I was just about to come in from my day of work and start asking a lot of things to you guys and gals out there in cyber world about why my Lark was stuttering and skipping. Is it the timing, possibly water in the fuel tank, etc, etc.
Then, it occurred to me. Didn't I buy this car so I could work on it? I got rid of a 2004 as a daily driver that I could barely change the oil in to get something that was just back to the basics.
Well, I popped the hood, looked inside and thought I'd start with the carb. I pulled the air cleaner out and gave the little gas while looking listening and looking at the carb. Gas and air getting to the cylinders, I figured I'd check on plug wires as an easy thing to trouble shoot. Well, I didn't get out the ohm meter, but when I saw the wire closest to the firewall arcing out, I figured it was time to change wires.
Well, the wires looked good, the previous owner did a good job of cleaning up the engine bay before selling it to me. However, 7 of 9 wires, had broken connectors or were rubbed raw from time.
32 dollars at (insert random auto parts place here) I had some decent plug wires and less than 30 minutes later, I was done. I'd love to take a bet from one of the punk kids in my town that drive a Honda being able to diagnose a problem, go and buy the parts and install them in just over 35 minutes have it running correctly.
I know this was an easy fix and I'm not knocking Honda's,(or tootin my own horn) it just takes me back to a simpler time where a car owner actually had tools in his car and knew how to use them. With some electrical tape, an assorted set of sockets, and hand tools, car owners could save themselves a tow home and a pocket full of change.
I'm not usually this happy when doing routine maintenance to my car, but the newness hasn't worn off yet. Which is strange, b/c it is a 47 year old car. Between you and I, I hope it never does.
Kel
1961 Studebaker Lark VIII. 6x,xxx miles from the factory. Daily driven.
Then, it occurred to me. Didn't I buy this car so I could work on it? I got rid of a 2004 as a daily driver that I could barely change the oil in to get something that was just back to the basics.
Well, I popped the hood, looked inside and thought I'd start with the carb. I pulled the air cleaner out and gave the little gas while looking listening and looking at the carb. Gas and air getting to the cylinders, I figured I'd check on plug wires as an easy thing to trouble shoot. Well, I didn't get out the ohm meter, but when I saw the wire closest to the firewall arcing out, I figured it was time to change wires.
Well, the wires looked good, the previous owner did a good job of cleaning up the engine bay before selling it to me. However, 7 of 9 wires, had broken connectors or were rubbed raw from time.
32 dollars at (insert random auto parts place here) I had some decent plug wires and less than 30 minutes later, I was done. I'd love to take a bet from one of the punk kids in my town that drive a Honda being able to diagnose a problem, go and buy the parts and install them in just over 35 minutes have it running correctly.
I know this was an easy fix and I'm not knocking Honda's,(or tootin my own horn) it just takes me back to a simpler time where a car owner actually had tools in his car and knew how to use them. With some electrical tape, an assorted set of sockets, and hand tools, car owners could save themselves a tow home and a pocket full of change.
I'm not usually this happy when doing routine maintenance to my car, but the newness hasn't worn off yet. Which is strange, b/c it is a 47 year old car. Between you and I, I hope it never does.
Kel
1961 Studebaker Lark VIII. 6x,xxx miles from the factory. Daily driven.
I attempted to change the shocks on my Brand "X" 1 ton a few years back and spent 2.5 hours attempting to remove one shock (using conventional tools). [xx(] Definitely not made for a "weekend warrior" to work on. [:0] "Nuff of that, so off to the shop it went to get the job done by someone with all of the gadgets and special tools to do that job. 
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