Well, as they say at another time of the year….”Tis the season” that is, ‘Tis the season’ to get our little cars ready for spring and summer! Below are a few simple guideline to begin the season.
Ed
Tech Tip - Getting the Crosley ready for Show Season
Before You Begin
Work through these in order. Each section builds on the last — engine, then battery, then spark, then fuel — so by the time you turn the key, you've already ruled out the usual culprits. Tap any line to check it off as you go.
1
Preparing the Engine
Remove the spark plugs.
With the plugs out, put 2–3 squirts of oil into each cylinder.
Inspect the plugs — clean and re-gap.
Reinstall the plugs.
2
Install the Battery
Check the battery water. If it isn't a sealed battery, top off with distilled water.
Test the battery. A recharge wouldn't hurt, if necessary.
3
Do You Have Spark?
The simplest way to check is an in-line spark plug tester. It connects between the spark plug wire and the spark plug and works on any cylinder.
From the Toolbox
Harbor Freight's "Pittsburgh" in-line spark plug tester runs about $6 — a good little addition to your kit.
Condition of the coil & ignition points
Make sure the wire from the condenser passing through the distributor wall is insulated and not touching the wall.
Lubricate the distributor at the side port with light-weight oil.
Check or reset the point gap.
Lightly file (clean off) the four contacts inside the distributor cap.
If needed, clean any contact pitting with a clean point file — being careful that nothing (dirt, grease, etc.) gets onto the points.
4
Do You Have Fuel?
Add some fresh fuel to the tank.
Check the inline fuel filter.
Confirm the fuel pump is functioning.
Make sure fuel is reaching the carburetor — and that there's fuel in the carburetor.
5
Final Check — All Fluids
Rear end (differential).
Transmission and engine — change the oil.
Radiator.
6
Lubrication
Grease all grease points.
Don't forget the rear axle tube.
And don't forget the rear axle fittings near the brakes on each side.
7
Final Prep Before Starting
Disconnect the coil wire.
Crank the engine over until you get a reading on the oil gauge. This also pumps fuel up to the filter for a quicker start.
Once you have oil pressure, reconnect the coil wire and recheck for spark.
8
Now — Start Your Crosley!
Happy Crosley Motoring this Season!
Preparing the engine
Remove the spark plugs
While plugs are out put 2 or 3 squirts of oil per cylinder.
Inspect the plugs, clean and regap.
Reinstall the plugs.
Install Battery
Check battery water. (Fill with distilled water if not sealed..)
Test battery. (It wouldn’t hurt to recharge, if necessary)
Do You Have Spark?
Simple way to check for spark: An in-line spark plug tester. It connects the spark plug wire and spark plug and can be used on any cylinder. (For about $6.00, Harbor Freight has a “Pittsburg in-line spark plug tester” that is a good addition to your tool box.)
Insert from earlier tool box Vol 1 #3)
What is the condition of coil? The ignition points?
· Ensure the wire from the condensor going through the distributor wall is Insulated and not touching the distributor wall.
· Lubricate the distributor on the side port with light weight oil.
· Check or reset the point gap.
· Lightly file (clean off) the 4 contacts inside the distributor cap .
(If necessary, clean contact pitting with a clean point file being careful nothing gets onto points (dirt, grease, etc.)
Do You Have Fuel?
Add some fresh fuel to fuel tank.
Check the inline Fuel Filter.
Is the fuel pump functioning?
Is there fuel getting to the Carburetor? - fuel in the Carburetor?
Final Check-All Fluids
· Rear end (differential).
· Transmission, engine and replace (Oil).
· Radiator.
Lubrication
Grease all grease points.
Don’t forget the rear axle tube.
Also, don’t forget the rear axle fittings near the brakes on each side.
Final Prep before Starting
Disconnect the coil wire.
Crank engine over till you get a reading on the oil gauge. (This will also help you pump fuel up to fuel filter for quicker starting also.)
After you get oil pressure,
Reconnect coil wire, and recheck spark.
Ready! Now - Start your Crosley!