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1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation

  • FloonDog
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12 Dec 2023 02:15 - 12 Dec 2023 02:21 #48074 by FloonDog
Replied by FloonDog on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
That’s her! If you ever are looking to sell, please let me know. My wife’s grandfather originally restored it in Wooster, OH. If you still have the paperwork there were signs drawn by my mother in law. We found out about the auction too late and would love to get it back in the family some day. [email protected]
Last edit: 12 Dec 2023 02:21 by FloonDog. Reason: Didn't post correctly.

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  • FloonDog
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12 Dec 2023 02:13 #48073 by FloonDog
Replied by FloonDog on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
That’s her! If you ever are looking to sell, please let me know. My wife’s grandfather originally restored it in Wooster, OH. If you still have the paperwork there were signs drawn by my mother in law. We found out about the auction too late and would love to get it back in the family some day. My email is Tim (at sign) porreca (dot) com.

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  • Scots31
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11 Dec 2023 22:49 #48068 by Scots31
Replied by Scots31 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Here is the 1931 898A that you are discussing. I own it and have done quite a bit of work to it . It’s been a fun car .
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  • FloonDog
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23 Nov 2023 18:54 #48013 by FloonDog
Replied by FloonDog on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Looks like it, but not it. Thanks though!

Pretty sure the VIN I’m looking for is 89830622F.

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23 Nov 2023 03:21 #48010 by Joel

Joel Nystrom
1929 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe
[img

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  • FloonDog
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18 Nov 2023 11:29 #47998 by FloonDog
Replied by FloonDog on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
WinAuBurn,

I am trying to track this car down. It was our family’s car and was auctioned before we realized it. Looks like you probably have sold it at this point, but if you have any information on the new owner I’d be very appreciative.

Tim

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  • rickvb
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22 Mar 2022 08:40 #45046 by rickvb
Replied by rickvb on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Gear Vendors for my 1931 8 98A
I have enjoyed reading this and the and the analysis from Mike and others which is really helpful. I have had my car ex Curt Curtis since mid 2021 and am now keen to fit an overdrive. I have started the conversation with GV but had alos looked at Mitchell which a number of Packards have fitted down here. For now seemed that GC was the way to go so am keen to hear how you got on and also maybe get an update from others

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  • Sheldon
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29 Aug 2018 01:20 #35290 by Sheldon
Replied by Sheldon on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
We did Great Race 2018 as Rookies in a 37 Studebaker 6 cylinder.....most of the speeds are 45mph and below except on the transits which are often 50mph but they give you a significant pause before the rally stages.....we had some challenges maintaining speeds on hills but worked out fairly well....great event and tons of fun....

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  • WinAuBurn
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24 Jul 2018 18:51 #35052 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Firstly, an apology for not keeping you all updated with progress. Ultimately, we have decided not to rally the car. It was a hard decision, but to be competitive meant changing way too much of the original car – it’s just not the right thing to do so we are switching to a late 60’s model Camaro or Mustang for the big rally next year.

Perhaps this is the wrong place to mention it, but this means we will put the Auburn up for sale in the next couple of weeks if anybody is interested.

It was a lot of fun while it lasted, so much attention given by the general public to this car. We are grateful and it was an honor to be it’s custodian if just for a short while. Thanks so much for all the help from ACD club members.
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  • WinAuBurn
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21 May 2018 00:39 #34669 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Thanks for the carburetor suggestions. We will look in to that.

Just back from the VCRA rally in Joplin, Missouri. By good fortune we won our class so are celebrating. Ok, not with the Auburn this time.

Thanks all.

