Funkwagen Kfz 17 with FU 11 SE 100

[Funksammler]

I mentioned in the previous posting that I was lacking the "Abweiser" for the antenna, this has now been remedied:

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The "Abweiser" holds the antenna wire away from the mast, this stops the wire from fouling the side of the car and the roof antenna. More importantly it reduces the capacitive losses of the antenna. The total antenna now consists of the conduits in the vehicle, the 7.5 meter antenna wire and the 1.4 m rod antenna on top; roughly adding up to 10 meter length total:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/cb22d025-a705-4849-9be5-f919235681c8_zpsamqehnch.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/cb22d025-a705-4849-9be5-f919235681c8_zpsamqehnch.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo cb22d025-a705-4849-9be5-f919235681c8_zpsamqehnch.jpg"/></a>

So now the Kfz 17 has the correct antenna setup for the 15 W.S.E.b and certainly for reception it makes a difference. Reception is still quite sensitive to the antenna tuning controls at lower frequencies, but signal strength is definately stronger than with the roof antenna. The antenna length is approximately 1/4 wavelength for 7 Mhz (40 meters) so it works pretty well at this frequency with lots of amateur CW coming through.

Oh well, all ready to go for the D-day commemorations next week, expecting to do a fair few miles around sunny Normandy!

regards,

Funksammler

[cmpnorge]

About to make an article on this Telephone car.
Would be very nice to be able to present your fantastic Kfz 17 too.
The magazine it will be in, is the Norewgian MV club magazine, Mud & Snow

Rolf

[Funksammler]

Nice!

I was still looking for info on the telephone version of the Kfz 17! PM me to let me know how I can help you.

regards,

Funksammler

About to make an article on this Telephone car.
Would be very nice to be able to present your fantastic Kfz 17 too.
The magazine it will be in, is the Norewgian MV club magazine, Mud & Snow

Rolf

[Peter Mühle]

This is a fabulous vehicule !
Thank you very very very much for the trip in it! It was an amazing moment for me and my soon!
Thank's for gift to!!!!

happy new year dear friend, and happy project

[Val]

About to make an article on this Telephone car.
Would be very nice to be able to present your fantastic Kfz 17 too.
The magazine it will be in, is the Norewgian MV club magazine, Mud & Snow
Rolf

Is there any more pictures of that Telephone car? It looks absolutely fantastic!

[Funksammler]

The season is approaching fast and temperatures are getting high enough to start working again on the vehicles. The Kfz 17 was starting to suffer from a slipping clutch last year so I decided to have a look at it this spring. Unfortunately that means quite a lot of work!

We start by taking our the floor and taking all the covers off:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08107_zpsf94b78nu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08107_zpsf94b78nu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08107_zpsf94b78nu.jpg"/></a>

This allows the propshaft to be removed which in turn allows the gearbox to be taken off:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08112_zpsrrielcsu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08112_zpsrrielcsu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08112_zpsrrielcsu.jpg"/></a>

Now the clutch housing can be removed which gives access to the pressure group bolted against the flywheel:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08118_zpsfta36iat.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08118_zpsfta36iat.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08118_zpsfta36iat.jpg"/></a>

As you can see things look to be in good condition. I thought I may have had some oil in the clutch but everything appeared clean and dry. With the pressure group off it gives a chance to inspect the wear on the flywheel:

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I ended up with quite a lot of parts, hope I remember how to put them back on!

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08121_zpsxzps5ims.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08121_zpsxzps5ims.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08121_zpsxzps5ims.jpg"/></a>

The clutchplate could now finally be inspected:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08125_zpsru6qcqnw.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08125_zpsru6qcqnw.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08125_zpsru6qcqnw.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08124_zpsvl1fz0je.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08124_zpsvl1fz0je.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08124_zpsvl1fz0je.jpg"/></a>

The problem was not so much the wear, but the plate material had hardened and "glazed". This explained why the clutch was slipping mainly when the engine was hot. I was told that the material may be orignal ww2, so I guess it is about time for a new clutch after 75 years! In any case the clutch is now with a specialist to be re-lined and I am waiting for it to return, hopefully in time for the June D-day celebrations....

regards,

Funksammler

[Yuri D.]

Just plain awesome! You motivate me to get started on my much less spectacular projects :-)

[Funksammler]

Fitting the new clutch

The new clutch (or actually refurbished) clutch duly arrived so I was faced with the problem of getting it all back together.

After cleaning the flywheel and the pressure group, the clutch was ready for fitting. First though I had to make an axle stub to centre the clutchplate. If the clutch is not centred, the end of the gearbox axle will not slide into the front bearing, placed in the centre of the flywheel:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08154_zpsm8uheg8m.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08154_zpsm8uheg8m.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08154_zpsm8uheg8m.jpg"/></a>

With the stub axle, I could place the clutch plate against the flywheel and mount the pressure group:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08153_zpsphwqxykv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08153_zpsphwqxykv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08153_zpsphwqxykv.jpg"/></a>

Once the pressuregroup is bolted against the flywheel, the clutchplate is firmly held and the axle can be removed. I did not adjust the "fingers" of the pressure group, as the new clutch plate was only marginally thicker than the one I removed (it was not worn, just glazed remember)

Now the clutch housing could be fitted to the engine and to the rear engine mounts (the engine had to be suppored with an axlestand for the duratioin of the repair). After cleaning, the clutch pressure bearing could be fitted into the clutch housing.

