Dirt Daily. Will this old Flatfender Jeep Engine ever Spin Again?

This 1946 Jeep CJ2A has been parked for who knows how long, and its kind of a rusty crusty mess, but every time I work on it it gets a little better. Today I find out if the engine is garbage, or has the chance of being saved. I will try to pull the rusted spark plugs and get the engine spinning by hand after years of neglect.

[@tgc1460]

The excitement and joy when it broke free was felt by us all. Great video Fred.

[@dieselman86]

With my wife's CJ3A, it had a hitch just like yours did. I pulled the plugs and soaked it with WD-40 then we towed it with her Ford Excursion and got the engine to break loose. My 2-year-old daughter cheered with you when the engine broke loose.

[@GunSmoke098]

Willys like chilis for sure. LOVE this kind of content. Can’t get enough. The simplicity of these older Jeeps is awesome and very fun to wrench on. I’m lightly restoring my 86 CJ7 after a few years and having a blast.

[@MrTayloriron]

I could watch these every day.

[@dieselman86]

Like a Dirt........EVERY DAY?........sorry I will show myself out.

[@4xFredWilliams]

when Motor Trend started the Dirt Every Day Extras, they were aired daily. I suggested naming them Dirt Daily's, but the suits didn't like that idea. So I just held that until I started my own channel. Thanks for watching.

[@Jordan-oi4kj]

⁠@@4xFredWilliamsthat’s cool, so when did you come up with ‘Dir’ daily?

[@mattluszczak8095]

Shows about reviving old 4x4s are the best

[@billynunns]

Willys like Phyllis 😂 Yall say whatever you want. Flatfenders are still where it's at. 😎

[@pauliej4208]

That's how John North Willys pronounced it -allegedly. And it's his namesake, so…

[@robertyoung4955]

Thanks Fred, I really like your video's. I tried today to free up a 49 cj3a today after soaking my plugs for a day. no luck yet but your video gave me hope.

[@57WillysCJ]

Good going. A lot of people use Marvel. If you don't have it you can mix 90% mineral oil with 10% mineral spirits. You could add camphor oil or just ATF. Not quite the same but close enough.

[@JDS118]

It's exciting to see Fred get so excited about getting all the parts turning freely. Keep up the good work.

[@OleTrapper69]

Fred you are really good at this, great commentary that’s informative and lighthearted. You make it look easy and I think these types of vlog type shows are the best. Thanks 🤙

[@roadmasterz]

Willys like Chilis for Jeeps. Willys for Gillis for cars. That's what I've always heard. I need a Willys like that one!

[@ShopJock]

Loving the flatfender stuff. We all enjoy your jeep collection even the elusive tube sock

[@thousandoaksauto1696]

Fred, way cool! Got the engine to spin! Whoo Whoo! For me, it's "Marvel Mistry Oil" A "friend suggested "Evaporust", haven't tried that yet. Great camera work.

[@tonyreese9292]

No Fred that really works I've been a mechanic for 40 years I go in a long time ago a customer showed me spray some ammonia or some nail polish remover on Rusty bolts let it sit for a couple hours and they'll back right out it's never failed me

[@user-uf4wn6hb8x]

Not a jeep story, but when I was a kid, my dad had a thing for Renault Dauphines. Little tiny French cars. 850cc rear water cooled engine cars that he could buy for $50. They had a hole in the rear bumper that you could stick the jack handle into and crank start the engine.

[@JasonWW2000]

I've always squirted Marvel Mystery oil in and let it soak. It seems to free up rings really well.

[@junkyardsearcher6407]

Which is just ATF with a little kerosene I believe is what I’ve heard.

[@JasonWW2000]

@@junkyardsearcher6407 I would not believe such nonsense.

[@johngeorge5285]

My Dad used a 50/50 mix of 30w oil & trans fluid on rusty nuts & bolts. We had a '35 Dodge Pick-up, he & my Brother bought for $35 bucks & we had 3 more trucks my Dad brought home for parts. One we dragged out of Jawbone canyon, up by an old mine & it had 368 bullet holes in it. He & I used that 50/50 mix on all of them at one time or another & other cars too. Watching your videos remind me of back then. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@nathanialcoleman1917]

Trick old timer showed me... 8oz pb blaster 8oz at 2oz dawn dish soap.. Mixed in a squirter bottle. Great for spraying on items you want to keep from rusting. I have now used it to break something free but I'm sure soaked with time it would help..

[@b.s.adventures9421]

Acetone atf and a pry bar on the flywheel is my go to. Good job. Got things freed up.

[@DougDonahue-qp9zt]

My family always used bow peep ammonia. Filled cylinders and let it sit a couple of days. Spun it over with a breaker bar. Drained the oil and refilled. Couple squirts of wd40. New plugs and fired them up. Smoked a little at first but cleared up.