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  • pete kelly
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20 May 2018 18:41 #34667 by pete kelly
Replied by pete kelly on topic Posting
I had the same carb and air cleaner on my '31 Auburn. It also had the flex on the backside to keep a negative pressure on the engine ie PCV
I have seen these on other Auburns but not at all common.
Pete

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  • Brad Hoskins
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19 May 2018 16:47 - 19 May 2018 16:50 #34663 by Brad Hoskins
Replied by Brad Hoskins on topic Posting
RE carburetors and air cleaners

As I understand it
1931 used the Schebler
1932 used both the Schebler ( early ) and Stromberg ( later)
1931 lists no air cleaner in the parts book but 1932 does
So here is my 1931 phaeton with a Schebler and an aircleaner with a nifty adapter.
I can't find that part in the parts book but it seems to be a lot of work for an aftermarket item. It also has a hole on the side so that you can attach a PVC hose from the side cover pipe to the air cleaner inlet .
Any ideas on where this came from . Given the tolerances between it an the steering box , I think was designed specifically for Auburn


.

Brad

31 8-98 cabriolet
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Last edit: 19 May 2018 16:50 by Brad Hoskins.

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  • ilikescars
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18 May 2018 12:30 #34654 by ilikescars
Replied by ilikescars on topic Posting
Maybe try several short posts, instead of one long one

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  • Curt Schulze
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17 May 2018 12:35 #34653 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
I feel your pain Mike ! That happened to me the other day on a different thread.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • mikespeed35
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17 May 2018 04:10 #34652 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
I just posted a long reply to the issue we have been discussion on action instead of quick reply and timed out there too. WILL NOT REPOST!!!
CORDiallyMike

Mike Huffman

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  • Curt Schulze
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16 May 2018 23:41 #34651 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Look for a correct carburetor. Your car came from the factory with a Schebeler model 'T' In mid 1932 the 8-100's came with a Stromberg URO2. The benefit of the Stromberg is that it is possible to install an air cleaner. Actually is functions as a spark arrester. This is a good thing.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • WinAuBurn
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16 May 2018 22:48 #34650 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Unfortunately we didn’t get the Auburn to the VCRA rally in Joplin. The symptoms persisted and we tried everything possible until the last minute. Ivor, I saw your comments and yes that first test went well but it was a flat road and two separate runs of about 7 miles. Once we put load on the engine over longer distances the issues seem to develop. Having said that, it’s possible some of our changes exacerbated the problem as well. I’m sure we’ve all been there, but you end up going in circles sometimes to track the issue down. The carb size and jets could well be the issue Randy, but that correction will have to wait until next time. Float height was rechecked, all pressures from 1.5 – 6 psi checked but no difference.

We are still entering the rally just for experience. Using Bob’s Ford 250 truck that we used to rescue the Auburn. I think we have the newest vehicle in the vintage rally, great brakes, A/C and everything!

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  • RandyEma
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15 May 2018 19:10 #34645 by RandyEma
Replied by RandyEma on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Possibly to much fuel pressure and the wrong carb . Drop the pressure check the float height lean out the idle circuit, bore out the high speed jet. R

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 17:59 #34644 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Thanks Randy. We are running a little rich but if we lean out too much we get very poor unitial pickup . You think we may be stumbling because we are too rich once she gets up and goes? With the 898 at 269ci we may just not have a carb that can handle it?

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  • RandyEma
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15 May 2018 17:43 #34643 by RandyEma
Replied by RandyEma on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Hello . Are the plugs black is it loading up to rich ? By the way the BB1 is for a 213 to 235 cu inch engine not a great sub. Fuel pressure with it should probably be 1.5 lbs max. R

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 17:13 #34642 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Unfortunately we still have the same issue. Tried the vent hole, changed the battery, rebuilt the carb (again). Runs great until it stumbles and stalls or nearly stalls out.

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  • Curt Schulze
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15 May 2018 14:33 #34641 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Site is quite frustrating to use. Amen!
Only fill the tank 95% full. If you fill it up the neck like you do on a modern car it will run out on the ground via the King Sealy atmospheric equalizer 'vent' tube.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 12:38 #34640 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Sorry guys, gave up on trying to get the photo attachment to work. Site is quite frustrating to use.

