Willys Jeep Motor Revival Bonanza, F-Head and L-Head Junk Motors, Will Any Run?

I've collected a pile of junk Willys Jeep motors, all of them were on the verge of being scrapped. I need two running motors, so I start with five and see how many I can get running. My goal was one F-head and one L-head, but it didn't work out as I hoped. I've got to come up with a new plan, but at least I know what I have. I ended up with a L-head in my FC-150 frame, but my CJ-2A is out of luck for now.
I noticed that sometimes what I'm thinking and what I actually say are two different things. When I'm looking at the underside of the cracked block, I point to the cracked dipstick hole and say its for a pushrod. I didn't catch this in editing to put in a correction, but I hope you all can bear with me as I do a poor job of this video making stuff.

[@benjaminrich9396]

The camera on the piston showing the bore was directorial genius :)

[@jc4388]

Bravo

[@NileKelly]

Yeah, that was pretty cool. I watch several car channels, but have never seen that camera trick.

[@jarednichs3450]

This is quickly becoming my favorite channel. I’m currently restoring a cj2a with my dad (I’m 16) and I’m loving every single second of the process

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks! That's a good vehicle to work on, and fun to drive afterward!

[@jarednichs3450]

@@LowBuckGarage yea, It needs a lot of bodywork but it runs and drives. We are going to redo most of the body panels ourselves using a sheet metal bender and cutter. I live down in the Caribbean on a small island called st.Vincent (it’s 19 miles x 11 miles) so there isn’t really any off-roading trails but I’m sure I’ll find somewhere to have lots of fun.

[@LowBuckGarage]

@@jarednichs3450 I had to look up the island, looks nice from the satellite view! A CJ-2A is a nice small vehicle for maneuvering, and the low top speed shouldn't be a problem there. Good luck with your project!

[@jarednichs3450]

@@LowBuckGarage the roads down here suck. Driving on the road isn’t much different from off road. The island is amazing, the beaches are stunning and boating is fun.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Jared, are you recording you rebuild on your cj2a? I'll check your channel to see. Perhaps you might enjoy following along as I get my late father's 1958 Plymouth Suburban back on the road. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5utqYmVpriBo8k

[@JAKPM]

That one oil pan was like a gift basket

[@Gmcworrior1]

Probably one of my favourite channels

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks!

[@aaronsgunsmithing]

This is one of my favorite channels also.

[@JH-vf8rm]

Although I don’t own a Jeep and likely will never own one, this has become my favorite channel. Your dry sense of humor and lack of editing out mistakes and things breaking are awesome. It reminds us at home that projects don’t always go as planned for others too.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thank you, I'm really glad you like it!

[@jjock3239]

You have delved much more deeply into the black magic of making crap run. You have my respect. I enjoy watching your videos, and your comedy central quality quips.

[@sirkojac]

"...So I made a meatloaf" its been 2 years and still no Low-Buck Kitchen

[@juststeve5542]

Hi James, I only recently discovered your channel, and now I've fallen down the rabbit hole of old vids like this one. As a Brit, most of these vehicles and engines are new to me. I love the half-tracks BTW... And the F-heads... I have never seen an engine that was side valve and overhead valve at the same time! fascinating! And the 2 cylinder air-compressor modification - cunning! Oh, and valve spring compressor 3.0 - Genius! I love the casual "whatever" attitude, which is obviously backed up by a lot of hands-on experience.

[@mattjaxdad8693]

Now I just clicked on this video, and this right here is the content I am looking for. "I have 5 seized, stuck, junk motors, and I am going to have something running by the end of this video!!!" YES, that's awesome, let's go!!!

