Author Topic: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild  (Read 103354 times)

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #75 on: September 30, 2017, 08:01:35 AM »
Made some headway this week in preparation for the first engine start now planned for this Sunday. Monday I purchased a new 8D battery and installed it using the original battery hold down brackets. The battery is a little narrower than the original Willard battery so I had to use some extra nuts as spacers to cinch up the end brackets. I will need to make some new rods in the future to correct this.



 The rest of last week I was busy with work so I didn't get much done till yesterday. Friday I started going through my mental check list making sure things are ready for Sunday. I did some more painting for the exhaust brackets and such, tightened up the lower generator bolts and then decided it was time to fill the engine up with coolant. For reference, the cooling system holds 24 quarts or 6 gallons. Everything was going good till I put the last gallon in, LEAKS!!! ??? :o It was now time to chase and fix leaks.

Water pump drain loose and was tightened, leak stopped.
Temperature sensor loose and was tightened, leak stopped.
Various hose fittings leaked. I got a set of the old style hose clamps and they leaked at the same spot where the clamp was drawn together. Out with the old style and back to the newer style. Problem fixed except for one. I can't seem to get the hose below the oil cooler from weeping coolant. I may have to replace that hose, we'll see.





That's all. More to come. I will be installing the exhaust today and testing the electrical especially for proper groundings.

Steve A.

Robert Cassin

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #76 on: September 30, 2017, 08:18:43 AM »
Video tape the start! Good luck, Rob
1943 White M 3 Halftrack
1941 White M3A1 Scout car
1942 Harley WLA
1941 Zundapp KS 600
1941 BSA M-20
1976 Condor
1966 International Navy Pickup

Tapper02

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #77 on: September 30, 2017, 09:52:02 AM »
Sounds like you're being very methodical Steve...smart move.  Hope you get everything rectified and the start goes well tomorrow.  Ditto Rob's comment....video tape the start and post it up!!

-Tom
1942 Diamond T M3 Halftrack
  (Being restored to an M3A1 configuration)
  Frame Number M31789
  Ordnance Number 3692
  Hood Number USA W403570-S
1944 Schelm Bros. M10 Ammunition Trailer
  Serial Number 16959
MVPA # 30507

TimG102

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #78 on: September 30, 2017, 09:02:43 PM »
Looking forward to seeing the start up!   Tim
1944 Autocar M15A1 ( M16A1) Halftrack
(Being restored to an M3A1 confg)

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #79 on: September 30, 2017, 10:36:01 PM »
Today I was able to get the exhaust in thanks in part to Don showing up at the shop. I needed the extra help. I also got some electrical work done and those leaks. Still working on those. I do plan to video the start up I have my camera ready. I also have a go-pro but haven't used in in two years. I'm working on that now. I hope it goes will.

Steve A.

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #80 on: October 05, 2017, 09:26:21 AM »
OK guys, the first engine start was a success!! Only a couple of problems. I had the distributor wired for counter clockwise and I was off one plug location. Not bad I think. Once fuel got to the cark it fired right up and sounded great. Oil pressure stayed between 40-60 psi and temp was 160. I still had some coolant leaks to fix. I noticed a big difference on how strong the engine sounds from before. I think the Pertronix ignition and MSD spark control helped a lot with that.

Note: if you are at the same point as me. Fill with water first. once you have leaks fixed then add coolant. lesson learned. ;)

I want to thank my mechanic Matt for the terrific work he has done and to Don, Steve J., Steve Sr. for there help when needed. Also a big thanks to Eric for coming out to my shop and making all my brake, fuel and vacuum lines. Enjoy the video.

https://youtu.be/CCJL2MFR2Z4

Thanks for watching. ;D

Steve A.

8683jb

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #81 on: October 05, 2017, 02:36:37 PM »
Beautiful installation Steve! Great job. Congratulations to you guys.
Jon
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prestone

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #82 on: October 05, 2017, 02:39:56 PM »
beautiful reward than to hear it again turn
the beautiful work.
1941 GMC 353 A1      restored
1943 GMC 352 B1      restored
1943 WILLYS MB        restored
1944 TRAILER MBT     restored
19..   CHECKER 1T      restored
19 . . AUTOCAR M2     under restored

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #83 on: October 05, 2017, 04:08:37 PM »
Thanks guys! ;D

TimG102

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #84 on: October 05, 2017, 07:02:36 PM »
Very Nice. Looking good.
1944 Autocar M15A1 ( M16A1) Halftrack
(Being restored to an M3A1 confg)

big44maghunter

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #85 on: October 05, 2017, 08:46:02 PM »
That is awesome! Must feel good to have it going. Great job.

Darth_Kitten

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #86 on: October 05, 2017, 11:31:14 PM »
yeah, I took a few antifreeze baths myself! lol Way to go!!!!

Tapper02

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #87 on: October 06, 2017, 02:00:28 AM »
Sounding good Steve....bet you're excited!  Nice job on the vid!

-Tom
1942 Diamond T M3 Halftrack
  (Being restored to an M3A1 configuration)
  Frame Number M31789
  Ordnance Number 3692
  Hood Number USA W403570-S
1944 Schelm Bros. M10 Ammunition Trailer
  Serial Number 16959
MVPA # 30507

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #88 on: October 06, 2017, 02:15:22 AM »
Thanks Tom! :D

yd328

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Re: M2A1 Front End and Engine Rebuild
« Reply #89 on: October 06, 2017, 05:36:48 AM »
Sounds and looks great  Steve, you'll have her rolling down the road before you know it. 8)

Gary