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 12:28 - 15 May 2018 12:34 #34639 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
We’ll try the vent addition to the filler tube. As you know Curt we had a suspect original pickup in our tank (see picture – yes, it’s bad). Temporarily we replaced the pickup with a new stainless steel pickup and filter that has a small vent in the top plate (no more King Sealey for now). We’ll get back to the KS gauge and pickup later.
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Last edit: 15 May 2018 12:34 by WinAuBurn. Reason: Problem with attachment

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  • Curt Schulze
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15 May 2018 11:32 #34638 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
The vent on the top of the fuel pickup is an atmospheric equalizer for the King Sealey gas gauge.
Drill a 1/8 hole in the top of the filler neck. Original caps were vented.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 03:38 #34637 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Mike, The gas cap is not vented but there is a small vent at the top of the fuel pickup on the tank. We had previously dropped the tank, cleaned it out and put in a new pickup with filter. The car stumbles and the engine stops, it can be restarted immediately without any problem. Sometimes we can recover by backing off the gas, or bumping before the car comes to a complete stop.

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  • mikespeed35
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15 May 2018 02:56 #34636 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Is the gas cap vented ? Is there something in the gas tank sloshing in front of the fuel pickup? Does it ,stop suddenly as if the key was turned off or stumble to a stop? Stumble = fuel, sudden stop == electrical trouble. This is not a guarantee. With all the work you have done on fuel my guess is something else. After it dies does it restart right away?
CORDiallyMike

Mike Huffman

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 May 2018 02:27 #34634 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
After a few exhausting days getting the car prepared for the VCRA rally in Missouri this week we came to a dead stop literally. At this point we have everything running well except our car dies after a few minutes on the road. It seems carburetor related and I re-read John Mereness’s comments again – is the Carter BB1 just undersized for the straight eight Lycoming engine? We have tried fuel input pressures between 2.5 – 4.5 psi, opening up the main jet to the point of over richness but still it dies usually up a hill with load but even on the level occasionally as well. The carb (I/D inlet 2.125 inches) always seems to be wanting more air. Your thoughts?

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  • WinAuBurn
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08 May 2018 11:36 #34595 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
A quick update on the water pump. The original shop was unable to assist further. We have been able to find a machinist locally in Springfield who has experience upgrading old water pumps with modern seals. The lip seals (thanks David & Curt) are being overnighted and the shop is confident the pump can be machined and repaired to stop the leaks. Let’s hope so. Expecting it back by Wednesday, fingers crossed.

We are going to spend the day replacing the fuel lines, 6V fuel pump and filter, adding a regulator and pressure gauge. One of the symptoms experienced while testing was an overly rich mixture and we believe there is too much pressure in the line, perhaps 4 - 6lbs. We’d like to get this down to 2.5 – 3lbs and re-tune the engine.

A run through the tappets yesterday while still warm and prior to us removing the water pump, showed 5 of them out of spec with the worst at 0.012. All have been reset to the book 0.006 – 0.008. Once everything is back together we’ll get in to our timing advance and dual points set up. A boroscope in to each of the spark plug holes reveals a clean set of valves, time to get rid of that ATF cleaning agent in the oil and replace with fresh Rotella T along with a filter change. New gaskets should help with oil seepage.

Bob successfully fitted our required seat belts, I worked on replacing our troublesome vacuum windshield wiper with a 6V low profile unit and added a signal indicator stalk along with wiring a pair of period rear lights, also required for the rally. The calibrated speedo is in as is the rally clock. Will get photos.

Still need to get in to those fuel/oil gauges. We certainly have some clear liquid in the fuel gauge but the reading is not consistent. The correct red and green fluids arrived. We have our dowel rod marked as a backup.

As a brit, I’ve finally been able to educate Bob in the art of taking tea breaks during our intense 7am -11pm daily sojourn. For an extended break this afternoon we are off to visit a local car museum and meet with the owner who has run the “Great Race” rally 3 times. He still has his old rally car in the display. Should be interesting.

