new thing running

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 4:15 pm

got the thing running today, i want to thank David 58 for the wiring diagrams they were invaluable to me. had to pull the gas tank and clean and seal it. runs rough at low rpm so i guess in need to tackle the carburetor next. getting an education, don't know much about cars.
paint is in pretty good shape. is there such a thing as being able to match the white paint?

baja5 · Post by **baja5** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 8:49 pm

Good deal getting it running, there are other factors that will cause a rough run at idle though. Make sure the valves are set properly as well as the points. And that the rest of your tune up stuff is in good condition. Post up some pics when you get a chance, love to see it.

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:35 am

thanks for the input. I'll check those items mentioned ie points and valves. i was afraid someone would mention valves. at my age getting under and out from under that thing is a comedy at best.
at what point should i try to time it?

baja5 · Post by **baja5** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:22 pm

Once the valves are set, and the point gap is set, and the idle is close to where it should be you can set timing.Otherwise, your timing won't be accurate. You can set the points with a feeler guage if you don't have a dwell meter, and set the valves cold. once that is done timing it should be easy. I always used to run the timing up until the engine started to ping and then back it down a couple of degrees. The factory setting of 0 degrees always seemed to make the engine lack the power it was capable of. I think most people set the static around 7 degrees at idle.

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Sun Aug 09, 2009 4:52 am

points and valves are set. not as bad getting under that thing as i thought. is there a trick to getting those wire bails on and off the valve covers?
what function does the cups over the valve stems serve? i had to pull one of the adjusters out cuz the nut was frozen on. of course the little cap fell off and i had to chase it down. good thing i noticed it or i 'de still be wondering why i coulden't adjust it.
not much room for a screwdriver in there. do you guys use an offset or???.

baja5 · Post by **baja5** » Sun Aug 09, 2009 7:52 am

Those cups are lash caps, I have never used them but i believe that you want to use them with certain types of rocker arms.My car is a baja so I have plenty of room to adjust valves. I have never done them In a thing. Sounds like it is coming along. Have you timed it yet?

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:14 am

supposed to rain today so i plan on timing it today. been trying to get all my firewood in between rains but i guess i'm going to have to work in the rain only got about 4 cord in and i ned 10

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:33 pm

Wow ten cords!! Where do you live? How old are you? We live at 9,000' on top of a nice mountain in the dead center of Colorado.. We have always burned wood pumped water and driven air cooled VWs.

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:16 am

we live in northern Maine kubelman. 200 inches of snow last year. I'm 68 and still rowing my own boat so far. we used to live in Wyo at 8400 ft but after a heart attack and a double bypass i had to try a lower altitude. the thing even runs better at 300 ft lol.
we have a small sawmill and i just cut a 20 in cherry log and it is just crying to be duck boards. thought i would string them with cable and make them a little flexable. what think you?

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:45 am

Very cool. Wyoming to Maine ~ Now that is culture shock. Many years ago, I served in the military with a guy whose family was old stock from Bangor. I had a chance to spend some time there and what a beautiful place it is. I have also spent plenty of time in Wyoming. Talk about 180 degrees out in terms of scenery.

Cherry duck boards would be awesome. There are some great plans for duck boards already figured by other Thing owners. Some are included on our RoMTOC Thing Data CD. Our CD is a very useful tool for Thing owners. To check it out go to: www.romtoc.com/datacd.html

maineshops · Post by **maineshops** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:44 pm

ya ma tried to order the cd this morning and your site woulden't work. she will try again.