[MV] To Rebuild, or Not To Rebuild ?

Herb Brown (brown@ida.org)
Thu, 29 Jan 1998 16:03:44 -0500

I have been working on my 1945 MB for several years now, and hopefully this next
year will get to the engine.

My question is prompted by:
(1) recent MV-list discussions on what is adequate compression (mine varied from
95 to 105 psi), and
(2) several friends are suggesting that I try to get the engine running before I
decide to rebuild.

The main arguement friends are using is "if it isn't broke, don't fix it." They
are suggesting I take care of the necessary items, and defer complete overhaul
until I know what really needs to be done. They contend I may have many more
miles left in the engine as is --> best to have a diagnosis before operating.

Things that need to be fixed: fuel pump seal (and may want to replace the pump
since it is not original configuration), ignition system (don't know what is in
there since had been converted to 12v and I was not getting spark), one of the
freeze plugs (had rusted through or ruptured, and was apparently fixed with
solder by some previous owner -- when I powerwashed engine, I broke
through/washed off the solder), and clutch plate while the engine is out.

Other things I may want to fix/replace while the engine is out and easy to work
on: the head gasket, the timing chain & gear, and the oil pump.

QUESTIONS for the list:

a) What do you recommend?

b) If you agree with the try before fix approach, what things must I and/or
should I do?

c) [Also, let me show my ignorance] -- Is it possible to get at the oil pump
without overhauling the engine? Is there some way to tell if the pump is good
without running the engine? Should this be on the list of things I should do?

d) Should there be anything else on the list of things to do?

Thanks in advance, Herb

-- 
Enjoy your day -- Preferably in an old (1945 MB) jeep.

\ __________ / _\__________ | ___ \ / \ / ___ <| | /###\ \____/ /###\ | [__/# #\_____________/# #\__] # # # # ### ###

Herbert R. Brown Institute for Defense Analyses (703) 845-6663 (703) 845-6788 [FAX] hbrown@ida.org

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