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  • 1748 S
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07 May 2018 17:03 #34583 by 1748 S
Replied by 1748 S on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Its really sad when you tell a "shop" what you want and will pay for... Only to find out you did not get what you paid for but what THEY wanted to do for you. Trust is a big thing and when you loose faith in someone its nearly impossible to get it back. Best of luck getting your water pump repaired correctly. The time crunch is the worst part besides loosing faith in a shop...

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07 May 2018 15:46 #34582 by DavidK
Replied by DavidK on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
I used a lip seal for mine. I used a National 471564 for a shaft diameter of 0.625 width 0.25 and od 1.499. Sorry I didn't take any pictures. Any machine shop can clean up or make a new shaft and install a lip seal.

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  • Curt Schulze
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07 May 2018 11:52 #34581 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Take it to a machine shop and get a modern lip seal installed. It is a small one, smaller than a quarter.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • WinAuBurn
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07 May 2018 11:27 #34580 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
After getting our water pump back, it leaks worse than before. We need a quick (3-4 day) turnaround on a proper repair or replacement if somebody has one?

Despite our request the pump was not repaired with modern seals, just repacked. After taking the car for a test drive we had a pool of water and dripping pump. It’s a shame as the test went well otherwise – 15 miles our longest distance yet, good power, strong & even braking, responsive steering, good oil pressure and cooling (despite the leaking pump), 59mph top speed (GPS verified) with a little more to come if we needed it.

There’s certainly more tuning work to be done, but if we can’t get the water pump solved then it will all be for nought at least for the Joplin rally.

Checked our fan pulley and it’s already fitted with a sealed bearing. Phew.

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  • Curt Schulze
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05 May 2018 12:22 #34571 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Ya, that is the fix. Contact Dave K . for details.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • Brad Hoskins
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05 May 2018 02:41 #34570 by Brad Hoskins
Replied by Brad Hoskins on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation

Curt Schulze wrote: Also there is a fix for the fan bearing adjustment assembly. Many original 31-32 & maybe 33 had a tendency to come loose and hit the radiator.


Curt
Can you share the fix or point to a newsletter article? I've already converted the fan hub to sealed bearings if that is the fix.

Thx
Brad

31 8-98 cabriolet

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  • mikespeed35
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04 May 2018 03:52 - 04 May 2018 03:54 #34568 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
already posted

Mike Huffman
Last edit: 04 May 2018 03:54 by mikespeed35. Reason: already posted

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  • WinAuBurn
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04 May 2018 00:37 #34566 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Mike, That was the request on the water pump. We don't currently have an operating gas gauge, in fact I was looking for some tips on how to service those telegauges, I did order the red and green fluids for them.

Curt, We'll look in to that - thank you. We are going through every single nut and bolt on the car. The radiator looks new, I would hate to damage it.

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  • Curt Schulze
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03 May 2018 11:44 #34563 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Also there is a fix for the fan bearing adjustment assembly. Many original 31-32 & maybe 33 had a tendency to come loose and hit the radiator.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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  • mikespeed35
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03 May 2018 04:17 #34562 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Is the race you are going to enter have any altitudes involved? I have found if you travel above 4000 foot your gas gauge will take a couple days to acclimate itself. The same will happened when you ascend.
CORDiallyMike

Mike Huffman

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  • mikespeed35
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03 May 2018 04:12 #34561 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Is the water pump rebuilder putting modern grease seals in your water pump?
CORDiallyMike

Mike Huffman

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  • WinAuBurn
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02 May 2018 11:18 #34554 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
After packing the water pump with waterproof grease and tightening the gland nut as much as we dare, the leak is down to a small drip. Not really acceptable for us so we removed the pump and it is off to be rebuilt, should be back on Friday.

While we were in the area, tested voltage from our generator and got a rather weak 6.85V idle, and 6.4V under load (headlights), battery reads about 6.2- 6.3V with everything off. Seems to be on the low side if we have all the electrics running and may drain the battery.

