1948 CJ2A

Looked for cracks in the block - no issues found. We use a method of creating wooden blocks that block the passages on the head and checks for cracks in the block.

So suspected the issue in the head , that looked ok too - Pressure tested it - no leaks

So what we guess and hope is that we never machined the head and perhaps some water went through via the gasket though this is just guess work and we will have to monitor it over time

Rust on the underside of the head

Carrying out minor repairs. Had noticed these during the earlier re build but did not feel the need to meddle with it. Now taking no chances

Tools used to create the taps

Mechanic had prepared the head using a flat glass and emery paste during the rebuild. Never thought we needed to machine it.

Machined head.

We will also use the thinner cork type gasket instead of the metal gasket that I imported from the US (though probably not Made in USA)

Hoping for the best but will need to monitor for water. Lesson is to keep starting the Jeep. Otherwise the ethanol will gum up the carb and cause moisture issues in the engine (though this massive leakage was not caused by ethanol in the fuel)

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

Water on the floor

Fearing the worst at this point

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

So this update is not a positive one.

The root cause of the issue i faced , i suspect is ethanol. The Indian government has been using ethanol / gasoline combination whereby the ethanol proportion has been increasing causing many issues to old vehicles in general

So what happened my brother drove the 2A almost every day in winters , which are not biting cold (around 35 - 37 F most nights) but there is a lot of fog and moisture in the air.

As it got colder, he parked the Jeep for 15 days and when he tried to start it again , the engine would not crank and the pistons were frozen.

We initially thought it was the starter motor but that was not the case.

Asking around , people said ethanol fuel has creates moisture within the engine which if not burnt off with regular running can sometimes cause issues. That with the combination of the moist air and night driving caused the problem.

So we removed the spark plugs, put a lot of 2T oil and let it settle , and moved the jeep back and forth and suddenly the pistons were lose after 2-3 days.

Fixed the starter motor , and the Jeep started in the first attempt. Silent running engine and suddenly , water gushes out of the engine block.

Stop the Jeep and take it to the work shop

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

Pope891 wrote:

Nice work. I'm sure your location brings all kinds of challenges that we here in the States don't even realize.

Thank You. Yes it does. I mean just shipping a mid 48 2A generator to Canada was so expensive. From there it travelled to my home on an international flight at the cost of my brother not taking any clothes with him Smile

One kind soul sold me that generator for only $30.

But it has been a challenge. However with the support of many we plug on.

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

Nice work. I'm sure your location brings all kinds of challenges that we here in the States don't even realize.

Instagram #flatfenderpope

My Build

At a famous eating out joint where sumptuous meat dishes are served

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

G'Day Gents.

Hope everyone has kept well during these rather tumultuous times.

Been a long time since my last update.

Due to the spread of COVID 19 , was not able to travel much and make any progress with the Lefty. The next big thing, was to convert to 6 volts and work on the detailing and finally get working on the canvas (the JPET thread is a real inspiration) but with businesses shut nothing got done.

However Jeep was driven regularly and we enjoyed it heaps. Since the 2A is kind of winding down I also got a September 42 Matching Numbers GPW project which will need heaps of parts and work.

Some photos

The 3B style light will be changed but still searching for a CM hall reflector. If anyone can help, please let me know.

If anyone has spare GPW parts and would like to sell , please ping me. All help appreciated.

Thanks

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

Ok .. It has been some time since the last update so get ready !!

Fitted a new gearbox mount. It is from an Indian Jeep so it would work with a check nut. But originals had cotter pins so we had to make our own custom one

Drilled and fitted the cotter pin.

This was the tired old mount that was replaced. I am hoping that this can be refurbished. Let's see if it is worth the effort.

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.

Thanks Guys. Will keep sharing other progress pictures. But man it is great to have it back home.

The Deeper the Foundations , The Stronger the Castle.