Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Lol!!!
Well not entirely, but... Drove it to and from Super Cel and did a couple of trails and my boys drove it up to the Continental divide and back.
On the way back down the mountain they said the engine started knocking real bad and, so they pulled over and when they checked it, it had absolutely zero oil in it!?!?
I wouldnΓÇÖt say that the engine smokes noticeably but what do you guys think is going on with it?
Somebody told me to pull the plugs if they were white it was burning oil.
Is this engine done, end of life or what do you guys suggest?
fyi: All new gaskets and rear main seal, doesn't leak a DROP of oil
Well not entirely, but... Drove it to and from Super Cel and did a couple of trails and my boys drove it up to the Continental divide and back.
On the way back down the mountain they said the engine started knocking real bad and, so they pulled over and when they checked it, it had absolutely zero oil in it!?!?
I wouldnΓÇÖt say that the engine smokes noticeably but what do you guys think is going on with it?
Somebody told me to pull the plugs if they were white it was burning oil.
Is this engine done, end of life or what do you guys suggest?
fyi: All new gaskets and rear main seal, doesn't leak a DROP of oil
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- phyler
- CCB Admin
- Posts: 1231
- Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2010 8:41 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Is the oil all in your antifreeze?
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
1975 Ranger Edition that I've had longer than I've been without it.
OG
OG
- Strike2
- Posts: 809
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 10:34 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Did you happen to check to see if the oil level was good once arriving in BV? the climb up 285 and cotton wood pass would most likely burn some oil if the engine is worn?
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
phyler wrote:Is the oil all in your antifreeze?
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Just flushed engine and radiator... all clear
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Strike2 wrote:Did you happen to check to see if the oil level was good once arriving in BV? the climb up 285 and cotton wood pass would most likely burn some oil if the engine is worn?
I did check it a few days before we went up, but didn't even think to check it once we arrived?
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Kinder
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 4372
- Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 9:03 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
The plug itself doesnΓÇÖt look terrible, a light gray / brown tint is normal, I do see oil outside of the threads so likely oil from valve covers. WhatΓÇÖs your oil pressure?
Best to Date MPG: 26.6
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Thanks Kirk, I want to say 40 on the oil pressure? The engine is literally sealed up tight as a drum, there are no oil/water leaks anywhere top bottom front or back!
IΓÇÖve been having trouble keeping it running at low RPMs, whenever I stop at a stoplight it stalls and dies but starts right back up it just doesnΓÇÖt want to idle right? Yesterday I went out to mess with it and it turned over just fine and smelled like it was dumping gas into the carburetor but no fire? It refused to start
So I think I will try putting my points back into it in leu of my Pertronix electronic ignition and if that doesnΓÇÖt work I guess I will get a new coil
Ugggg this F$$kg PILE!!!
IΓÇÖve been having trouble keeping it running at low RPMs, whenever I stop at a stoplight it stalls and dies but starts right back up it just doesnΓÇÖt want to idle right? Yesterday I went out to mess with it and it turned over just fine and smelled like it was dumping gas into the carburetor but no fire? It refused to start
So I think I will try putting my points back into it in leu of my Pertronix electronic ignition and if that doesnΓÇÖt work I guess I will get a new coil
Ugggg this F$$kg PILE!!!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- kbank6
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 306
- Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2013 4:00 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
I know a guy who has the EFI parts you need. DoesnΓÇÖt live that far from you either.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
73 Ranger (Holy Crap, replacing the door post is so much fun!)
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
kbank6 wrote:I know a guy who has the EFI parts you need. DoesnΓÇÖt live that far from you either.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You evil Genius!
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
So newest problem... Rig had been running really well, until you come to a stop. It dies.
I had been messing with the carb and timing but couldn't really get it dialed in to just idle without giving it gas constantly...
Yesterday, no start at all! Turns over just fine.
Checked the fuel pump and gas is rolling
fuel/CHECK
Used Cam's Coil - no fire
Pulled my Pertronix out and put in old points (with MY coil) - No fire
So I believe I have 1 Brand new set of points that I will plug in tonight with Cam's coil and see if maybe BOTH of my coil and elec. ignition pooped out???
