--- In cjmechanicalhelp@yahoogroups.com, "paka4u" <paka4u@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Guys, I'm a new CJ owner, I'm loosing power in 1st gear on the
> start then it picks up power? And after awhile the bike stalls in 1st.
>
> Am I loosing Compression? Is the head warping with the heat?
>
> Thanks
> John
>
John,

If you join the yahoo group "thechangjiangexperience" you will find a lot
more people available to help you. Off hand I'd do a compression check, both
when the engine is cold and when it's warmed up. I was in an unlighted garage
with my cj and could actually see the flames of the combustion between the head
and the jug. When the engine is stone cold, you may want to remove a head and
take a look. It's ok, the head gasket should be reusable (paricularly if it's
made of copper)You may find a lot of carbon - that's normal for a flathead. You
have to carefully scrape all that junk out. Make sure the mating surfaces are
clean (including the head gasket!)Look up the torgue specs for the headbolts,
divide that figure in halve and starting with the center 4 bolts tighten in a
cross head fashion. I start on the left bolt, then cross to the adjacent bolt on
the right side. Now drop down to the next left bolt, followed by the right bolt.
After that, go up to the top 2 bolts, starting at the left, then the adjacent
right bolt, and drop to the bottom 2 bolts and due the same. Now reset the
torgue wrench to the full spec and redo the same pattern. Unless the head was
really warped, it should be nice and evenly snugged down. Never, ever remove a
head when it's hot or even warm! Good luck.

Bill F.