Engine Tips

[Michael Echemann]

I've decided to get my 67 (or 68 as the vin id is not stamped) out of storage to
see about using it some this year. I've started a few Amphicar engines after
they've sat for awhile but this ones sat for quite a long time. When I first
bought the car the crank didn't want to move on the first try but a little
harder tug on the fan blade and belt got it turning so I think it's fine.

I'll rebuild the carb (and pray I don't have my usual gas line leaks afterwards)
and change the original fluids, plugs and points etc but does anyone have
suggestions on any other precautions. Possibly a bit of oil in the cylinders?
etc. This guy bought the car new in 1970 from the dealer in PA. with 350 test
driven miles and let it set. He tried it once in 1972 in the water and parked
it again with 388 miles. He told me it hasn't been started since. It needs all
the usual maintenance stuff like rubber parts and brake cleaning. Since I'm not
the best at engines if anyone has any suggestions I'll take the advise.

Thanks

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 

[a_colo_native]

You're on the right track already. Squirt some "Marvel Mystery Oil"
oil down each cylinder (a few tablespoons or so) and let it sit at
least overnight (a few days is not a problem). Before starting it,
disconnect the coil wire and crank it over a few times 1st to get the
oil pump working. Then reconnect and start her up. Let it idle up to
temp checking for leaks (especially the oil cooler hoses) before
driving it. Next, send the title and keys to me!

Sometimes the solenoid will stick on a car parked so long, so have a
wrench ready to remove a battery cable quicly if needed. A "Technical
tap" with a Ford wrench will often correct it. Translated that
means smack it with a hammer lightly.

Check brakes for functionality and give all the zerks a shot 'o
grease too. Then go back in the house and don't forget send the title
and keys to me!

John

 

[Michael Echemann]

Re: Re: Engine Tips

Thanks for the tip John,
I'll go ahead and squirt a bit of oil in each cylinder a few days prior to
starting. Unfortunately the gas tank, brakes, hoses and all other rubber parts
etc. need to be changed. I pulled the old battery out of it's box last night
and put in a good one and all electric worked except the horn and that is
probably just the contacts.

This is the second car I've seen without the year of production stamped on the
vin plate. The only explanation I can come up with is the dealer was to add
this on late cars. I'm not sure why this would be the case however. Does
anyone know why some late vin plates were not stamped with 1967 or 1968
production dates?

Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: a_colo_native
To: amphicar-lovers@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2003 8:20 AM
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] Re: Engine Tips


You're on the right track already. Squirt some "Marvel Mystery Oil"
oil down each cylinder (a few tablespoons or so) and let it sit at
least overnight (a few days is not a problem). Before starting it,
disconnect the coil wire and crank it over a few times 1st to get the
oil pump working. Then reconnect and start her up. Let it idle up to
temp checking for leaks (especially the oil cooler hoses) before
driving it. Next, send the title and keys to me!

Sometimes the solenoid will stick on a car parked so long, so have a
wrench ready to remove a battery cable quicly if needed. A "Technical
tap" with a Ford wrench will often correct it. Translated that
means smack it with a hammer lightly.

Check brakes for functionality and give all the zerks a shot 'o
grease too. Then go back in the house and don't forget send the title
and keys to me!

John


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