geojunkie

Misfires or coughs and backfires?

I have a 24 Stutz with the same DH engine and similar original miles (27k in my case). My valves began to stick causing hard starting, backfiring, and poor running until the engine warmed up and they freed up. My engine has never been apart and it looked like taking that head off would be a MAJOR project as the studs are likely rusted into the head. So, I tried a plan B with total success. It was a 3 part plan that consisted of: 1) removing the access plates and lubricating the lifters 2) adding Marvel Mystery Oil to the oil 3) adding Seafoam to the fuel each fill after injecting a big dose right into the carb air intake at the outset I have never been the kind to try "miracle mystery" type products, and did this on advice of some of my HCCA friends. Well, within one tank of fuel my valve sticking was gone. I would try this before you pull that head. Dan

I have a very late 1932 DV32 with a Stromberg downdraft carburetor. The prior owner modified the original air cleaner to accept a paper element. It is now much shorter than the factory shots I have seen of downdraft DV32 engines. I am hoping someone with a DV32 downdraft could take some shots of the carburetor/air cleaner area for me. The present shorted air cleaner barely fits now, squeezed between the top cap of the fuel pump and the bottom of the hood. If it was longer, it seems like it would not fit at all, but the photos clearly show it must. Perhaps The transition piece from carb to air cleaner has a different angle than mine? Any help would be much appreciated. If someone actual knows where I could find a correct air cleaner, that would even be better. If not, I plan to remake this back to original. Dan

Being cast in pairs, this is a Wisconsin T head engine, 2 valves per cylinder, which were used in the early Stutz 4 cylinder automobiles through 1916. I will check my reference book, but your numbers sound incorrect. There are in the right location though. I have a 1915 serial number AI 1190 for example. Wisconsin made very similar engines for other companies, notably FWD trucks. This may be one of those. A photo of the cast iron cylinders would make that immediately apparent, as the FWD engines had a longer water jacket.

I doubt Anita will be looking here in the forum anymore, as she was an heir selling the car and not a Stutz enthusiast personally. I purchased this car back in November.

Actually it was $275k at Amelia Island (in March) for a 1916 Bearcat, which is not HCCA eligible. The 1915 at Meadowbrook (August)was called a "good buy" at $369k by the Sports Car Market auction reviewer. Then came $715k for a 1915 at Pebble Beach also during August. With Mercers now trading at $1 million plus (latest $1.6 million at Chandler auction), it would seem Bearcat prices are not out of line and may move higher.

Please forward details as I am interested