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Jerry Smith

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Posts posted by Jerry Smith

  1. Now that the generator is polarized correctly, the Buick is running for the first time continuously in a number of years.  i haven't yet run it on the streets because i don't trust it quite yet.  It's sure to have carbon build up and it sputters a bit but it seems the more i run it, more or less in place, the better it sounds.

    i have noticed condensation around the carburetor on the outside.  We are in Texas and it's about 90 with 60% humidity so i'm thinking that's probably normal.  Is there anything that can be done for that condition?  

     

    thanks again for any input.  Really appreciate all of you chiming in with your expertise.  

     

    Blessings,

    Jerry

     

    • Like 1
  2. Everyone, the 31 Buick is running, roughly, but running and the generator is genning with the correct polarity.  It was evidently polarized in the wrong direction for some reason, but now runs.  Once i jumped the "gen" term to the "Bat" term, there was a small spark and the ammeter started indicating correctly.

    i'm sure that i'll have more questions as we try to get it road worthy and trustworthy but for now, i can't thank all of you enough who chimed in with advice to help.  Yall are great folks and carry a lot of knowledge.

    thanks again and

    Many Blessings,

    Jerry

    • Like 5
  3. thanks Morgan, this is a 31 Buick and doesn't seem to have a regulator but does have a cut out relay.  i've opened the band and looked at the brush compartment but not gotten into it yet.  it looks relatively clean.  how do i get to the field?  any ideas really appreciated!!

     

    Blessings,

    Jerry

  4. After rewiring the old Colonel along with other mods and adjustments, we cranked it up and it ran nicely.  the ammeter worked and drew 5-10 amps correctly.  It ran for about 20-30 minutes.  i was elated that everything seemed to operate correctly according to the little i know mechanically.

    The next day, we cranked it up again and the ammeter went the wrong way drawing about 5 amps.  in my world, that would indicate that the generator is not genning and something is pulling on the battery.  On this Buick, the generator seems to be integrated into several different things, distributor, water pump and maybe other stuff.  None of those would seem to be part of the problem, i don't think.  But they're so integral that it seems pretty difficult to try and open up the generator to find and take a look at the brushes, etc., that the manual suggests.

     

    I know this group is very knowledgeable so if anyone can give me a direction of where to start tracing this issue without messing up the integral things that are already working, i would really appreciate it.  Again, i'm a retired mechanically challenged newbie tackling this fantastic machine that had to  be amazing back in its day.

     

    Many Blessings,

     

    Jerry

  5. Hey Envoy, can't help with your engine knock issue but looks like you have lots of help already.

     

    however, I have a '31 8-57 as well and am struggling with the Marvel updraft carb.  Have you had carb issues?  Do you know anyone who can rebuild these carbs?

     

    wish you the best!!  I'm new to prewar cars but really enjoy even the problems and reading the great advice!!

     

    blessings,. Jerry

  6. Nope, was not able to talk anyone in to rebuilding it.  Got the kit from Bob's and am in the process of rebuilding it myself.  Now, i'll REALLY need it rebuilt!....:-)

     

    Will post results once it is back in the car for trial runs!  it would help if everyone would keep their fingers crossed for the next few days.....:-)

     

    Blessings,

     

    Jerry

  7. 1.  every weekend and it's a 1931 8-57

    2.  Every year is what i'm setting up.  More often if it looks like it's warranted

    3.  Most of the time

    4.  Not yet

    5.  quite a bit, still diagnosing issues at this stage.

    6.  Not yet but in the future maybe once or twice a year.

    7.  i guess everything's for sale....:-)

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