The Ford Barn

Dave in Denver · 10-10-2012, 11:27 AM

My 15 year old son and I were on a troubleshooting drive yesterday in our the '31 CCPU we have been rebuilding over the past couple of years. The rebuilt engine was finally sounding good, the timing seemed to be on. Then after making a few stops and then beginning to head home, we started to climb a small hill, shifted from 3rd to 2nd over (I have a mitchell overdrive unit in the truck) and about half way up the hill the truck back fired and stopped like it had run out of gas. I quickly checked the gas valve (I have left it closed before), it was open. tried to quickly restart the truck as I shifted to neutral, the engine turned over but would not start. We coasted to the side of the road. When we stopped some troubleshooting began.
- No leaks to be seen (oil, water or gas)
- the fuel pump was running and delivering gas to the weber 32/36 dgv carb
- all the plug wires and coil wire were attached
- nothing looked loose.

I had him press on the starter rod, the engine turned over but would not start.

So , we pushed the truck the 1-1/2 miles back to the house.

Once back in the garage, I did a compression check, the results were 0, 0, 0, 0 or more like 30 then leak down to 0 on all four cylinders.

The engine is a Riley Two Port, inserted, pressurized Model A Ford engine. I took off the valve covers and the rockers went up and down as the engine was rotated by hand.

My first guess is a blown head gasket. But before I lift the almost 100# head off the block I want to ask you for some advice.

Specs: '31 CCPU
Riley Two Port, inserted, pressurized Model A Ford Engine
Petronix distributor
Weber 32/36 DGV carb

Thanks,

Dave

10-10-2012, 11:27 AM	#1
Dave in Denver Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 67	Unexpected Exercise My 15 year old son and I were on a troubleshooting drive yesterday in our the '31 CCPU we have been rebuilding over the past couple of years. The rebuilt engine was finally sounding good, the timing seemed to be on. Then after making a few stops and then beginning to head home, we started to climb a small hill, shifted from 3rd to 2nd over (I have a mitchell overdrive unit in the truck) and about half way up the hill the truck back fired and stopped like it had run out of gas. I quickly checked the gas valve (I have left it closed before), it was open. tried to quickly restart the truck as I shifted to neutral, the engine turned over but would not start. We coasted to the side of the road. When we stopped some troubleshooting began. - No leaks to be seen (oil, water or gas) - the fuel pump was running and delivering gas to the weber 32/36 dgv carb - all the plug wires and coil wire were attached - nothing looked loose. I had him press on the starter rod, the engine turned over but would not start. So , we pushed the truck the 1-1/2 miles back to the house. Once back in the garage, I did a compression check, the results were 0, 0, 0, 0 or more like 30 then leak down to 0 on all four cylinders. The engine is a Riley Two Port, inserted, pressurized Model A Ford engine. I took off the valve covers and the rockers went up and down as the engine was rotated by hand. My first guess is a blown head gasket. But before I lift the almost 100# head off the block I want to ask you for some advice. Specs: '31 CCPU Riley Two Port, inserted, pressurized Model A Ford Engine Petronix distributor Weber 32/36 DGV carb Thanks, Dave