Ford 1955 - Engine Tune-Up

8
Chapter
I
General Engine
Repair
(1)
ENGINE
OVERHEATS.
Usually,
engine
over
heating
is
the
result of
insufficient
coolant
supply.
Check
the
coolant
level
first.
Make
certain
that
the cause
of
trouble
is
not
anti-freeze
evaporation.
(a)
If
the
supply
is
low,
check
for leaks
in
the
cooling
system,
make
repairs
as
necessary.
(b)
Check
the
water
pump
belt
for
proper
tension
and
adjust
if
loose.
(c)
Inspect the
radiator
fins for
obstructions
(bugs,
dirt,
etc.)
Clean if
clogged.
(d)
Using
a
thermometer
in
the
radiator,
check
the
gauge
reading
for
accuracy.
NOTE:
Inaccurate
readings
are
sometimes
caused
by
insufficient
clearance between
the
head
casting
and
the
temperature
sending
unit
element. Repair
or
re~
place as
necessary.
(e)
Check
the
thermostat
for
proper operation
and
heat
range.
If
defective or
of
the
wrong
heat
range,
replace
the
thermostat.
(f
)
Check
the
ignition
timing
and
adjust
if
necessary.
(g)
Check
the radiator
for
proper
flow.
Flush
if
necessary.
(h)
Remove
the
water
pump
and
check
for
a
defective
impeller
or
water passage
obstruction.
Repair or
replace
as
necessary.
(2)
ENGINE
FAILS
TO
REACH
NORMAL
OPER
ATING
TEMPERATURE.
Generally,
this
is
caused
by
the
thermostat
sticking
or
being
of
the
wrong
heat
range.
Check the thermostat
first. If
the
engine
still does
not
reach
operating
temperature,
check
the
gauge and
sending
unit,
with a
thermometer
in
radiator,
for
accuracy. Re
place the
defective
unit.
2.
ENGINE TUNE-UP
During
the life of an
automotive
vehicle,
it
should
receive regular maintenance
and
inspection
services.
However,
to
maintain
satisfactory
performance,
an engine
tune-up
should
be
performed
periodically.
Any
type
of
engine test
equipment
may
be
used to
make the
tests
outlined in the
checking
procedures. As
the checks
are
performed,
make
a
visual
inspection of
the
wiring,
vacuum
hose,
cooling
system
hose,
heater
hoses,
etc.
a. Minor Tune-Up.
A
minor
tune-up
consists
of
the
following
operations:
(1)
INSPECT IGNITION
WIRES,
BATTERY
CABLES,
AND
CHECK CONDITION
OF THE BAT
TERY. Inspect all
ignition
cables for
worn
or damaged
insulation.
Make
sure that
the
spark
plug
wires
are
firmly
seated
in the
distributor
cap
and that
the
terminals and
terminal
sockets
are
free
from
corrosion.
Inspect
the
battery
case
for
cracks and
leaks.
Check
the
water
level in
the
battery.
Inspect
battery
cable
con
nections
for
corrosion,
and
clean if
necessary.
Brush
the
cable
connectors with
grease
to
retard further
corrosion,
then tighten the connectors
securely.
(2)
TEST
CYLINDER COMPRESSION.
Operate
the
engine
until normal
operating
temperature is
reached.
Turn
the
ignition
switch
off.
Remove
all
spark plugs. Set
the
throttle to
wide
open
position
and leave
it
open
for
the
test.
Using
a
compression
tester,
test the compression
of
each
cylinder.
Crank
the engine for
at
least
four
com
pression
strokes.
All
cylinders should be
tested
the
same
number
of
strokes
to
assure
accurate
readings.
The
compression
of all
cylinders
should be uniform
within
10
pounds. Record
the
compression
of each
cyl
inder.
A
reading
of
more
than
10
pounds above
normal
indi
cates
carbon
or
lead deposits
in
the cylinder.
A
reading
below
normal
indicates
leakage at
the
rings,
valves,
or
head
gasket.
(3)
CLEAN,
ADJUST,
AND
INSTALL
SPARK
PLUGS.
Sandblast
the spark
plugs,
wipe the
porcelain
clean,
file
the
electrode tips
flat,
and
adjust
the
spark
gap.
Test the
plugs
in
an
approved
spark
plug
tester.
Replace
any
plugs
that
have
broken
or
chipped
porcelain,
badly
burned
electrodes,
or
that
do
not
check satisfac
torily
on
the
tester.
Install
the
spark
plugs
and
tighten
to
specifications.
(4)
CHECK
AND
ADJUST
TIMING
AND
INSPECT
BREAKER
POINTS.
Disconnect
the
vacuum
line
be
tween the
distributor
and
carburetor.
Start
the
engine
and operate
it
at
idle
speed.
Check
the
timing
with
a
timing
light and
make the
necessary
adjustments.
Con
nect
the distributor vacuum
line
after
completing
the
adjustments.
Inspect the
distributor
points
for
pits,
exces
sive
metal
transfer,
and
burns.
Replace points
which
cannot
be
cleaned
up
by
light
application of
a point
file.
(5)
CHECK
ENGINE
VACUUM AND ADJUST
CARBURETOR
IDLE.
Check
the
engine
manifold
vacuum at idle speed.
If
the
vacuum
is
lower
than
specified,
check
for
leakage
at
the
vacuum
lines
and intake manifold.
Check
the
carburetor
idle
adjustment.
If
the
vacuum
is
still
below normal
or
is
erratic,
it
is
an
indication
of
bad
rings,
sticky
valves,
weak
valve
springs,
or
leaky
gaskets.
If
this condition
exists,
it
should
be
reported to the customer.
Set the
carburetor
idle speed
to specifications. Set
the
idle
fuel
adjustment
to obtain
the
smoothest
engine idle
at
the highest
manifold
vacuum
and/or
engine
r.p.m.
Reset
the
idle
speed
if
required.