[@morrisghill]

If you can't find a salvageable F-head block, but want an F-head engine, and you also have a usable head, cam, and intake valve-related parts from an F-head engine,, you can convert a usable 4-134 L-head block to make an F-head engine. I saw one decades ago, built by the local Willys dealer, who was a very competent engine rebuilder. The only modification he made to the L-head block (besides substituting the F-head cam) was driving out the intake valve guides. The F-head gaskets covered the L-head intake ports. This conversion was possible for the 4-134, but couldn't be done for the 6-161, because the block castings were too different between the L and F head versions of the 6-161.

[@LowBuckGarage]

That is an interesting idea, I'm going to try fitting some parts together!

[@highway445]

I done sat here and watched 7 of your videos. I think I'm addicted.

[@davidkendrick5671]

You have the fancy pants "will it start" brigade beaten by a country mile...kudos....

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I sure appreciate that!

[@craigsnook3605]

Hiya. Just started watching this clip for the second time. And realized there was a Tonka dump truck on the floor behind you. Greatest toys ever. I'm 57 and I still have my dump truck and front end loader that I got over 50 years ago lol. I must have had a lot of fun with them over the years.

[@corydriver7634]

STILL going back to catch up on your old videos, never disappointed.

[@johnniewoodard648]

My favorite toy right now is a stock '67 M715. It runs and drives but has carb issues, and I love it.

[@lloydprunier4415]

I have revived some old badly worn engines in my earlier years, but never anything close to what you have been able to do. Everyday I wish I was able to still do this kind of stuff, but getting old sucks! I can still do some of it but it takes me forever and I lose interest. These older videos of yours are coming up and I just keep watching and enjoying every minute of them.

[@Jono.]

The GoPro shot with the piston was very clever and I enjoyed that a lot!

[@MRrwmac]

Thank you soooo much for taking me down memory lane of frankensteining many engines to get a couple/few back in shape and running. I like your style AND the humor you put in it. Having fun….oh yea! Your video was definetly an adventure and well worth it if you got one full engine and two workable blocks out of 5. Big Congratulations!

[@stxrynn]

I kept wondering why I ran into your channel. Then I saw the push stick!!!! OH YEAH!!!!! I needed something like that and saw yours almost a year ago. I have one too now. And it is very useful. The Low Buck Push Stick.... LBPS Mod 1. I love it. Thanks for the brilliant solutions.

[@JeepGarageCA]

I'm a relatively (June 2021) new owner of a m38 and a second l134.... and after watching this, I think I can safely say, you're my Go-Devil engine hero. Your videos have made me realize that it doesn't have to be perfect, and I can focus on getting it running to have some fun, before I stress over getting it perfect.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I sure appreciate that! I've been doing this for decades, and I've never had something perfect. I have had as much fun playing with cars as anyone out there, though!

[@jameskaiser1069]

I love your sense of humor as you go about the process of evaluating these engines

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thank you!

[@nealesmith1873]

Great work! Thank you for keeping the dream alive!

[@johnsmart3587]

We've got a winner! U R the best host. Thanks.

[@rnwagner]

I have a Model A that had a crack similar to your Jeep. Since the A is a non pressure system I used brass screws as a stitch system. I drilled a hole and tapped it. Used red locktite to glue the screw. Cut the screw off after the lock tite sets. Then repeat the process overlapping the screws a bit so they interlock each one a bit. It works perfectly!! I was also able to get JB weld on top of my stitch inside of the head in the water jacket area.

[@easydeon]

Another great episode and just another day for the LBG.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks!

[@deepbludude4697]

LBG, I really enjoyed this after spending the whole day clearing dead falls, skidding logs and cutting some slabs with my hacked up alaskan chainsaw mill. Trying to get my boots off maybe watch another one. Thanks for the video!.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Glad you liked it! Sounds like you were having some fun, too...

[@dustytrailscactusron]

Man that was one of your best. I was watching intently! Nicely done, sir!

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronjones1077]

Great job getting one out of five going. The stuck piston one is the most interesting to me.

[@benotsilent6703]

35:50 - this is exactly why I grab old tools when I come across them. I restore them and then they work better than many of the new ones.

