Old Willys Jeep Engines, needing help from someone who knows all about them

[Mallory Black]

I came across an old 4 cyl flathead jeep engine the other day in a gen-set of all things has not run in years
Unfortunately I could not get the engine number so I don't know if it's a WW2 Ford/Willys, or if it's a post war engine,
It's all there, complete from air cleaner to exhaust pipe but I don't know at this stage if it's a runner or not, did not have a chance to see if it turns over

I'm trying to put a fair value on this thing:
1. As a complete unit that won't turn over, or,
2. If I can get it to turn over not running but see even compression between the cylinders
3. If I can actually make it run
4. If it's an actual WW2 built engine does that make a difference to the asking price?

either way it very likely needs a rebuild
All I've managed to learn is that in WW2 the engines built by both Ford & Willys were identical, just the engine number prefixes are different.
but if someone who knows these things can give a little price guidance as above I'd appreciate it.
Sorry I don't have pics but the only thing I can see that's different is the air cleaner is bolted on top of the carby, a bit flat looking like you'd expect to see on a red motor holder but the design looks like an oil bath

cheers

[achjimmy]

You think there'd be a jeep forum somewhere that would list numbers. The jeep was made after the war with the same motor. But if I have to guess I'd says it's a ex wartime motor?  Thousands were scrapped here after the war so the likleyhood is there'd be war time motors kicking around. Most of the wartime gensets I have seen (and we had one) used the ford flathead V8 motor. As to value no idea good luck

[edz]

This might help http://www.rensjeep.com/MBvsGPW.html
and this  http://www.ewillys.com/category/engine/

[Joff]

I'd be surprised if it were a war time donk from a jeep in gen-set. They were not built for Longevity. Was there a gen-set version built with better bearings etc?

[WilSurf]

A friend of mine has fully restored a 1946 Willies.
I can give you his details if you like. PM me.

[Footy Shorts Shane]

Shoot an email off to here http://www.expressengineering.com.au

If he can't answer all your questions and more, he'll point you in the right direction.

[Mallory Black]

Thanks men, much appreciated

[Coolblue80]

What about Marathon Spares in Tamworth. Jeeps experts from what I've heard.
Cheers, Mike.

[Mallory Black]

Yeah I shot an email off to the owner for the engine number and we'll take it from there
Now that I recall the fan was set up to blow at the radiator not through it but the way the outfit is built it looks very home brew, I'm still pretty sure the donk had to have come out of a vehicle originally.
thanks again, I'll look all those contacts up when I have those numbers
cheers

[Redcherokee]

There is a Facebook group called Willys Australia that would be worth trying.

Also contact Jeep Action Magazine or Jeeps R Us in Coffs.  Though Michael is on holidays right now, Richard or one of the other guys may well be able set you on the right track.