Hello Folks, my name is Robert and I am helping my uncle Dave get his 1929 Chevy pickup running correctly. First a brief history of the pickup. My uncle did a lot of the restoring work himself but had the motor rebuilt by someone with very good credentials. All was well until about 2 years ago when, after driving the vehicle the previous two days it failed to start on the 3rd day. The motor worked (the previous 2 days) as it should with nothing unusual that might indicate a problem. Since that day he has replaced the carb (still would not start) but not much else. It then sat for more than a year. This is where I come in. I have replaced the cap, rotor, points, and condenser. I added some fresh gas and was able to get the motor running but not running well. I have tried to adjust the distributor as well as the only 2 adjustment screws I can find on the very simple, up-draft carb. No matter what I do the motor is still running rough and increasing RPM only makes things worse. The best way I can describe it is that it sounds like you should be able to turn the distributor left or right and the motor would smooth out. This is not the case, and I am surprised at how far I have to turn the distributor in either direction before it has any noticible effect. I have a timing light but not sure how to time this motor. I am aware of the site hole in the bell housing and the 12d stamp but would like more clarification. Another direction would be to convert it to electronic ignition. Has anyone done this? Right now It is the original 6volt system. I will attach a quick video so you can hear what it sounds like. Any ideas, thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thank you all in advance!
Welcome Robert! You'll find all your answers here. Someone with much more experience than me will be along soon to help you out. I'll move this to one of the technical forums so you get a wider audience of skilled VCCA members.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
Another welcome to our site. We should be able to help with your problem.
My best guess is the problem is electrical with weak spark. Check all wires and connections to be sure they are in good condition and tight. On several occasions I have needed to clean new points to get a good spark. It is easy to check the spark. Remove the center wire to the cap and the distributor cap. Hold the end of the wire about 3/8 to 1/2 inch from a ground and manually open and close the points. You should get a spark to jump a 1/2 inch gap and make a "snap" sound. Next short across the points with a screwdriver or coin or other metal object. Is the spark better? If so clean the points with file, fine sand paper, crisp dollar bill, wife's emery board or other abrasive material and check again. If sill no "snappy" spark, make sure condenser case is grounded. If still problem try another condenser. Could be the coil but generally they are okay until they heat up.
It is possible for the ignition switch is bad. Take the positive wire off the coil and with ignition switch on pass the wire end next to a ground. There should be a spark. Not as strong as with the center coil wire but noticeable even in the light. If not check the ignition switch and wiring.
If you still have a problem come back with your findings and we will go to step two or three or ?
Hello Robert48, Seeing as you have moved the distributor seeking smoother operation, the tune-up specs should be known. I typed 'tune-up recommendations chevy 194 engine' on google. Then I scrolled down to find 'vccachat.org' with a title "1929 6 Cylinder Factory Timing/ Tune-Up Specs - VCCA Chat". These discussions will help you to know both factory stock and VCCA recommended settings. After you find that you have good spark, then work to get the tune-up settings of your choice set. If you ask why the VCCA recommendations vary from stock settings, modern fuel may be a main reason.
The original gas had an approximate octane rating of 50-60. That is much faster burning than the modern mid-80s octane regular. So to get the maximum horsepower the compressed gas/air mixture in the cylinder needs a little faster and hotter spark hence the VCCA recommended settings.
