X8 still broke

JDXspec · Post by **JDXspec** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:05 pm

the fuel Filter, It may look clean but have you replaced it this yr? Had one that sat for a yr filter looked clean but it gummed up with varnish would flow anything.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:21 pm

Fuel filter was changed out in October when I was setting the timing. It only has probably 2 hours total run time on it.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:51 pm

Watch those plugs, if the electrode is vey light colored, compared to the rest, it's too hot. Probably need to get it running first.

Sure sounds like a fuel supply issue. Could be in the carb, but it did follow along even after the carb switch, which is why I was asking about the pickup.
No kinks in the fuel line?

The fact that you can save it with the choke indicates lack of fuel to me.

Clean the carb, check the metering lever.

Paul, send us a photo of the carb installed on the engine, I'm confident it is a reed.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:05 pm

Gotta borrow some kick ass batteries from work tonight, my camera is a battery eating beast. Post these tomorrow if all goes well with my schedule.

Fuel line routing was checked, nothing out of place. The problem did follow, the new carb makes it idle better and pull harder but, still wants to die off. I can save it by pulling the choke full on for about 30 seconds and then shut off the choke and she runs fine for 25-50 yards and repeats the same process.

Brian take a pic of your motor/carb area if you could and post it tonight or anyone else having an X8 for the matter.

You have me scared on these plugs now. I will monitor this real close thats for sure.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:20 pm

Being as I have the cover off my '73 X8 ( 440/21 ), it was easy to get this.

On the reed engines, the carb sits at an angle, the manifold attaches to the rectangular reed assembly, which is visible on the side of the case.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:23 pm

That looks like mine. The reed assembly as you call it Brian, I call an intake.

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:24 pm

Here is a shot of my 340/5, typical of piston ported engines. The intake manifold attaches to the lower part of the cylinders. It is not easy to see, but the carb sits flat on this engine, and you can see that the intake manifold is higher, up in the cooling shroud.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:28 pm

Rich-

If you mean the carbs mounting "gasket" insulator ? Yes, its there between the carb and the intake. I will post some pics up very soon.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:34 pm

Here is a pic of my homemade ingine pressure tester. The gauge on the left is an extra which starts at 20psi and goes to 160psi. I wont be needing that one for sure. The gauge on the tester as you can see is in single increments all the way up to 30 psi.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:00 pm

Pic of the carb flange area, hard to see the gasket

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:05 pm

Anothe pic, ball and socket exhaust union. After running its last run yesterday, normally gas and oil are much worse than what it appears right now.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:07 pm

pic of sled, it will be coming broke or not. Maybe you guys can fix it, kick it, or see it for yourself then.

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:11 pm

Pic of the cat, ready to go.

JDGuy · Post by **JDGuy** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:15 pm

Paul: Pressure test.......bleed your compressor tank way down, it only takes a "puff" of air to get the crankcase to 7 psi or so, not much empty volume there, and you don't want to blow the seals out before you can get your fixture under control. As you know, seal off exhaust ports and carb inlet port.....1/8 inch flat steel stock (CRS) for port covers cut to fit, home made soft rubber gaskets, teflon tape on your pipe joints..........

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:25 pm

If you look at the gauge, I did put a ball valve flow control on it, the red handle. Teflon tape is yet to be put on the fittings yet, good eye. I also have a 4ftx4ft piece of heavy rubber from the shop, I am going to cut this down and make the seals to cover off the intake at the carb, exhaust openings. I do not have any flat stock to cover these area up, the rubber is very thick and I was planning on putting the exhaust manifold and carb back on after the rubber has been installed. Then charge the engine to the 7psi, I dont recall how long the engine should hold this pressure. Some one please refresh me on this one. Then watch and see, I am also going to get out the old spray bottle of dish detergent and water and spray any area too where air could escape from the engine. This will take place this weekend at the shop when things arent so busy. I am thinking about also taking apart the carb very gently so to keep the gaskets and re-use them....hopefully...this weekend also.

I am at my wits end, this is supposed to be fun, but now its crunch time, the HOF is coming fast.