I just bought a 1971 600 sedan off eBay. It was pretty well as the
ad stated (the red one that looked pretty good with mags).
I need some advice. I picked the car up in Casey Ill on Monday, I
test drove it and as they said, it needs brake work. The passenger
left rear needs rebuilt. But here is my problem. I drove it before
buying, and drove it on the trailer. I got in Tulsa late monday and
it started right up and I drove it off the trailer.
Now after only one day, it refuses to start. Doesn't even fire.
Well, I found the following.
1. the electric fuel pump (one of those square electic ones) never
shut off. Since I had put gas in it during the test drive (gas guage
didn't work) I figured it was fine. I found that the fuel filter was
between the tank and pump and the hose was rotten. I pulled the pump
out, blew it clean, put a new filter between the carb and pump and
replaced all the hose. In addition, I pulled the tank and repaired
the sender. While I had the sender out, I could see the inside of
the tank. It is dirty and corroded. I dried it out and cleaned the
inside as best I could. NOTE: never put a chain in the tank and spin
it. If you do, you will tear out the tubing that supplies the gas,
it runs in the middle of the tank and is typical of the 600, it is
1/4 od thin wall tubing.
2. After all my work on the pump and lines, I put 4 gallons of
premium in the tank. I tried again to start it, but it's not even
firing. Also, now that the pump is getting gas, I noticed that my
card float valve isn't sealing correctly. So, off came the carb,
pulled it apart. I can reuse everything (I was very careful with
gaskets and o-rings). But, my accelerator pump diaphram is on the
verge of coming apart. I need a new diaphram.
3. After putting the 4 gallons of gas in it, and not getting any
engine action, I noticed I could see gas running out the hose that
connects the tank to the pipe that runs up the interior. I am
guessing that I can use a short piece of radiator hose at least
temporarily, but does anyone know how long it will last? Or a better
solution?
4. I am also missing the air cleaner element. NAPA can't get one,
so, is there an alternative?
5. In the process of looking at the igition system, I found that
someone had put screws that were too long in the points and
condensor hold-downs. They had jammed the vacuum advance up. I
removed it, cut the screws off flush with the back of the mounting
plate , replaced missing balls in the rotating mechanism and refit
it.
I suppose that the coil may have decided to die the day after I got
it. That's about the only thing I can think of that might be causing
it to not fire.
If anyone has a defective gas tank sending unit, I was able to
machine the damaged parts mine needed from teflon bar stock. (the
post that the signal goes from was wobbly and was shorting out
against the tank). If you are willing to trust me with your sending
unit, I will repair it for $5.00 (which is basically the cost of a
chunk of teflon and the replacement pieces I fabricated).
Also, if your vacuum advance plate is damaged or missing the little
balls. I will give you new balls (about 1/32 diamter) or help you if
you want. This is one of those hidden things that most 600 owners
will never see. But it's also one of the places you can really get
an increase in performance if yours isn't working.
I had 13 or 14 Honda 600's back in 1976-1980. I pulled myself out of
debt by buying them for 100 or 200 bucks, and them fixing them and
reselling them. It's not like I am stupid or inexperienced on 600's,
but I just don't understand what I am missing.
If you have any advice or if you can help on the parts I need
(accelerator pump diaphram or a carb rebuild kit. a rear cylinder
kit (I would like 2) and maybe a aircleaner element. Please either
call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or email me at richard.morris@...
If I can help you on the vacuum advance rebuild or the gas tank
sending unit, just contact me.
These are really cool little cars, I am not going to give up.
I am also interested in purchasing any cars for parts or complete
(at a reasonable cost) in my area (Tulsa Oklahoma).
Richard Morris