Since our purpose is to rally the car, we need better lighting. Anything we do has to be removeable so we can easily get the car back to original. The original headlights only offer 21 candle power, we can go up on the cp rating to 32/50 but these draw 3.9A/5.7A each, there are some 6V halogen bulb improvements available but they will also tax the generator with their current draw, even the 25W (4.2A) /35W (5.8A) bulbs are just too greedy for a hot 9A – 12A system. We don’t want to change out the water pump/ generator combo for an alternator and get in to all the wiring issues, besides it will spoil the look.

Not for the purists, but the answer is LED bulbs. However, you try finding a positive earth, 6V, double bayonet, 1930’s fit, hi/low beam LED headlight bulb. They don’t exist, not in the USA at least (or I couldn’t find them). But then I found this place in the UK, co-incidentally where my great uncle used to rebuild vintage motorcycles (no affiliation) www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/led-headlamp-bulbs-shop.php
The positive earth BA15D 6V double dipper bulbs only draw 0.5A/1.0A, Can’t wait to try them, fingers crossed they may even be a straight fit. Here is a video clip from a happy customer



After staring at the amperage gauge too long, I started to look at the other gauges – Speedo good, Oil pressure good, Temperature good, however, the Telegauges (King Seeley / Hobson) don’t look to have any fluids or if they do it’s gone clear over time. I’d very much like to get these working, on a vintage rally we can’t even back in to miles/gallon to get an estimate of fuel use, the odometer is disconnected and not allowed on the rally. So, have ordered the correct specific gravity green and red fluids and the plan is to disconnect and blow out the capillary tubes from the tank to the dashboard, reseal everything except the open end at the dash board and with empty tanks/pans along with a fine syringe (bird feeders are good) refill the tubes to the correct mark. Am I on the right track or do you have any in-situ pointers for this project?

We had a bit of a setback on the tires, the fitter tells us they were delivered with tubes that have offset stems but our wheels have center set valve stems. After a call to the supplier, was told these tubes don’t exist for 17” 700 tires so they sent what they had. I found center stem tubes from another supplier.

Lastly, you might think us crazy (we do too). We entered the VCRA vintage rally in Joplin Missouri May 16th – 20th, 2018. It’s for a good cause, even if we only get the car to the start line. Burning candle power to get ready.

Colin & Bob.

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  • WinAuBurn
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27 Apr 2018 18:04 #34519 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
A very busy week. Both Bob and I were able to work on the car.

First up, compression testing found #6 cylinder with little to no pressure – not good, we removed the tappet plate covers and assessed we had a sticking valve. We mixed in 1 quart of ATF with the existing oil, turned it over and let it sit overnight. Voila! In the morning we had pressure back. One of our cylinders is a bit low at 56, a couple are at 74 but we are within 15% +/-. Certainly could be better but acceptable for now.

Next, a carburetor rebuild. After taking it apart I honestly wondered how the car ran at all. Every part was put through the ultrasonic cleaner at least 3 times with a 50:50 mix of Pine Sol and Water. A full service was completed and now the carburetor is pristine. After adjusting the basic settings, time for a trial start up.

Nope. Five seconds running at best. After a few frustrating moments, even checking through the carburetor again, we decided to check our fuel flow. We had previously seen 3.5-4 psi but not measured fuel quantity rate – oops, just a dribble. Hmmm.

The fuel runs through a 6V electric pump near the tank and then through the original mechanical pump. We decided to bypass the mechanical pump and suddenly we had tremendous flow filling a 64oz container in less than 1 minute. So, we directly hooked up the carburetor to the 6V pump. That was it, after making some tuning adjustments with a vacuum gauge connected we had the car running nicely, we’ll make some fine adjustments after going through everything else.

