The Ford Barn

slatgrille · 09-10-2021, 05:10 PM

Over the course of the summer, I have slowly been working on the '29 RPU that my dear uncle had been building when he unexpectedly passed away in 1990. His son (my cousin), had taken ownership and was in the process of continuing the build until he and his kids lost interest over the past 28 years. At that point it became mine. Following guidelines from this forum and the Les Andrews books, I was able to attach the distributor and time it correctly using the Nu-wrench. I could never seem to find the 'dimple' using the timing pin, so I simply used a small light into #1 cyl. to find TDC, then followed the process.

The carb. attached was a Tillotson looking very much like the Zenith, but it leaked like a sieve. I rebuilt a Marvel (Allstate) and put that on instead. I had good spark when the points 'broke' so I hooked up a small gas tank, sprayed some starting fluid into the carb. throat and she fired right up...for about 5 sec. The carb. started spilling gas so I shut it right down. I found the float was stuck when I took it apart. I fixed that, put it back together and tried to start it again....to no avail! Nothing...zip, nadda...not even a hint of firing up even with spray fluid.

Discovered I had electricity at the coil, but the points weren't breaking. I cleaned them...nothing. Next was the condenser...put a new one in. Nothing!
Took out the distributor...cleaned it up, checked for shorts. Replaced, re-timed, again...nothing! At this point, the hot humid days were getting to me, so I walked away from it for a month or so.

Today, I decided it was time to try again. Even though the points worked initially, I figured I may as well put in the new set I got. Hooked them up, made sure connections were tight, and gap was correct. Re-timed again, then checked for 'breaking'. VOILA...good spark again. Put everything together, opened the GAV 3/4 turn, hit the starter button, and in 3 or 4 revolutions she fired right up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No choke needed either.

This engine has been sitting after rebuild since 1990. This was the first start and there are no noises, rattles, or ticks....so far. I drove it out of the garage, and added water which began seeping from the hose connections. Most of them sealed themselves, but I have few areas that need tightening.

Even though I'm used to antique jeep engines on initial start-up, there's always a feeling of accomplishment when one's work/troubleshooting results in bringing an old vehicle back to life....I'm as giddy as a teenager! Now it's time to begin putting her back together to once again traverse the roads in town.

Craig

09-10-2021, 05:10 PM	#1
slatgrille Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Limerick, ME Posts: 172	First start Over the course of the summer, I have slowly been working on the '29 RPU that my dear uncle had been building when he unexpectedly passed away in 1990. His son (my cousin), had taken ownership and was in the process of continuing the build until he and his kids lost interest over the past 28 years. At that point it became mine. Following guidelines from this forum and the Les Andrews books, I was able to attach the distributor and time it correctly using the Nu-wrench. I could never seem to find the 'dimple' using the timing pin, so I simply used a small light into #1 cyl. to find TDC, then followed the process. The carb. attached was a Tillotson looking very much like the Zenith, but it leaked like a sieve. I rebuilt a Marvel (Allstate) and put that on instead. I had good spark when the points 'broke' so I hooked up a small gas tank, sprayed some starting fluid into the carb. throat and she fired right up...for about 5 sec. The carb. started spilling gas so I shut it right down. I found the float was stuck when I took it apart. I fixed that, put it back together and tried to start it again....to no avail! Nothing...zip, nadda...not even a hint of firing up even with spray fluid. Discovered I had electricity at the coil, but the points weren't breaking. I cleaned them...nothing. Next was the condenser...put a new one in. Nothing! Took out the distributor...cleaned it up, checked for shorts. Replaced, re-timed, again...nothing! At this point, the hot humid days were getting to me, so I walked away from it for a month or so. Today, I decided it was time to try again. Even though the points worked initially, I figured I may as well put in the new set I got. Hooked them up, made sure connections were tight, and gap was correct. Re-timed again, then checked for 'breaking'. VOILA...good spark again. Put everything together, opened the GAV 3/4 turn, hit the starter button, and in 3 or 4 revolutions she fired right up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No choke needed either. This engine has been sitting after rebuild since 1990. This was the first start and there are no noises, rattles, or ticks....so far. I drove it out of the garage, and added water which began seeping from the hose connections. Most of them sealed themselves, but I have few areas that need tightening. Even though I'm used to antique jeep engines on initial start-up, there's always a feeling of accomplishment when one's work/troubleshooting results in bringing an old vehicle back to life....I'm as giddy as a teenager! Now it's time to begin putting her back together to once again traverse the roads in town. Craig