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Thread: WW2 Willys - Greetings from Alsace!

  1. #11
    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    Great History!

    Quote Originally Posted by Willys_Alsace View Post

    As for the history, this jeep has an original war-time American Willys chassis (my assumption left behind in France, WW2 timeframe) and a more recent French Hotchkiss body. ... Hence the reference to "batteries" in my earlier post (x2 6V batteries).

    WOW! Now that is a story!

  2. #12
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    That old jeep has seen a lot!

  3. #13
    Super Moderator bmorgil's Avatar
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    This web site has a ton of info. It includes information on the French Hotchkiss Willys.

    http://wwiijeepparts.com/Archives/JeepSerialNumber.html

  4. #14
    Super Moderator LarrBeard's Avatar
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    Split Flare/flange

    Yep, Like this.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  5. #15
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    That's correct - at least my understanding! It has a modified ignition circuit to use 12 volts parts but working in a 24 volts circuit.
    The Solex seems to be fairly straight forward, and yes, parts are readily available (so far) over here.

  6. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by Willys_Alsace View Post
    Thanks for the nice comments! So, here we go! Made some minor tune up adjustments to kick things off. Replaced plugs, rotor, batteries and carb. She is pretty happy now, but I have 2 (minor issues - I think) which I would like toss out to the group.

    1) Carb replacement:
    Carb fuel line leak brass fitting not seating properly (see pic). Gas leaks from around the fitting. Tried (gently) 3 times to reseat the brass fitting, no luck. Any suggestions?

    2) Starting when cold:
    When starting, it takes 2-3 attempts for starter to engage / turn over. At first I thought it was a low charge on the battery (but check shows they are fully charged). The starter makes a slow growl on the 1st / 2nd attempt. Usually on the 3rd attempt, it engages and turns and the engine starts. I plan to clean all the connections tomorrow (leads / starter, etc.). Not sure if this is the issue?

    Many thanks!
    Tim

    Attachment 5871
    [QUOTE=LarrBeard;11919]
    Quote Originally Posted by Willys_Alsace View Post
    Thanks for the nice comments! So, here we go! Made some minor tune up adjustments to kick things off. Replaced plugs, rotor, batteries and carb. She is pretty happy now, but I have 2 (minor issues - I think) which I would like toss out to the group.



    Welcome to the Forum. It looks like the right angle brass fitting wants to tighten up about 90-degrees past where it should to mate with the gas line. Try some Teflon tape on the threads where they go into the carburetor body. Uh-oh, is that a Solex carburetor?

    Twice in the post you mentioned "batteries". Do you have one or two batteries? WWII Jeeps should have only one six-volt battery - unless they have been modified later on as radio Jeeps.

    As for the start problem, I'd check for a "flat spot" on the starter. That means there may be a place on the commutator bars that have been burned or corroded and if the starter stops in that spot, the brushes do not make good electrical connection the next time. Check the brushes as well, they do wear out eventually.

    It's never a bad idea to clean all of the connections between the battery and starter - and check how well the starter is grounded to the bell housing and engine block.
    Reporting back: Great news - the Teflon tape on the threads did the trick! No more fuel line leak. Further good news, after completely cleaning all the leads / connections, no further starter issue either. She fired right up and is running like a top! Thanks again!

  7. #17
    Super Moderator bmorgil's Avatar
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    Great news indeed!

    I would go back after that fitting with a new flare and a new nut if it acts up again. A fuel leak is never good.

  8. #18
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    Will do! Thanks again for the helpful advice.

  9. #19
    Super Moderator gmwillys's Avatar
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    Many farmhouses and barns from Normandy through Paris have WWII Jeeps parts built into the structures. I've seen pictures of MB hoods flattened out to make roofing.

  10. #20
    Super Moderator bmorgil's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gmwillys View Post
    Many farmhouses and barns from Normandy through Paris have WWII Jeeps parts built into the structures. I've seen pictures of MB hoods flattened out to make roofing.
    That would be a painful thing to witness.

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