[@larryalexander4833]

Really like the videos. Some might not understand or turn up their nose at doing some things the way you do them even if it's in fun . That said the way things are headed in this country a fellow must be resourceful and be able to make due with what you have or get by with bare minimum. A good skill to have in my book.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I really appreciate that!

[@chiefbloodygrass]

Very nice... having a lot of stuff is always a game changer... Fantastic...

[@jamesmichael3998]

Great job I love watching you bulldog through these types of projects, I could watch it every day. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, glad you enjoy it!

[@seaknightvirchow8131]

This just a great channel. I am glad it popped when I was viewing Vice Grip Garage.

[@DillonHFM]

Always good to take a pile of old junk motors and get some good out of them. Great to finally see one of those compressor heads I have been looking for. Your channel is making me get into my pile of willys

[@fricknjeep]

another fun show john

[@stantilton2191]

I'm getting motivated to tinker watching you. I have a smattering of Jeeps and Dodges. Commando, scrambler, 53 pw, 51 pw and spare 50, I think two wheel. Then 06LJ daily rig. So, I have plenty to work with. Enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@dustytrailscactusron]

That's pretty cool about the compressor application. Never heard of that before.

[@stanleybarnette3025]

I just recently discovered your channel and it's becoming one of my favorites along with This N That garage. Keep those videos coming!

[@rockcrusher4636]

Nice with the trans am front. BEST CHANNEL ON YOU TUBE. Cheers.

[@GearheadStew]

Yup, when the connecting rod isn't connecting it's definitely a problem... Excellent video as always, I had no doubt that you would get at least one runner out of the bunch 👍

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@larspederson1451]

I've also learned to use Permatex #2 on the head studs or any bolts that go through into the water jacket. It seals great and makes them super easy to remove later if needed ✌

[@LowBuckGarage]

That is a good idea, actually that's the exact stuff I used when I put in the head studs. Somehow I forgot to mention it in this video, but I will make a point of it when I replace the bolt in the manifold. Thanks for the heads up!

[@peterscheer445]

totally enjoying the series and this episode specifically.. the clever and simple workarounds are very enjoyable, like using a socket with pin to hold and drive the thread cutting die... there are many more....... Will you be working on that old Mercedes ??

[@ClaudeSac]

That is some impressive base in the first twenty seconds of this video. Like.

[@marklelohe3754]

Audio sounds like you have your head in a bucket, but good fun to see you rescue one of them. Maybe it will go in the frame that you discovered at the mine?

[@CavalryClub]

Another great session LBG. Watched again in one sitting. Plaudits also for your editing.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@borysandreyev9717]

Thriller! Can't stop watching

[@raybeattie985]

WOW!! Very unconventional but very resourceful to say the least..good job sir…

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks!

[@wayneborden594]

I Have learned a few nifty tricks from you ,here's 1 from me. Rusted bolts/ studs, get a stick welder 200 amp or more. 500 works great or a car battery but be careful,i t won' t like what you are about to do . clean a very g ood ground on the block, then clean very good place on the stud/bolt. Clamp vise grips tightly on the stud. then make the connections to the welder/ battery jumper cables. Be Quick there will be a spark. In a few seconds you will see a puff of smoke from where the stud screwed in and the stud will come right out ! I think it works by vaporisng the rust because rust doesn't conduct electricty nearly as well as good steel .

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks for the tip, I haven't heard that one before! I'll give it a shot on the next broken one.

[@MrJanaRobi]

I learned a lot in one hour ! may have to review that a few more times .

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

Definitely enjoyed this one I hope to see it move in the next one

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I'll get it going eventually!

[@bengorrell2658]

What? No duct tape or tie wire. 🤔 great video. Thank you. It may not be perfect but it works

[@cmac956]

Hi again , I'm glade you got it running ,have fun playing with it .

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, will do!