I also messed with distributor +/- to no avail.
Like I said, it turns over very well, just dosn't fire. At All!
I had been messing with the carb and timing but couldn't really get it dialed in to just idle without giving it gas constantly...
Yesterday, no start at all! Turns over just fine.
Checked the fuel pump and gas is rolling
fuel/CHECK
Used Cam's Coil - no fire
Pulled my Pertronix out and put in old points (with MY coil) - No fire
So I believe I have 1 Brand new set of points that I will plug in tonight with Cam's coil and see if maybe BOTH of my coil and elec. ignition pooped out???
I also messed with distributor +/- to no avail.
Like I said, it turns over very well, just dosn't fire. At All!

1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Strike2
- Posts: 809
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 10:34 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Mike, did you re-jet your carb for the BV trip? Just for kicks have you performed a compression check/leak down check.
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Strike2 wrote:Mike, did you re-jet your carb for the BV trip? Just for kicks have you performed a compression check/leak down check.
No re-jetting and no compression or leak down...Carb is basically brand new, ran fine up and down the mountains, and I don't have a clue about the other 2 :(
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Eck
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 2462
- Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2012 8:33 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
mickphatmac wrote:Strike2 wrote:Mike, did you re-jet your carb for the BV trip? Just for kicks have you performed a compression check/leak down check.
No re-jetting and no compression or leak down...Carb is basically brand new, ran fine up and down the mountains, and I don't have a clue about the other 2 :(
You should be able to rent/borrow a compression and leak testing kit from most auto stores.
69 Wagon, 351W, Explorer EFI & Serpentine, ZF5, 35" tires, 3.5 SL, 2 BL, WARN 8274
- Viperwolf1
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1485
- Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:37 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
If you have a tach in it you might try with it disconnected.
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Viperwolf1 wrote:If you have a tach in it you might try with it disconnected.
No tach
I know IΓÇÖm probably beating a dead horse at this point but I changed out my Pertronix for brand new points that I had in the glove compartment then I used CamΓÇÖs Pertronix, both of those with CamΓÇÖs coil and then I pulled a spark plug wire to see if I was getting spark, no spark and then I pulled the center wire off the distributor that runs to the coil and that was also sending no spark!
Sooooo...
I figured it had to do something with the ignition switch or the wire running from the ignition switch to the distributor/coil.
It looks a ΓÇ£little rattyΓÇ¥ and I couldnΓÇÖt find a diagram with a red wire with a yellow line. But itΓÇÖs attached to the pink one which I believe is the resistor and coil wire?
Any suggestions?
Take the ignition apart and run a new wire?
Take the ignition apart and use the painless ignition wiring repair cap? And rewire?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Viperwolf1
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1485
- Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:37 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
It might go to the brake warning light circuit and old alternator voltage regulator. If grounded it could be dropping voltage enough to prevent spark.
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Viperwolf1 wrote:It might go to the brake warning light circuit and old alternator voltage regulator. If grounded it could be dropping voltage enough to prevent spark.
So track it down and re-run it or just cut it and get it out of there?
When I try and follow it up behind the dash it definitely looks like the wire has melted all the way out of its case for as far as I can see it...so is that bad??

1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Viperwolf1
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1485
- Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:37 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
It'll only be melted up to the short. If that is at the firewall you won't see the meltiness under the hood if the wire heads out that way. You should probably cut it out for now. Once you figure out what doesn't work you may want to replace it. If it was tightly bundled with other wires they may be melted also. Could have been much worse.
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
Agreed!!!
I didn't see any melty wires from the firewall into the engine bay but I'll get on that tonight!
Thanks so much!!
I didn't see any melty wires from the firewall into the engine bay but I'll get on that tonight!
Thanks so much!!
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
So I cut out the wire that was toast, it came out of the firewall directly next to the driver side fender and then went straight down towards the rear of the vehicle. I only cut the wire out from the ignition to the firewall I didnΓÇÖt mess with it any further than that.
