martylee Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 It's been a long time since last we had problems with one of the Dodges, so now it's time again. During a trip into the mountains something happened with the car and it stalled. We could not get it running again, even if we tried to pull it started with the other vehicle. None of my traveling companions or me are skilled mechanics, so we tried to figure out what was the problem. We ended up changing spark plugs since starter would turn, but not ignite. That didn't work. Then we saw some loose wire under the dashboard. Had some sparks there so we tried to fix it, but still no life there. After doing some camping and treasure hunting I got the idea that perhaps we could hotwire the car, which is as easy as in the movies. That did the trick to get it running. But after this field repair the Dodge woulden't run very well. It seems it is running on half power and it really had problems going up hills. It doesn't start very easy either and makes some low bangs. It doesn't sound good at all, but still on the flat ground it makes same speed as before. So what could this be? I think I've fastened the spark plugs, but could it be that one or more isn't correctly fastened(or wired) Could it be the hotwiring? Or is it something completely different. A lot of writing to explain the problem, hope it makes sense... Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Timing? Ignition points? Everything tight in the distributor... What were the wires off behind the dash? Ignition switch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martylee Posted August 7, 2007 Author Share Posted August 7, 2007 Thanks Bodge! The wires that were off belonged to the ignition switch. Right after this Dodge was purchased we had some difficulties that were somewhat similar to these. It wouldn't go good uphill, it's worse this time. Back then it was the ignition switch. The wiring is not very good on this one, so I guess they ought to be changed. Should we perhaps rebuild it as a 12 volt instead of the 6v today? As for suggestions timing I would say bad, since we were in the mountains when it appeared... :-D sorry! Since this just happened and the vehicle was running good before, would timing and ignition points be the first we should check? I have to ask, since I'm not very good at this, but will use this opportunity to learn and understand a bit. Marty Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Well I'm not so good myself... :-D I'd check the ignition points were opening and closing... Take the distributor cap off and check that the 'points' are opening and closing... by turning the motor over (minding your fingers from the scythe blades that pass for fan blades). If they are closed or opening very little, re-set them and try again. (can't remember the opening gap sorry!) Check the rotor arm & cap for cracks, burns burned terminals etc. Check the sprung contact from the coil lead into the cap is okay The coughing and banging (backfires?) could point to timing... Mines still on 6 volt... I can't be bothered to change it to be honest! Have you got the dodge field manual... that has a troubleshooting bit in it somewhere... I seem to remember :dunno: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martylee Posted August 25, 2007 Author Share Posted August 25, 2007 The Dodge still isn't running like it should. Coughing and backfires. All the spark plugs have been changed, the ingition timed, distributor rotor and cap changed as well as rotor and wires from distrbutor to sparkplugs. So what's left then? Well, the more expensive and time consuming things I guess. Could it be than one of the valves has fastened? Anyway it looks like this one will be out of the game for the rest of the season. Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Pearson Posted August 25, 2007 Share Posted August 25, 2007 I no what its like mate just spent ages getting mine running and turned out to faulty plugs in the end new ones at that. Mines was doing a very simular thing and yours sound elecrtical like mine would check timing as suggested get it up to tdc on number one check timing mark on pully and you rotar arm should ablut 7 oclock on the dizzy cap. if your ok there check all your plugs are sparking correctly. they may do out as mine did but when its running pull a lead off one at a time and see if the engine nose changers if not that your faulty item. keep tryinh you will get there as i did Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abn deuce Posted August 25, 2007 Share Posted August 25, 2007 perhaps the firing order has been changed ? if the spark plug leads are not connected in the proper sequence that would produce some of the results you describe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazungumagic Posted August 25, 2007 Share Posted August 25, 2007 Try all the advice above, but I'd also do a compression test, just to eliminate the possibilitiy of things being awry under the head. I'd also be paying close attention to the ignition switch wiring as that seemed to coincide with the start of your difficulties. Could also be a carby problem - you might have some uninvited foreign matter in the jets. Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 First of all check you have the plug wires in the right order and they are firing. Buy a spark plug tester for this , a couple of quid well spent, it fits on the top and has an extra gap so you see the spark. Then check all the contacts from battery through ignition switch to coil are clean and tight!! Use a meter to check you have the full voltage at each point. Then check wire from coil to earth and connections are clean. Dirty wires and poor connections are something to be aware of on Dodges. The system is simple but does require a bit of basic maintence because it is so open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commander Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Buy a condensor fasten to the side of the distributor and connect the wire to the feed in and try that C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 Buy a condensor fasten to the side of the distributor and connect the wire to the feed in and try that C Better still cough up for a Jolley electronic ignition. Looks pricey but oh boy the difference it makes is phenomenal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martylee Posted August 27, 2007 Author Share Posted August 27, 2007 All this is good advice! Thank you all! I do belive that we'll be running again soon. Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 Course you will!! The beauty is they were designed by engineers to do a job, and to be fixed by common sense in the dark in the middle of a battle. Makes you wonder why design seems to have gone backwards. :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 The Dodge still isn't running like it should. Coughing and backfires. All the spark plugs have been changed, the ingition timed, distributor rotor and cap changed as well as rotor and wires from distrbutor to sparkplugs. So what's left then? Well, the more expensive and time consuming things I guess. Could it be than one of the valves has fastened? Anyway it looks like this one will be out of the game for the rest of the season. Marty Hi Marty, Sounds just like 'fun', :whistle: I had with Bedford;..........cured mine with 6 new plugs, and although timing was OK,.set up with strobe, etc.......a mate 'fine tuned' disi, via the knurled wheel on side. a nanno movement, but BINGO............. :-D :-D.......NO pops or bangs anymore. :dunno: ('cept the exhaust very slightly blowing,......but I know about that) Good luck. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martylee Posted September 15, 2007 Author Share Posted September 15, 2007 And now it' running again. And one advice to you! Make sure to get the wires from the distributor to the plugs in right order... :oops: Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 And spill the beans then, WHO done that :whistle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 And now it' running again. And one advice to you! Make sure to get the wires from the distributor to the plugs in right order... :oops: Marty :whistle: :whistle:, Ahem,.......if were all honest, I'm guessing most of us have done this somewhen in the past. :oops: :oops: :whistle: Glad you've sorted it. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted September 15, 2007 Share Posted September 15, 2007 Not saying a word been there on the 101. At least the Dodges keep running despite the mechanics. :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyliecelt Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I seem to be having a similar problem with my WC51. On an ANZAC day excursion, after running well for a year she decided to suddenly run rough as and backfire alot. She now does not want to idle without full choke or alternately throttle being out and lacks power on the upgrades or when being worked. I have checked the carby and other than it being a little wet at the lower housing (Has the carby for a Chev Cargo on her) that is all good. Replaced/gapped plugs, checked air/fuel mix, checked gap and cleaned points, replaced manifold gasket (As noticed it had blown), new exhaust pipe to manifold, cleaned air filter to ensure good air flow through there.. I dont have a timing light but have used my eye-crometer, what else could i check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoseman Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I seem to be having a similar problem with my WC51. On an ANZAC day excursion, after running well for a year she decided to suddenly run rough as and backfire alot. She now does not want to idle without full choke or alternately throttle being out and lacks power on the upgrades or when being worked. I have checked the carby and other than it being a little wet at the lower housing (Has the carby for a Chev Cargo on her) that is all good. Replaced/gapped plugs, checked air/fuel mix, checked gap and cleaned points, replaced manifold gasket (As noticed it had blown), new exhaust pipe to manifold, cleaned air filter to ensure good air flow through there.. I dont have a timing light but have used my eye-crometer, what else could i check. Coil mate! Could be suspect and can go at anytime Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willyslancs Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 ours had a misfire years years ago , the fuel line went to near the manifold , re routed it away as far as poss . was ok after Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZIL157 Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 I'd try condenser too, I'd also check that the + and - terminals on the coil are the right way round. It will run if these are the wrong way round, but roughly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 (edited) Another one what was the temprature outside? Mine started those tricks a few weeks back in very hot weather. A shot of octane booster cured it. I invested in an electronic ignition, best modification ever. Edited September 21, 2013 by Tony B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyliecelt Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 Cheers for those possible cures, employed several and now she seems to idle and run fine in situ, not which one cured it. Will have to test her on the road up hill in the nest week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 Be fair to mine, the only stopping problem I've ever had was down to a loose wire on the ignition switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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