[@MartinLopez-ys5dm]

Well I know Willy's Works had been trying to clean up the yard...I had an F Head on an M38A1 that I unfroze little by little. Finally I put .60 over sleeves (Willy's Works) she ran like a champ and climbed like a ram.

[@LowBuckGarage]

I never managed to get out there this past trip, I've got to check that place out...

[@NileKelly]

Willys Jeep motors and I have something in common: I've been called an F-Head too.

[@tomwichman77]

Meatloaf timing😂😂😂😂 You ARE the man! 💪😂

[@TheOldaz1]

Nice job getting those engines sorted. The hi-detergent diesel multigrade oil is a good thing for this type engine build as it will clean all the junk out and probably even stop it blowing smoke.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks! It did actually clear up, I'm running that motor in the covered wagon, and there's no smoke at all now.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I had fun watching this video! Mission accomplished!

[@LowBuckGarage]

Awesome!

[@garyhalliday2140]

Ok, this one was awesome! Subscribed!

[@larryippert8143]

The l head are known for cracks by distributor, oil filter some run them some don't, it only filter very little, great job

[@beakittelscherz5419]

I wonder with how much of a big bang motor no. 2 went of👀👀🤕🤯

[@christopherkise]

camera on top of the piston was soooo coool.

[@grosseileracingteam]

Cool video, but the new engines with 248 sensors, cam phasers,crank triggers torque to yield bolts, MAF and MAP, TPS, FPR, Evap, VVT controlled by ECM's are much easier to work on and more better at saving trees and polar bears.

[@buggin62vw]

I've had stuck piston luck by taking a 75%atf and 25% gas mix and put about a half inch in the cylinder. Light it on fire and let it burn out. Then start tapping with a wood block.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks for the tip, I never heard that one before. It would make sense as it would expand the cylinder and add oil at the same time.

[@uncralph4354]

Had an uncle put an f-head in a 46 cj2a. had to turn from motor mount around, and cut a hole in the hood for the carb to stick out. the cj3 had a taller hood. PS he robbed the f-head out of a 60s mailster LOL

[@rnwagner]

You could also sleeve that one cylinder with the wrist pin gouge.

[@moseshancock3336]

You got the clear oil change 😂😂😂😂

[@markuschampos5750]

On that compressor motor, how did the two cylinders that was pumping air got lubricated? They must have because it was the cylinder that fired wich was bad. Sweden here👍

[@LowBuckGarage]

The crank is pressurized with oil, so it comes out the rod bearings and splashes all over, including the cylinder walls. It comes in from the bottom, and that does a pretty good job.

[@markuschampos5750]

@@LowBuckGarage Ok, that was a pretty dum question now when you told me🙈 Thanks for answer👍

[@LowBuckGarage]

@@markuschampos5750 Not really, sometimes odd-ball equipment works in unusual ways. Always worth asking!

[@WilliamSmith-vk4hj]

hi…love your videos,…i guess you never heard of Marvel Mystery Oil…instead iof beating up the pistons…i used it on boat sinkers, worked very well…

[@bondvagabond42]

If you need to get a tap to go in real straight, I like using an old timey bit brace, the older ones with two v jaws grab the square tap end great. The handle is longer so you can be more precise in the angle.

[@LowBuckGarage]

I like that idea, I'll have to give it a try!

[@assyholey4224]

I like that ideal.

[@JDawghasaTruck]

Valve compressor win! Don’t tread on me! We can be friends 😉

[@thedolt9215]

I love Low buck garage and metalshaper equally… But I’ll bet low buck garage drives Brian crazy!

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, he does really good stuff! He would definitely cringe at a lot of the things I do...

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

21:30 Great filming. Very cool and fun video 21:30

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@puridade1]

impresive work !

[@perryreasch1209]

LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@michaelranasinghe3774]

Love it man, keep up the awesome work

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@david929190]

I was really rooting for the F-head. Wonder what one of those giant valves can flow?

[@jimbeliveau8354]

Use marvel mystery oil in those cylinders.

