'73 Westy Increasing Engine Temp

[iwantmybustorun]

Ok, well we did keep going... and going. Doing 50mph all the way through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and into Wyoming today.

It looks like you guys were right about the fuel mixture being the cause of the temp increase.

Here's what happened. I couldn't find any where to buy the main jets, so I ordered them and had them sent to our friends in Idaho. So we kept going but took it slow. I drove 50mph and it kept the temps under 430 all the way through Iowa and Nebraska. My mpg averaged 20.8.

Then we hit Wyoming today and started climbing in elevation and my temps didn't get above 420. We climbed up to 8640 feet and only hit 405 degrees!!! and then again when we crossed the Continental Divide at 6930. I lost a lot of engine power but the temps cooled off tremendously. I assume the altitude gave me a richer mixture. I was able to travel between 55 and 60 mph most of the way and my gas mileage was reduced to about 17 mpg, BUT my temps stayed between 395 and 405! I've never seen them so low while having my foot down so far to the floor for so long.

I don't think I will change out the main jet to the larger one until I start heading back east. I think it might make the engine run too rich at this elevation. I'm still not sure, after reading a few tech articles, if it is the primary or secondary jet I want to change, or both. I guess it will be a trial and error thing.

So I guess things are good for now. Thanks for your help!

[poptop tom]

Christian,

so sorry I wasn't able to help you out. Im glad you've been able to carry on with your journey west, and back. Were you able to contact anyone from the airs list?

Look me up on your way back through, if you'd like.

Take care and good luck with the bus travels,

Tom

[Gypsie]

I'm glad you kept going.

I'm sure that with your observations and understanding you are getting more sure of your steed.

I salute you, sir.

[sped372]

Good on you for keeping with it... good also that you were patient and slowed down. Good luck with the rest of your trip.

[iwantmybustorun]

Christian,

so sorry I wasn't able to help you out. Im glad you've been able to carry on with your journey west, and back. Were you able to contact anyone from the airs list?

Look me up on your way back through, if you'd like.

Take care and good luck with the bus travels,

Tom

No worries Tom.
I called a couple guys. The only guy that called me back was Kevin. I think you know him and I think he is a member here. We didn't come up with anything different that everyone here hadn't said already. If I head back home on 90 I'll let you know. Thanks again for your efforts. Hope the SCI show was a good time.

[iwantmybustorun]

Today we made it to Jackson WY and then over the Teton Pass into Victor Idaho. This was a 10% grade that I crawled up in 2nd gear doing 25mph, but the temps were only 375.

[Amskeptic]

Today we made it to Jackson WY and then over the Teton Pass into Victor Idaho. This was a 10% grade that I crawled up in 2nd gear doing 25mph, but the temps were only 375.

This grade?




You were so close! I am now in Spokane WA.

You are correct that elevation reduces compression and oxygen to the point that the engine is a happy camper albiet a laggardly one.

Again, I want you to decouple your gauge anxiety with what the engine itself is telling you. A richer main/secondary jet is an excellent idea at low elevations, and it would drown you at higher elevations. In Jackson WY, my idle speed was low and the engine would only launch the car like an old lady, and that grade to Victor for me was an easy 360* at full throttle in 2nd and 3rd.

Learn of your hideous barnacle of a foreign carburetor atop your engine so you can set it up as best you can.
Colin

[iwantmybustorun]

This grade?


You were so close! I am now in Spokane WA.

Colin

That was it! My heart was in my throat the whole way... then it started hailing!!

Colin I'm right on your heels. I hope we will meet up in Portland, since you will be there for a longer stay.
Lucky Lab?

[Gypsie]

"I hope we will meet up in Portland, since you will be there for a longer stay.
Lucky Lab?"


Oh, most definitely...

[BumbleBus]

Today we made it to Jackson WY and then over the Teton Pass into Victor Idaho. This was a 10% grade that I crawled up in 2nd gear doing 25mph, but the temps were only 375.

I love that pass. Beautiful drive. If it makes you feel any better I used to do it all the time in my '87 Subby doing 35mph tops.

[iwantmybustorun]

I love that pass. Beautiful drive. If it makes you feel any better I used to do it all the time in my '87 Subby doing 35mph tops.

To tell you the truth I have no idea if it was a beautiful drive or not. My eyes were glued to the road ahead and my gauge.

[iwantmybustorun]

I now feel as though I have some reason for concern.
Today I checked my valves again. The last time I checked was 1591 miles ago, after I had CHT gauge readings of 460. When I checked last I had a slightly tight #4 exhaust valve. It was the same this time.
0.006 would not go but 0.005 would.
The difference was, this time the oil smelled burnt. Not on the 1,2 side, only under the 3,4 valve cover side.

[Randy in Maine]

Treat yourself to a fresh oil change. You deserve it.

When you get down to Portland, fuss around with the jetting a little.

[Amskeptic]

Treat yourself to a fresh oil change. You deserve it.

When you get down to Portland, fuss around with the jetting a little.

And catch me .....
Colin