2011 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

The boys spent most of the morning working on cleaning off shelters, snow removal and other bits of administration. The weather was going to warm up, so we decided to help with the melting process. Grant took to cleaning the barn roof and Bob and I cleaned off some shelters. Clive's shelter was really laden with snow as it sits in a sheltered area and collects more snow that the others.

Later on in the morning, we hauled out the 45 HUP to troubleshoot the ignition. The first task was to set up the timing marks using the "Waterman" technique. After finding Top Dead Center, a wire was attached to the two inspection plate screws at the top of the bell housing. A quick mark with a chisel and a dab of yellow paint later, we were done with that task.

Next was to start the old girl. But, she wouldn't start for love or money. Plugs were checked. Wiring checked. Points checked. Firing sequence checked. We replaced the coil temporarily, but no luck. Finally, the condenser was pulled and replaced and the truck tried to start. After cleaning up the starter and replacing the small wire that runs from the ignition switch to the coil, the engine coughed to life.

After a few minutes of warming up, we attached the timing light (after undoing the vacuum line) and set the timing as best we could. After a good warm up period, we adjusted the timing. The truck accelerated in such a manner as to suggest that something was out of sorts. Previously the truck ran very smoothly, but now it accelereates roughly. It wasn't a warm day by any stretch of the imagination, but after a few hours of hovering over the engine, we got a bit fatiqued. We will try to adjust the timing a few degrees either way to see if that makes a difference.

If there are any 235 engine experts out there, please feel free to weigh in on timing secrets...

Photos:
1. Grant on avalanche control duties
2. Bob getting intimate with the HUP
3. The Waterman timing mark setup
4. Clive's laden shelter (on the verge of collapse...)
5. Clive's relieved shelter