If your Willys Jeep seems to be running a bit sluggish, there can be a few reasons for that. In this post, we'll outline the 6 most common Problems enthusiasts run into:
1.) Poor Compression - If you believe this might be the culprit, run an easy compression test. Run the auto up to the middle of the heat gauge (about 150 to 180 degrees) then remove ALL spark plugs. By removing the spark plugs, you will fundamentally be checking for a blown head gasket. Attach the gauge to one of the cylinders and turn the engine over with a FULLY-CHARGED BATTERY (This is EXTREMELY important) 3 or four times. Read the gauge and then record the reading. After you do this, go to the subsequent cylinder, for example.
2.) Wrong tire size - It's common. Make sure you have the CORRECT tire size on your car because over-sized tires can increase the drive proportion.
3.) Vacuum Advance - When properly checking your distributor vacuum advance, a test IS needed but you can make some basic tests. First, disconnect the vacuum line from the distributor and take away the distributor cap. Then attach a hose to the vacuum advance unit and suck - You should see the point plate move and then return once you stop sucking. If it's O.K, then plug the vacuum air hose, Don't HOOK IT BACK UP. Reinstall the distributor cap.
Fasten a timing meter to cylinder 1s spark plug. Then start the engine and check the timing. Stop the engine and re-attach the vacuum hose then start the engine again and watch the timing. At idle speed, it should be about the same as before. Rev up the engine to about 1200 rpm and the timing should advance just about 10 degrees. If this doesn't occur, well then the vacuum is either too slow or you do, in fact , have distributor issues.
4.) Brakes too tight - To check the brakes, raise each wheel and be absolutely certain that the brakes aren't pulling. You need to hear a slight off-and-on scraping sound as you're revolving the tires. Now, if the scraping is incessant or if the wheel is tough to turn, then that suggests the brakes are TOO TIGHT. They'll have to be readjusted.
5.) Poor ignition or carburetor Problems - We highly recommend taking your Willys Jeep to a credible shop to check this out but there are one or two simple tests.
Ignition: First take away the wire from plug 1 and lay it so the end terminal isn't against any metal. Then start the vehicle and take into account that it Will miss. Take the spark plug wire and hold it close to a cylinder head bolt. You should then see a bright blue spark BUT if the spark is yellow-orange in colour or the colour is plain feeble, then that means you've an ignition problem.
Carburetor: First, drive the auto for 1 or 2 miles then go on and leave it running in neutral with the emergency brake on. Then open the door and then take away the air cleaner. Depress the accelerator all the way down and the engine should not hesitate and should accelerate to a high r.p.m swiftly. If it does not swiftly and you have made the other checks then you most likely have an issue. If it revs up alright then just put the air cleaner back and do it again. The air cleaner just might have been plugged.
6.) Automated Transmission - If your Willys Jeep has a Hydramatic Drive then there might be an issue with the linkage adjustment between the carburetor and the transmission or an issue within the transmission itself. These 2 items are the source of Problems with your sluggish automobile. So check your shop manual for the proper change of the carburetor-to-transmission linkage.
1.) Poor Compression - If you believe this might be the culprit, run an easy compression test. Run the auto up to the middle of the heat gauge (about 150 to 180 degrees) then remove ALL spark plugs. By removing the spark plugs, you will fundamentally be checking for a blown head gasket. Attach the gauge to one of the cylinders and turn the engine over with a FULLY-CHARGED BATTERY (This is EXTREMELY important) 3 or four times. Read the gauge and then record the reading. After you do this, go to the subsequent cylinder, for example.
2.) Wrong tire size - It's common. Make sure you have the CORRECT tire size on your car because over-sized tires can increase the drive proportion.
3.) Vacuum Advance - When properly checking your distributor vacuum advance, a test IS needed but you can make some basic tests. First, disconnect the vacuum line from the distributor and take away the distributor cap. Then attach a hose to the vacuum advance unit and suck - You should see the point plate move and then return once you stop sucking. If it's O.K, then plug the vacuum air hose, Don't HOOK IT BACK UP. Reinstall the distributor cap.
Fasten a timing meter to cylinder 1s spark plug. Then start the engine and check the timing. Stop the engine and re-attach the vacuum hose then start the engine again and watch the timing. At idle speed, it should be about the same as before. Rev up the engine to about 1200 rpm and the timing should advance just about 10 degrees. If this doesn't occur, well then the vacuum is either too slow or you do, in fact , have distributor issues.
4.) Brakes too tight - To check the brakes, raise each wheel and be absolutely certain that the brakes aren't pulling. You need to hear a slight off-and-on scraping sound as you're revolving the tires. Now, if the scraping is incessant or if the wheel is tough to turn, then that suggests the brakes are TOO TIGHT. They'll have to be readjusted.
5.) Poor ignition or carburetor Problems - We highly recommend taking your Willys Jeep to a credible shop to check this out but there are one or two simple tests.
Ignition: First take away the wire from plug 1 and lay it so the end terminal isn't against any metal. Then start the vehicle and take into account that it Will miss. Take the spark plug wire and hold it close to a cylinder head bolt. You should then see a bright blue spark BUT if the spark is yellow-orange in colour or the colour is plain feeble, then that means you've an ignition problem.
Carburetor: First, drive the auto for 1 or 2 miles then go on and leave it running in neutral with the emergency brake on. Then open the door and then take away the air cleaner. Depress the accelerator all the way down and the engine should not hesitate and should accelerate to a high r.p.m swiftly. If it does not swiftly and you have made the other checks then you most likely have an issue. If it revs up alright then just put the air cleaner back and do it again. The air cleaner just might have been plugged.
6.) Automated Transmission - If your Willys Jeep has a Hydramatic Drive then there might be an issue with the linkage adjustment between the carburetor and the transmission or an issue within the transmission itself. These 2 items are the source of Problems with your sluggish automobile. So check your shop manual for the proper change of the carburetor-to-transmission linkage.
About the Author:
Walck's 4 Wheel Drive is dedicated to the restoration and preservation Willys Jeeps. We are the nation's leader in restoration and reproduced parts.