had my essex out for the first time today

Unknown

took my 31 essex out for its first spin today. since i bought it a few months ago i have swapped the engine and put a fresh clutch in. had a few issues but it was fun first spin. seemed kind of low on power, the plugs were black when i returned home, and the head gasket is seeping a little water. my break light switch broke last nite so if anyone has one lying around let me know before i swap something else in.

ernie28

Good on you! In no time at all you will have it running like a good Essex should. It took me a wile to get the timing (couldn't find the TDC mark at first)and mixture right but when I got it to where it is now I have never looked back. Keep us posted.



Alistair

Unknown

Hi:



How difficult was it for you to replace the clutch? Eric Howe here in paxton, MA. Where did you get the new clutch? Mine is just about gone. I took a look underneath and am contemplating the removal. Can you PLEASE give me a brief step by step of how you approached the job (and any advice on a new clutch)? Thank you ever so much. Eric

Unknown

eric the job was a dirty job more than anything. my car has so much old grease under it, it really takes the fun out of working on it. ron fellows did the clutch for me, he was fast and very good to deal with. very helpfull. my original clutch was stuck. when i pulled the motor and separated the clutch case, it self destructed, it was stuck to both the presure plate and flywheel. so eager to make progress, i put the engine in with out the clutch while it was getting relined. since everything was all hooked up by the time the clutch came, i had no choice but to pull the trans. the best way is to remove the floor pan and have the car up on ramps or stands on all 4 corners. i had the trans back in, in one nite after work and the next nite i did the little odds and ends. you have to make your own gasket for the clutch case, and i found the best was was to put the disk and presureplate right in the trans since i didnt have an alignment tool, once i had the trans bolts started i worked on tightening up the clutch. i had a major leak from the throwout bearing at first so i ran atf in it but i think i have to drain it out and put the clutch fluid back in, im pretty sure there is too much atf as i just wanted to see if it was still leaking.



so whos got some tuning tricks and tips for me? how do you set the float on these marvel carbs? anyone know the going rate for a carb kit? i know kanter has them but are pricey.

Nevada Hudson

If you want to contact several experts on making your Essex fast, and other tuning tips, contact John DeHaan at (707) 642-8023; and Fred Huttleston at

(916) 991-9591. They race Essex's and blow out the competition! Great people!

Unknown

Hi. Eric here. Why don't you give me your e-mail address so that we can discuss your clutch removal, and I'll share my insights on the tuning? I just completed my 1931 tuning with some success. My e-mail is xxemhowe@assumption.edu Make sure to delete the xx in front of the address.



I'm about to tackle my clutch. It is the last thing I have to do on the car. I've been putting it off, because I've just enjoyed driving (albeit limping) around. I have a good manual for the Marvel model V carb. Let me know your address, and I can send it electronically. Eric

Unknown

Nevada Hudson wrote:

If you want to contact several experts on making your Essex fast, and other tuning tips, contact John DeHaan at (707) 642-8023; and Fred Huttleston at

(916) 991-9591. They race Essex's and blow out the competition! Great people!

what kind of racing do they do?

Nevada Hudson

They race against Allards, and other classic race cars, at Sears point, Rosamond, Laguna Seca and other race tracks.

essexcoupe3131

There you go James and you thought that your racing days were all over LoL

A credit to yor presverence, it doesnt have to be bad and blown to have the racing, you just blow away all the old stuff HE He

At least you are driving around with a chessy grin with all the people in your own woundering what sort of car it is

Mike