[@slatermd7607]

Congrats on the engine turning over, that’s a great feeling! I have a 48 I’ve been picking at and it was in about the same condition as yours. Just a heads up, my transmission was full of water as well, and the entire bottom gear cluster was pitted and completely shot, as were the needle bearings. I ended up having to do a full rebuild, but the good news is it’s stupid easy to do. There’s tons of good videos out there that will walk you right through it. My suggestion (combined with $2 will get you a cup of coffee haha), having just been through this, is this: rebuild the transmission, check the transfer case and rebuild if needed (these usually don’t get water like the transmission). While you have everything apart, it’s a good time to replace pinion bearings and seals as well. Good luck and thanks for the great videos! Ohh, and Willis vs Willies- John North Willys pronounced his name like Willis, but it was said that he didn’t care how people said it, so long as they bought his cars. Further, he passed away in 1935, 5 years before Willys Overland built their first Jeep prototype. My opinion is - it really doesn’t matter. 🤣 Best of luck on your project and keep us updated!

[@BrianZakrzewski-xs9xb]

Agree, Flatfender videos are my favorite!!!

[@johnyhawgleg]

I like that the engine came unstuck. Loved hearing the woop woop of the cylinders moving air, even in the end with it in gear while Fred was pushing the Jeep.

[@smkrein]

Excellent Episode! Now you can say (at a minimum) "We exited the Shop under our own power!"... Keep up the good work Fred.

[@MLFranklin]

Liquid wrench first. Then once you've gotten it broken free, use a lighter weight, 5W30 engine oil.

[@larryok8156]

Ugh, the whole idea of loosening the plugs was to get something in the cylinders to penetrate the pistons. Fred: where's Dave or PeWe when I need them!

[@GordonFlatt]

I used to have a '51 Willy's. Wish I had never sold it!!! Love watching your videos, keep em comin'! Hope to see you in Moab next week! I'll be there for EJS.

[@scottbrown173]

We love the flat fender!!!!

[@jaymckean3274]

Way to go Fred. Awesome. Much love and blessings to all ❤️ Stay safe everyone 🤘😎

[@888johnmac]

yay , that is a victory .. i usually sharpie the crank pulley so i can visually confirm the engine has done a complete revolution ( especially useful if you're rocking the engine back & forward )

[@JeepnJeff]

I'm in the exact same boat. Picked up a 1952 MD that has a locked up transmission. Will have to see if I can free it. Otherwise, it's getting pulled and a spare is going in. To make things more complicated, it's a 24v system so I'm going to convert it over to 12v while I'm at it. I'm hoping to get it driveable by summer.

[@andrewteixeira7263]

Woo hoo!!! I just about cried along with you I was sooooo happy for you when the engine broke loose! 😂😂

[@mattdillow1565]

Man I've really gotten hooked on these Willys videos lately. Thanks Fred!

[@dereklewis9177]

Keep these coming we just got our first flatfender and these are keeping the family motivated to work on it

[@Mr-_-Leo]

This was most suspenseful thing I’ve seen in a long time! This was awesome, and your joy when it turned was felt by all. Thanks Fred!!

[@MrKoreyjay]

Watching you work on this flat fender really gives me the old magazine day vibes. You can tell you passionate about this stuff. And still get excited to work on new junk

[@foygill711]

Atf and acetone actually works . It's old school win every time

[@lucasshupe8108]

Made of freedom!!! Needs a sticker

[@RitzmanPerformanceMotorworks]

The Tony from Canada remark 😂

[@davemorgan8388]

Nice Fred! Bring it to Redmond in June, I'll race ya

[@dwaynetyrrell3128]

Just keep it on the lift I’m really enjoying this!!

[@williamspencer4849]

Cant wait to see what you do for the broken frame on the passenger side

[@kenfrazier616]

sweet it moves freely and on it's way back to a great driver

[@kimherrick9615]

Wow, I was afraid with the plugs loose the cylinders would be full of water. Happy Day

[@JasonWW2000]

Luckily it was probably stored with the hood down

[@2024Trump_fan]

Come on man, let get the willys runnin

[@gizmofish57]

My go to for loosening corrosion, scaling, rust and cranky bolts is Marvel mystery oil & WD40. Another product I like is Liquid Wrench.

[@tb77073]

So cool Fred ! keep the flat fender videos coming.; Can’t wait for the next one.

[@jamesi.fraser459]

Kaiser Willys in Aiken SC would probably have a hand crank starter reproduction. Replying from 🇨🇦 and no maple syrup is not recommended but it’s good in coffee.

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Been waiting for you to get back to the flat fender. Can't wait for it to get running. I bet if you used some of that transmission fluid acetone mix and let it sit overnight the engine would have rotated with no problem at all. Don't wait too long to get back to the flat fender. It's a real hoot!...

[@darylnoakes5922]

Sweet! The flattie my Dad gave me in 87 was was solid rust in the engine and trans.( thanks to my little brother). I tried until my girlfriend told me to get that POS outta here. Took it back to pappys and he sold it.

[@DB-yj3qc]

The Jeep would more likely be more reliable for you. 🤫😉

[@InsightAtv]

"This engine is just made of freedom" lol love it great job Fred

[@i976scirocco3]

I've always used engine oil or Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders to break them free. Have an extra set of plugs ready when you go to start it. It will need to burn off some of that oil and you can foul a plug.