Time for the brakes. We removed all the wheels and hubs, greased the nipples, checked the condition of drums, shoes, assembly and all looks really good (almost new). Decided a road test would help identify any issues best.

So, yesterday we ran the car around Bob’s farm on some pavement and it brought a big smile to our faces. Clutch was smooth, brakes were straight and strong, the engine pulled well through all the gears. We only had the opportunity to run 30mph but this was a pleasing result.

Next week we’ll work on some leaks we need to address. The water pump has a small leak, there’s oil seepage under the car so we’ll get that cleaned up and identify what’s going on, for sure we need a new oil pan gasket set so will get that ordered.

There’s a ton still to do but that’s it for now.

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  • WinAuBurn
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16 Apr 2018 13:47 #34473 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Jack, I like that idea – thanks.

Mike, makes sense. In fact Bob and I discussed that over the weekend and I ordered a compression adapter to work with our cars. If it helps others, the adapter is A-12405-ADP or 28-20987-1 and is commonly used with the Ford Model As of the same era. Hopefully we can get some compression figures later in the week.

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  • mikespeed35
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16 Apr 2018 03:59 #34469 by mikespeed35
Replied by mikespeed35 on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Before you get too far with this motor you might want to run a compression check. No need to get it running for this and will give you some indication of the motors condition.
CORDiallyMike

Mike Huffman

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16 Apr 2018 00:45 #34468 by gnutting
Replied by gnutting on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
fire arrestor: I wound up fitting a piece of wire screen, as a temporary 'fix'. flame won't go thru a screen, I am assured by an engineer friend. meant fo post this, have gotten away from it. of course, you only need the arrestor if something goes wrong, but that's what it is for, when something goes wrong.

Jack Triplett
1931 Auburn 898A speedster

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  • WinAuBurn
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15 Apr 2018 16:41 #34465 by WinAuBurn
Replied by WinAuBurn on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Eureka! After nearly 5 days soaking, tapping, heating, & cooling we managed to free up the heat riser. We were about to remove the manifolds but a mix of ATF fluid, Acetone, along with a shot of PB Blaster for good measure finally freed the riser and we can move it freely. Hopefully this will open up the door to get our engine started.

John, I agree it would be good to have an original Schebler or possibly Stromberg carburetor for this engine. Short term, we’ll see if we can get the Carter BB1 (we think 289SD) running with the car so we can test other things. We do have a service kit on it’s way.

Jack, reading about the fire does point one towards an arrestor of some type just for extra security. I’m sure if everything was working correctly it might not be needed. Unfortunately there is little room to fit one it seems.

Curt, thank you, that’s excellent news. We’ll investigate this option for the 2-speed rear. That didn’t take long, I need to find you a bigger challenge!

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15 Apr 2018 14:03 #34463 by johnmereness
Replied by johnmereness on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Carter BB1 Carburetors come in a variety of sizes as to throats and jetting - my experience is they are great to get a car running that does not have a carb, but when it comes time to do anything other than idle in the garage it is best to find what the car originally came with as new equipment. I use to see people fooling with them in their late 20's and early 30's Frankins - just not enough carb for the cubic inches to get eny high end performance - and they lost a ton of potential out of their cars.

JMM

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  • Curt Schulze
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15 Apr 2018 11:55 #34462 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Mr. WinnAuburn I found a early two speed rear diff. for you. Send an email to [email protected]

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt
The following user(s) said Thank You: WinAuBurn

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15 Apr 2018 01:41 #34461 by gnutting
Replied by gnutting on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
Your question about flame arrestor: Please read the thread "898 fire" a couple of months back. yes, you need something, and it's a bit of a problem.

Jack Triplett
1931 Auburn 898A speedster

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  • Curt Schulze
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11 Apr 2018 22:11 #34456 by Curt Schulze
Replied by Curt Schulze on topic 1931 Auburn 898A vintage rally preparation
The PM is there, I forgot to include my phone number in the first one so I sent you a second.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
Be of Good Cheer
Curt

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