french motor first fire since 1961

[andy]

What does a french engine sound like after being stored from 1961?

Here it is, finally ready to test fire and run

After filling the carb with some fuel, i couldn't get it to fire. After going thru ign, i found the coil was giving me fits, traced it to the point not opening enough. Once i set it she fired. I did crank it a few times without coil wire and got 40 psi almost immediately

ya thats me, all the greys, and to think im 20 lol no not really but still under 50, either the halftrack or my wife is to blame

One thing i did a boo boo on, i didnt use high heat paint on the manifold, yep burnt off fast.

After checking everything, once it was running i got it to about 180, didn't go over yet, oil pressure was 40, and stayed there, and amp was just over half so all good. I was surprised it wasn't that loud without the muffler though

Andy

 http://youtu.be/tn9YLCSMN7Q

[Tapper02]

Purrs like a kitten…

-Tom

[spec4don]

Bravo Andy, that first start is a rush.  Next comes the drive!

Don G.

[andy]

Thanks guys, I couldn't have gotten this far without the help from many of you,
BTW i tried to add the video in the post but couldn't figure out how to, anyone know?

Andy

[johne504]

I was wondering where you found your french engine from?  I am thinking about trying and finding one for my halftrack, as it needs a total rebuild.  a french one would be better!!! if I could get it for a fair price.  thanks, John  5095540526

[Tapper02]

I got a French rebuilt engine from Dave Pojta at Liberty Engineering Services in England.  Even with import fees and shipping it was cheaper than the "local" alternative, and I got to keep my original engine...no core turn in.  Unfortunately, Dave has dropped off the face of the earth...haven't heard from him in over a year now.

-Tom

[steve1973]

I now of  a guy selling the French rebuilds. They will run you $6-7000 not including shipping and import fees if any. I'm rebuilding mine now and with parts and labor will run me $4000. It all depends on what your engine needs and what can be reused.

Steve A.

[scotty71]

Dave Pojta is still in business as I was in contact with him a couple of weeks ago. He had a very serious illness but is now is now getting better.


There are a few options for engines out there......

One running engine for sale in the US......http://www.armyjeeps.net/Parts/HalfTrack%20Engine/index.htm

Sindorf Trading....http://www.sindorf.nl/miscellaneous/white-160ax-hercules-engines-nos/108/103/

BAIV.BV....http://www.baiv.nl/product/nos-halftrack-white-engine/

[johne504]

Ah, the sound of a fresh rebuilt halftrack engine.  I had one years ago I found on ebay.  I got it for 3500$, which I thought was a lot of money back then...but now I realize that was a good deal, even 10 years ago.  I have been debating what to do with my engine, as its very tired.  It still runs, but needs total rebuild. 
I finally decided to bite the bullet, and purchase a french rebuild from BAIV.  It is shipping out next week!!!  The last one I had run perfect, and this one should also.  The only problem I had was the clutch was stuck.  I had to drive it, in 4th gear, and jerk it back and fourth with the throttle to get it to free up.  After it broke loose everything works great.  I ended up selling that track, as I got in financial trouble. (Its on military vehicle web)... asking a lot more than I got for it. 
Anyway.  I may let my old engine go if someone is willing to offer me a fair price for it.  The new one cost right around 7600$ with all the fees for wire transfer, shipping, etc.  I figured it would cost around 4K to rebuild, and be down for months.  If I sell my old engine I think 2500$ would be a fair price for it, so that puts the new engine at around 5K... thats only 1000$ more than rebuilding my old one, and it comes with new/rebuilt carb, generator, starter, fuel pump, clutch, etc..... and, it will only be down and out of service for as long as it takes to swap out the only engine.