[@keeperofthegood]

Well if it's IN Canada then it SHOULD be Maple Syrup gosh :B but if you ask me, a Canadian, I would say "30 weight" non detergent. These Jeeps, no matter their names, are important icons of the mid century experience and seeing that young folk like you still have a love for them to keep them alive and going is commendable!

[@jareddodge1985]

Next episode let’s see it run

[@ckamina768]

I prefer Willys like Billies but it is in fact Willys like Phyllis, after John North Willys owner of Willys-Overland Co.

[@derdely]

Love the content as always Fred, thank you for keeping this stuff going! Can't wait to see that guy run!

[@amx19733]

Another Great Willy’s video Fred!!!!

[@malikijeepy]

Can’t wait to see this thing drive !

[@You_Me_and_Glady]

Terrific News! Glad the engine spins. What’s next?

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Great video!!! Good job unlocking the engine!!!✌️

[@mattlong_4896]

Super exciting! That's a win.

[@1982jeepcj8]

Fred, I have torn down 4 L134 Cid wiilys engine, all of them had a spun bearing, it is my suggestion that you at least take a look at it, if your in PA in the near future I have a underseat gas tank I can give you that came outof one of my 1946s,

[@robfox5892]

Awesome! gotter free! For a seized up engine like this, I've always wanted to see someone try filling the entire crankcase right full up to the carb with evaporust. No idea if it would work, just thought it would be fun to try.

[@4xFredWilliams]

I have a porsche that the engine is pretty unhappy and it might need that fix

[@PerryPickrell-hu2bq]

keep on keeping on Fred always enjoy your content

[@J86237]

Congrats man!!! Can't wait for the next update!

[@BigAlsautoupholstery]

However you want to pronounce it is fine with me. I love the flat fenders. I have a 42 I inherited from my Dad

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Night classes with Fred. Like button energized.

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

Good job fred, if you can put a rust eater in the cylinders for the rings

[@Fireballsocal]

I loved those firestones till I looked em up and saw $300 per. Wow! I'm sure there are reasons. Economy of scale or lack thereof. Great looking tire in any event.

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Marvel Mystery Oil. I'd still pour your ATF/acetone mix in it and let it loosen the rust n schmutz off of the cylinders before I turned it too much.

[@user-dw9ms3qk6u]

Fred, at my age and life history, it takes a lot to impress me. But I gotta say, I love your channel! Do not change a thing! Well, except every vehicle you touch........

[@mikeperry6519]

Marvels Mystery Oil works great for freeing up stuff.

[@biohazzardbob]

We got to hear it run now

[@jimhoward4749]

awesome...glad to see things working out ...

[@marktadlock5428]

Fred, you need a 4 ft breaker bar to really have some torque on it.

[@jrgalloway]

Congrats on spinning the engine over! I can’t wait to see it running and driving!

[@brentonpaterson7047]

More please

[@jameshall4385]

It was definitely the 3in1. 😂

[@johnnnyyuma]

Love to see you uploading more videos man

[@austinjenkins5357]

Love the flat fender! I cheered when it popped free!

[@benjaminjonholman]

Happy Fred is the best Fred

[@Rivetroad]

Ooooh I love this series

[@HinmanAveRepair]

Super slo-mo for the win!

[@lucasshupe8108]

Love a dirt daily!!

[@dirtcheap1487]

I use diesel in my cylinders and crankcase when trying to free or before a check an engine that has been sitting.

[@paulperrigo3517]

Keep working on the flat fender

[@MrTayloriron]

Yay! Love the flat fender

[@trailridescj7528]

Good day 🍻

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

That is a clean Jeep

[@RTLEE1]

Awesome Fred !

[@granitesand78]

No pony in this race and I wonder if it even matters, but Derek from vgg uses marvel mystery oil. Guess that seems to work

[@cmac956]

I've always heard it called Willys like chillies

[@AnotherUnsociableOne]

14:29 sad moment 😢 then success

[@roadmasterz]

I played around with VDUBS in my early days and the torque on the rear wheel drum nut was 253 foot pounds. The idiot book recommended a breaker bar with a six foot pipe as a cheater and all of your friends on it to help remove it!

[@chucktaylor2772]

Well, you could call me Ray, you could call me Jay. But you doesn't have to call me Johnson...... A Jerp is a Jerp , don't matter who made it 👍

[@TrevorsWorkbench]

Fred, it's however you want to pronounce it!!!

[@Improperly101]

Present tense is Willy’s. Past tense is Willys with z on the end. Just maken it up as I go.

[@TheSerwin3508]

Definitely Marvel Mystery Oil!

[@johnjanise1872]

is the passenger side frame broken front of the axle?

[@4xFredWilliams]

yep, thats a future episode

[@brianhaw9398]

Diesel and trans fluid mix for cylinders

[@brianhaw9398]

.and use a 4' pipe on the breaker bar