Apparently I need a multi meter, I have electricity running to the coil but still not getting any spark out of either one of my coils for some reason? I used CamΓÇÖs coil And mine wouldnΓÇÖt start and then replaced his and his vehicle started right up. WTF!?
The Ratty wire is the one directly clockwise right to the orange wire in the 4 prong connector which I believe is for the fuel tank sending unit?
Apparently I need a multi meter, I have electricity running to the coil but still not getting any spark out of either one of my coils for some reason? I used CamΓÇÖs coil And mine wouldnΓÇÖt start and then replaced his and his vehicle started right up. WTF!?
The Ratty wire is the one directly clockwise right to the orange wire in the 4 prong connector which I believe is for the fuel tank sending unit?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Viperwolf1
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1485
- Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:37 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
That wire location on the plug is running lights. Are you sure it's the same wire going to the ignition sw? You might have wiring issues.
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
I thought it was the same one but some dumba$$ painted everything blue on the firewall so I canΓÇÖt tell what color those wires are? LOL!!! (IT WAS MEEEEE!!!! :):):)
IΓÇÖll spare you with the details but I got it up and running, thank you for all your help.
Surprisingly all of my lights work except maybe my back up lights and speedometer lights!
I think my whole problem had something to do with the inner cylinder key in my rotor. It might not have been pushed all the way down and had worn a groove into it so as the clock turns it was off approximately 3/16 of an inch? Probably missing the optimal firing zone but IΓÇÖm just guessing I really have no idea?????
I ended up using my coil and my Pertronix ignition but I used CamΓÇÖs rotor and CamΓÇÖs distributor cap, thatΓÇÖs all I changed and oh yeah I cut out that ratty wire from the key ignition up to the firewall.
IΓÇÖll spare you with the details but I got it up and running, thank you for all your help.
Surprisingly all of my lights work except maybe my back up lights and speedometer lights!
I think my whole problem had something to do with the inner cylinder key in my rotor. It might not have been pushed all the way down and had worn a groove into it so as the clock turns it was off approximately 3/16 of an inch? Probably missing the optimal firing zone but IΓÇÖm just guessing I really have no idea?????
I ended up using my coil and my Pertronix ignition but I used CamΓÇÖs rotor and CamΓÇÖs distributor cap, thatΓÇÖs all I changed and oh yeah I cut out that ratty wire from the key ignition up to the firewall.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- mickphatmac
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1810
- Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:26 am
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
OK well, I have no flipping idea what I did to get it running because I have all the old parts in it and sometimes it runs and sometimes it doesnΓÇÖt, could it have something to do with the tilt steering wheel and the wiring there? (seems like when I tilt the steering wheel up or turn it it wants to start but when I put it in the drive position with the steering wheel neutral or down thatΓÇÖs when it might have trouble???)
Most of the time when itΓÇÖs driving and running it runs amazingly! It has a problem stopping at stoplights and dying, anyone have any idea whatΓÇÖs going on? Drives perfect, No sputtering no missing no nothing? But when you slow down and stop it does not like to keep running?
... Yes, itΓÇÖs carbureted ;)
Most of the time when itΓÇÖs driving and running it runs amazingly! It has a problem stopping at stoplights and dying, anyone have any idea whatΓÇÖs going on? Drives perfect, No sputtering no missing no nothing? But when you slow down and stop it does not like to keep running?
... Yes, itΓÇÖs carbureted ;)
1968 3.5" Lift on 31's Front serpentine belt ViperBuilt 4x4x2 PS C4 '66 Speedo '66 Horn Button- STROPPE goodies: Steering Wheel, Roll Bar, Cactus Smasher
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
SOLD :(1972 Explorer Sport - '66 Eyebrow Grill - '66 Speedometer - Stroppe Steering Wheel - Stroppe RollBar - ViperBuilt C4
- Viperwolf1
- Official CCB Member

- Posts: 1485
- Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:37 pm
Re: Oh my God my rig is falling apart!!!
I suspect something is not connected well in the wiring department. It won't be in the column though.