[@HarrisFS]

What's in it? Nobody knows, it's a mystery.

[@COPPER71]

I've had 22 Willy's over the years but still have Betsy my 54 cj3b. i have a collection of engines trans and transfer cases etc

[@69uremum]

Just a weee bit of blow by:)

[@LowBuckGarage]

Oh yeah, it cleared out all the mosquitoes for a while! I'll see what happens with a few heat cycles, it was getting a little bit better near the end.

[@dondesnoo1771]

The hurricane 4 was garbage a boat anchor we put 6 flathead k f continentals in them ps there's a ooiiy headbolt under the carb 😮 the flathead 4 was good but underpowered had one had a flathead dodge in it was a 53 awd

[@terrynorthern38]

Add transmission/acetone mix to release frozen metal

[@larryippert8143]

I like your valve spring thingy

[@bondvagabond42]

Hey, great vids, any tips on unsticking valves in an l head jeep motor, when they are down flat to the block, and stuck in, possibly at the valve seat and the valve guide both? Thanks,

[@LowBuckGarage]

I usually let it soak for a while and work the cam lobe back and forth to lift it. You might be able to sneak a drift through the port and tap it upwards. That could destroy the valve if its really stuck, but valves are cheaper than replacing a cam.

[@brettbull5238]

What we really need is your meatloaf recipe to compare to Mama's... lol.

[@Oldvwgarage57]

Great. Video thank you, question, what kind of starter did you use?

[@LowBuckGarage]

It was a ACDELCO 3361425, meant for a '83-92 Toyota Landcruiser.

[@Oldvwgarage57]

@@LowBuckGarage ok, thank you very much, I have been enjoying your videos a lot, greetings from Ensenada, Mexico.

[@roulsalzer5407]

I thought I was the only one that used the vacuum in that way. Instead of the air hose.😊

[@danielerickson446]

Where in the H-E double tooth picks do you find these motors with all the water in them? At the bottom of a swamp?😛

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

What made all those seize? I have cars sitting around everywhere....should I be turning the engines every ...so often....years?

[@LowBuckGarage]

Time and exposure. They had been sitting unused for well over 10 years each, some well over 20 years. Also bad storage, like being left without spark plugs (the #1 L-head), or left in the woods with an open carb (#1 F-head). It is a good idea to spin motors over every few years, and use a fogging oil if you know you're going to let it sit for a long time. I'd try to move them every 5 years or so, depending on your climate. Surface rust will start forming in the cylinders a few years before it seizes, so when they're hard to turn over at first get some extra oil in the cylinders.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

@@LowBuckGarage tHank you....I didn't realize...never had a seized engine...so never developed that instinct.

[@nealmcLelland]

i have had good luck with CLR for freeing pistons

[@carldunbar678]

Thanks, very good.

[@mvick6797]

Amazing! Thanks.

[@eue073]

Those L-head engines are very sought after here in Sweden, easy $500 for a stuck one with missing parts.

[@robina.jensen6114]

One word: Marvel Mysterie oil! Always use MMO when a piston is stucked!

[@CJrun]

Belated thanks to Other Person with the camera, that focused in on Oil Pressure gauge early on.

[@gregglogan9553]

I will look to see what kind of motor it is but my dad had a motor that was a airconpress motor. going to junk it any way ran but only pump 60 psi. gregg Logan

[@donwilson6617]

reminds me of "Ole Rube Goldberg" automotive service... :)

[@charlesmccormick4443]

Berryman chem-dip ..down around the pistons....

[@rogerphillips450]

I like your style!

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks!

[@oneofmany1087]

The L Head is far better than the F Head, Finly got rid of them and went with a 1957 champion 6. The F head has a thin spot on the head gasket and the L head didn't have that thin spot also chrome rings from J C Witney made it run the best. Many Moons ago 1973. I Love Willys

[@ProctorSilex]

How is the diesel oil more like what the Willys engine was supposed to have?