CJ3A Operation and Care
Manual -- Proper Maintenance

 

 
 
 

NEVER RUN ENGINE IN CLOSED GARAGE

Due to the presence of carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas in the exhaust of the engine) never rub the engine for any length of time while the vehicle is in a small closed garage.  Opening the doors and windows will lessen the danger considerably, but it is safest if adjustments are being made that require the operation of the engine, to run the vehicle out-of-doors.

INSPECTION.
The old adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" was never more true than when applied to any motor vehicle.  The importance of regular systematic inspection cannot be over-emphasized.  Small and seemingly unimportant faults, if neglected, may grow into expensive major repairs.  Regular inspections and prompt correction of small faults will go far toward holding down maintenance expense, eliminating delays in productive operations and upholding the high standard of reliability and performance built into your "Jeep" at the factory.

ENGINE TUNE-UP.
For best performance and dependability the engine should have a periodic tune-up twice yearly, preferably in the Spring and Fall.
 

  • Remove the spark plugs, clean them thoroughly and space the electrodes to .030" (0.76 mm.) gap.
  • Clean and tighten the battery cable terminals, the battery ground connection and the ground strap on the right side of the engine at the front engine support (See Fig. 10).
  • Remove the distributor cap and inspect the contact points.  Adjust the points to .020" (0.51 mm.) gap.  See Fig.7 No.5.
  • Check the ignition timing.
  • Check the valve tappet clearance.  Adjust to .014" (0.356 mm.) clearance with engine hot or cold.
  • Clean the fuel pump filter screen and check fuel line connections.
  • Remove ventilator valve Fig. 12 and clean.
  • Start the engine and allow it to run until thoroughly warm then set the carburetor idle screw so the engine will idle at 600 rpm. (vehicle speed of approximately 6 mph).
  • Adjust the carburetor low speed idle screw so that the engine will idle smoothly.

NOTE: Should the engine fail to perform satisfactorily and the trouble is definitely traced to the carburetor, consult your Willys-Overland Dealer.  Carburetor service is specialized and should not be undertaken unless the unit is thoroughly understood.

VALVE AND IGNITION TIMING

X
X
Inlet opens 9 degrees before top centre
Inlet closes 50 degrees after bottom centre
Exhaust opens 47 degrees before bottom centre
Exhaust closes 12 degrees after top centre
Spark Setting

Spark set top centre with automatic spark controls at rest, when using low octane fuel.

Firing Order
Tappet setting for valve timing
Number of flywheel teeth

Piston Measurements
From Top Centre
.039"   (9.91 mm.)
3.772" (95.81 mm.)
3.799" (96.49 mm.)
.054"   (0.14 mm.)
"IGN" 5º BTC
X
X
X
X
1-3-4-2
.020"   (0.51 mm.)
97

CHECKING VALVE TIMING
To check the valve timing, adjust the inlet valve tappet No. 1 cylinder to .020" (0.51 mm.).  Use care in making this adjustment that the measurement is accurate with feeler gauges and that the tappet is resting against the lowest surface of the camshaft cam.  Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until piston in No. 1 cylinder is ready for the intake stroke.  (Mark "I-O" -- intake open -- on the flywheel is in the centre of the engine.)  With the crankshaft in this position, valve timing is correct if No. 1 intake valve tappet is jut tight against the end of the valve stem.  After checking, adjust all of the tappets .014" (0.356 mm.).

Should the timing be incorrect it is advisable to consult your Willys-Overland Dealer.
 
 
 
 
 
 

IGNITION TIMING

1. Condenser
2. Lubricating Wick
3. Breaker Arm Pivot
4. Breaker Cam
5. Distributor Points
6. Oiler
7. Adjustment Lock Screw
8. Adjusting Screw
The breaker points should be cleaned and adjusted to .020" (0.51 mm.) opening.  Remove all of the spark plugs except No. 1.  Rotate the crankshaft until No. 1 piston is coming up on the compression stroke which can be determined by the resistance in the cylinder.  Remove the spark plug and continue to turn the engine slowly until the mark "IGN" on the flywheel is in the centre of the timing hole at the right rear.  This places the piston in the correct position to set the ignition.

Loosen the distributor clamp and rotate the distributor assembly until the distributor rotor arm points to No. 1 terminal in the distributor cap and the distributor points just start to break.  To advance the timing, turn the distributor in a clockwise direction; to retard it, turn in a counter-clockwise direction.  Tighten the clamp screw firmly but do not overtighten it.

The engine firing order is 1-3-4-2.

After setting the timing, revolve the crankshaft two complete turns, to make sure all backlash is eliminated, and check the timing to the flywheel mark "IGN".

Ignition timing must be accurately set to obtain the maximum efficiency of the engine.  Information above is given only to enable the operator to place the vehicle back in service should trouble develop.  At the first opportunity, have your Willys-Overland Dealer check the setting with a neon timing lamp which can also be used to check the automatic spark advance operation, by accelerating the engine.
 
 

 

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