60Patrol

bosque wrote:Not really a conclusion because I still get a sputter when at cruise speed and let off the gas but, oh man, is it better.

Dave,
That's a typical sign that you have a leak in your exhaust system. I used to go nuts with it until a friend told me about this condition in any car. A possible culprit could be the shaft of the heat control valve. In the picture it's actually #11. Over the years, wear of this shaft at the wall of the exhaust manifold produces a gap big enough to allow fresh air, that when mixed with unburned fuel, will produce this sputters.

There's no easy fix to the valve itself. In my case, since I was very annoyed by the constant sputter, I welded the shaft in place, at the opened position of the heat control valve. This heat control valve diverts during cold starts, part of the hot exhaust gases to heat the underneath of intake manifold to allow for a better combustion. Rest assured that you won't have any problems. I driven during the winters here in Virginia in 10°F (-12°C) without any problems. Our Patrols are not daily drivers any more to the point that this issue will pose some problems.

What's more, I could bet some money that half of the Patrols of our members have the bimetallic coil spring #12 inoperable, so basically the heat control valve inside is doing nothing!!

Any exhaust leaks at the gasket for the pipe will also cause this.

Definitely a weak link to look into. My coil spring is functioning. I'll check it out tomorrow.
Interesting tidbit here.....#5 is the plug for a hydrovac connection!!! I always wondered what the heck that bolt was for. http://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewtopic ... vac#p14230

might check the 73 as well

The '68 owners manual has been the best info so far, thanks for the download.

Esteban wrote: There's no easy fix to the valve itself. In my case, since I was very annoyed by the constant sputter, I welded the shaft in place, at the opened position of the heat control valve.

I seem to have a gap at the heat control valve shaft. I assume the open position of the HCV is counterclockwise?
As for carb adjustments.....There is ambiguity as to the "starting point" for the throttle adjusting screw in the 68 manual on page 27 part (a). Then, (b) gives a clue that the starting point is the same for the throttle adj screw as the idle adj screw......why didn't they just say that, Holy Toledo. In (c) they basically then say its a back and forth between the two but I think the starting point for adjustments needs to be clear.
It is running at low idle, good power,faster speeds but does powers out at 60.????? Not perfect yet. I'll have to get into the carb and check that float spacing, maybe weld that hole closed, . I'm almost there so want to get the Hitachi right. Meanwhile I could be running a rochester that I have......

bosque wrote: I seem to have a gap at the heat control valve shaft. I assume the open position of the HCV is counterclockwise?

Can't recall what direction it closes. Easy way will be to not the position when cold and then when hot. Also, when hot, it reaches a position from one it can't go any further, so try moving the valve in either direction to see where it will be normally when hot. At this position, the flow of exhaust gases tend to push the valve open. So even when the bi-metallic coil will move into one direction, if you give it power, the valve will give in to the pressure of the gases into its hot position.

Regarding settings, there's only two in this simple carbs: idle rpms, and idle mix. Set the first, then the mix, and keep adjusting the two until satisfied. A couple of iterations will do it.

If id doesn't want to go beyond 60 mph, and it's with the correct main jet, it seems that's starving of fuel. Hope the level will correct it. Also, check the fuel pump pressure.

Seems to be some interest in my Hitachi carb these days. Why would I sell mine, it runs.
It begs the question, how many folks are actually driving on a Hitachi VC-42? Am I the only one left?

Togo is running on the original Hitachi carb, and you've heard it run. I have 2 others, also both '66s, that are running the Hitachi.

I still keep mine around, neatly stored, but I'm running a Carter YF that came from a Bronco 300 cid, 6 cyl.

As much as I like the design and ease of servicing of the Hitachi, the Carter is much better in terms of power. I can easily reach 75 mph, and has even pushed to 80 mph just to test it. I don't think that I will revert any time soon.

One of the reasons for changing it was the fact that the main jet carrier bolt of the Hitachi, stripped the threads of the body. I sort of devised a solution, but is one of those in the half-ass department, that prevents me from tweaking the main jet.

Not me...

Both my Patrols came with Rochester B carbs, and I also have another spare rebuilt Rochester B on the shelf.

my OPINION (which may not even be worth 2 cents since I'm a rank newbie in the Patrol Universe) is that the Hitachi VC carb is going to continue getting more and more rare in the US, and someday, someone doing a Datsun restoration project is going to want that carb, and its value as a fully functional and complete original example is going to overwelm its value as a smooth runner on a weekend driver.

If it were mine, I would clean it up, wrap it in bubble wrap, and place it on a shelf, and then I would find a more common one barrel (Rochester B, Carter, or Monojet) to run on my rig...

I'm not a big follower in the Datsun culture, but I do know (from experience) that just happening to have a carb casting with the exact set of numbers stamped on it that some restorer needs for his project can bring a rather large paycheck in the US restoration markets.

I mean, if you had a complete, original WP distributor, and a P40 Helmar distributer, would you deliberately choose the run the WP on your Patrol, instead of the cheapo one, during weekend 4-wheeling trips (and risk wearing out those ultra-rare points, cap, and rotor?) I wouldn't, and I won't; which is why my complete, and perfectly operational WP distributor is cleaned up, wrapped in bubble wrap, and is sitting on the shelf,

Again -- this is all just my opinion.

Nice to know they're still out there running.
....do you like spam just fried up or sautéed with a light sauce hollandaise?