[Spirittrakker]

Okay folks, so I got this Jeep from a friend who had intended to fix it up, but now is fighting cancer. I want to at least try to get it running, and take him for a spin around the block before it is too late. It has not run in over two years, the engine side cover is missing, and the plugs were pulled out and left to fill the cylinders with garbage. I need an economical and quick way to replace the engine "for now", and an under the hood wiring harness. Having just picked it up today, I don't know much more, other than the tires are rotten, and I don't think there is a fuel tank under there. Not a very realistic goal, but I feel I have to try.
Help is appreciated.

Spirittrakker

Attached File(s)

•  Bob\'s Willys.jpg (337.39K)
  Number of downloads: 0

[Tim Dolan]

Sorry to hear about your friends situation. Maybe the engine is shot but these are pretty simple engines and Ive seen some run that have no right to be moving. Start by seeing if it turns over with a wrench at the end of the crank. ( It takes a large socket of which I don't recall the size (1 3/8"?) If it moves, I would vacuum the cylinders out. Pour in several ounces of oil into each cylinder, turn it over slowly ( use starter if possible) add new plugs and try it.
For test purposes the electrical is simple. Run Power directly to coil, coil wire goes to distributor and assuming points and condenser work, you should have fire at the plugs. Of course you need to energize the starter also with a direct jump using battery cables.

If gas tank is plugged or shot( supposed to be under the seat) I would try another approved container set in the back and run with gasoline tubing to the fuel pump. Route the line alongside the frame member and secure it.

Use any old thing to make a valve side cover. I would just use silicone to seal it. Not that big a deal if you get a little oil leakage, theres plenty going on elsewhere on the vehicle.
As I do not do engine swaps, others will have to contribute if you go that route.

Please dont hesitate to ask any questions; someone can help.

Tim

[F Bill]

As long as the block isn't cracked, rebuilding it is the fastest and cheapest way out, unless you buy a replacement flathead motor.. Brent Mullins was said to have some genset motors he was selling that you could drop in and have running the same day but $$ was about $2000 or so IIRC.

Keep looking at the for sale sections of all the jeep sites, post wanted ads too, stock is the quickest and cheapest to do.Used runnable engines are still out there, for a few hundred if you are lucky. Plan on a complete brake rebuild as well with all new master and wheel cylinders. (Don't forget the special hub puller needed fo rear brakes.)

I didn't reply to your post on the swap section, for what you need a swap is NOT the way to go.First off it will take time you do not have.