up and run. We let it run for about 20 minutes. I turned it off but could not get it to restart. As I'm typing this I'm thinking "Do I have the idle too low now"? Thanks for all the suggestions. These little victories are so fun. Building memories for sure.
 

gnpenning

Bronco Slave
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Dec 26, 2011
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2,323
Loc.
I have more questions than answers.
Get a flashlight and take a peek down the carb. When you are ready operate the throttle and look for a squirt of fuel down the throat of the carb. Keep in mind you can only do this a couple times before you won't be able to see fuel without cranking. Depending on what you find will depend on the next step.

Use a old spark plug in one of the spark plug wires, ground the plug.
Have it in a spot that is easy to see, crank over checking for spark at the plug. Again depending on what you find will depend on the next step.

Quick easy tests that are free. As already mentioned you need spark (at the right time) and fuel/air (in the right amount) a long with compression to run.

Great father son project. Congratulations.
 
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PatioDaddio78

PatioDaddio78

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Aug 23, 2024
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So some things have changed! We have decided to ditch the original engine and trans and body! I ordered a new body from Toms that I picked up earlier this week and will have off the a painter soon. Replacing the body panels one at a time just seemed like a task that I was ill equipped to take on, thanks Matt! Now for decisions on engine and trans. I'm looking at the BluePrint 302 paired with a 4r70W...seems like that is what a few folks have gone with with good results.

The more that we remove the more questions that seem to pop up.

The journey continues!!

https://flic.kr/p/2qtb8xb https://flic.kr/p/2qtb8we https://flic.kr/p/2qt9mSJ https://flic.kr/p/2qt9mQQ
 
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