I blame you all! New 149 project

[crazycubtrio]

It must be because it is a replacement engine that it has the Walbro carb but if it’s in your budget I would definitely upgrade to the adjustable style even if it’s shipped all the way from the Far East. You will be much happier with that

[Vrobert]

Originally Posted by crazycubtrio

It must be because it is a replacement engine that it has the Walbro carb but if it’s in your budget I would definitely upgrade to the adjustable style even if it’s shipped all the way from the Far East. You will be much happier with that

It seemed to run ok for the 15 seconds that I ran it but I haven't tried to dial it in yet. I just wanted to see if it would run at all, without knocking or smoke.

I'm interested in a $15 adjustable replacement if someone can recommend a vendor. Otherwise, I will replace the bushing if I can find one.

[Vrobert]

This morning i cut the cloth wiring out except what i needed to crank and run the motor. I set the idle speed and mixture. I wanted to make sure the hydro worked befor changing the fluid and filter. I had forward but no reverse. Then i noticed one relief button was still down. While motor was running i grabbed the button with plieers, gave it a twist and it popper right up. Now reverse works so i changed the fluid and filter. I adjusted the hydro nuetral position and broke all the blades off my perfect fan, rats!

Then i took her for a spin. The speed is real jumpy, so I'll look at the trunion springs for slop. My goal was drive it into my shed, out of the weather, so mission accomplished!

I still need to wire the regulator and lights, and weld the cracked steering mount. Then i can put her to work.

I got my tail lights. Price was right but i wish they were bigger.

[sawdustdad]

Most auto parts stores have lights that fit better. I think they are trailer clearance lights. Not expensive. And the holes almost line up. Close enough anyway. I put them on my 108...

[ol'George]

Secrete not widely known.
Tail lights are identical to early Chevette, Astre, Sunbird,Vega & Opel rear side markers.
'Course they are not as plentiful as they once were in my younger days.

[Vrobert]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Secrete not widely known.
Tail lights are identical to early Chevette, Astre, Sunbird,Vega & Opel rear side markers.
'Course they are not as plentiful as they once were in my younger days.

Who knew Chevette turn signals were collector's items. Fool wants $80 for a set. Bought another set of cheapies cause they have mounting holes and mounting grommets.

Decided to order a $15 carb cause mine is worn out. I'll let you know how it tunes up.

[Vrobert]

Had to weld up the steering mount cause it broke in two places. It's better, but it still flexes a lot when I move the steering wheel, so I plan to weld a brace on the bottom and Ill clean up all the welds and paint them. Is this flexing a common problem? Seems like a weak design.

Also welded the trunion, bent it down flat, cleaned up the plate, and added two copper washers to stop the slop and rubbing. The only washers that were handy and fit.

[Vrobert]

I rewired the whole thing using wire sleeve, tie wraps, and color correct wire to keep it neat. Even reused the rusty old regulator cause it looked real clean inside. No lights yet cause bulbs are all bad, but new ones on the way.

Buttoned it all back together and I was off to the races. Starts with a little choke, idles and runs OK, no leaks and the hydro lift works. Drive lever is a pretty jumpy, probably the rusty old trunion springs. Battery charges from 12.5 to 14.4 when I rev it up, so looks like it's wired up right.

Rusty the cub still needs some work but she's a solid runner!

[Vrobert]

Carb showed up real quick. First impressions, it OK but has some minor issues.

The throttle arm was loose on the shaft. I had to stake the end of the shaft (see pic) and add Loctite. Since it was loose, the idle speed screw didn't line up well to the arm (see pic). It was OK after I staked it.

I had to bottom out the idle mixture screw to smooth it out. Maybe it's the stepped needle and it prevents a lean adjustment but I prefer the normal technique for adjusting mixture. Main adjust seems to work fine.

I had to bend the governor rod to a right angle where it mates to the govenor arm. It also didn't come with a needed "e" clip. No problem, I have a kit. I do really like the adjustable length governor rod, very handy. The original is not adjustable.

It runs well so far but I need to figure out how to set high and low speed. It revs and idles too high. It was a $15 ebay purchase from "usadirectsupply" out of CA. For the price I can't complain but so far I count 2 minor defects.

Now that the original Walbro is on the bench I may try to bush the throttle shaft to keep as a spare.

[Vrobert]

Hello again gents,
I have some spare time these days so dug the 149 out to tinker. I'd like to tighten up the steering and I already tackled the man culprits, axle pin, tie rods, ross box etc. I had to weld up some cracks in the Ross cross member and I notice it still flexes quite a bit when I turn the wheel. One crack under the bolt hole and another at the side frame(see pic).

Anyone else notice this and have ideas to reinforce it? I bought some steel bar to weld on but I'm open to suggestions.