Now came the rather tricky operation of fitting the gearbox back in place. The forward axles of the gearbox has to fit through the pressure bearing, the clutch plate and finally into the forward axle bearing. This is like threading a wire through a needle, except the thread weighs about 30 kg!

The gearbox had to be slung and supported and slowly moved forward, this took a few tries to work out how to do it:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08159_zpsoffhc8bu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08159_zpsoffhc8bu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08159_zpsoffhc8bu.jpg"/></a>

At least two times I managed to knock the pressure bearing out of it's housing, meaning I had to start over again!

Finally I managed to control the movement and gently moved the gearbox into place:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08162_zps2vxp7yyz.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08162_zps2vxp7yyz.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08162_zps2vxp7yyz.jpg"/></a>

It still took a lot of wiggling to get the axle into the forward axle bearing, it was an enormous relief when it was finally in place! Here is is all bolted up with the drive axle connected to the back:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08164_zpsvkuhgutf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08164_zpsvkuhgutf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08164_zpsvkuhgutf.jpg"/></a>

After reconnecting the clutch pedal, I was keen to test the clutch, so I fitted the driver's seat and floor panel temporarily to see if it worked. The first test was encouraging, I could engage and disengage the clutch and it felt more or less like the old one.

With the heavy lifting done, I needed to refit all the covers. Maybe not as heavy work as fitting the gearbox, but more like fitting a puzzle, the order in which the panels are fitted is crucial as there is no space for manoeuvre. After a lot of headscratching and a few false starts, I mamanged to get everything in place. After screwing it down and restoring some of the scratch paintwork (the fit is that tight and difficult!) the interior looks like new again:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08165_zps99tsf0eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08165_zps99tsf0eb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08165_zps99tsf0eb.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08166_zpsvjxohd01.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08166_zpsvjxohd01.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08166_zpsvjxohd01.jpg"/></a>

After some more preparations it was finally time to test drive the new clutch, so I started up the engine and engaged reverse to get out of the garage and .... nothing! After few moments of panic, I realised that I left the intermediate gearbox in neutral, dooooh!

The new clutch seems to be working fine, it actually feels almost the same as the old one, especially when the engine is cold. At first I stalled a few time (this was more down to the fact that I forgot to reconnect two of my ignition cables, it was only running on six cylinders!). With that sorted I had to return home as the steering was very heavy and the car was nearly undrivable. I spend most of the afternoon working on the steering, which is now running free and light again.

Finally this evening I had a glorious drive through the Normandy countryside, no more clutch slip and light steering! So the Kfz 17 is up and running again, nearly ready for the June celebrations!

regards,

Funksammler

[History]

WOW, great job. Thanks for posting the photos of the progress. So cool!!!!

[Funksammler]

As I mentioned, me and the Horch had a busy week during the Normandy d-day festival. I must have driven about 100 km on average per day, well over 500 over the week. Although we made it home every day, it was not without some problems.

I made the trip to Ste Mere Eglise to visit the militaria fair and had parked the Horch opposite the venue. Needless to say I promptly received a parking ticket. The jeeps parked illegally across to road of course did not, I am realy starting to hate that town. It used to be a nice place with some good militaria shops and restaurants. But they have recently turned the town into a theme park and it has completely lost its character. The militaria dealers are starting to leave (the static line shop has already moved out) leaving nothing but souvenir shops and replica rubbish and I now think the town has lost its soul as well!

On the technical side the Horch developed an ignition problem. Mild at first, the engine started to run roughly mid range, but at full speed it ran smoothly. I already exchanged the spark plugs before the week and adjusted the points, and that seemed to have cured the problem for a while but it quickly started returning and gradually getting worse. After cleaning the plugs and re-adjusting the points a few times I had a closer look and discovered one of the points had come loose from its support. This made a bad contact and probably caused the gap to vary by a fraction of a mm. Here is the offending article:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08217_zpsdfbce9fm.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08217_zpsdfbce9fm.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08217_zpsdfbce9fm.jpg"/></a>

It is a sobering thought that such a small part can cause such big problems, a pretty difficult fault to find. Fortunately I had a spare ignition so I could exchange the points (they were pretty worn anyway) so now the car is running smoothly again.

I also had to exchange the starter motor as it was having more and more trouble turning the engine over. I took the starter motor from the Kfz 17/1 so that will have to sit idle for a while. I have not diagnosed the problem yet, but I suspect I need new brushes as the relay works okay.

I will probably give the Kfz 17 a little bit of rest and turn my attention to the restoration of the Kfz 17/1 as I have not been able to do too much yet this spring summer....

regards,

Funksammler

[Quatsch]

Bravo and well done!

[Herman mayer]

fantastic

[Funksammler]

Well, after a great summer, the Kfz 17's engine has finally given up the ghost, not bad for a 75 year old! The engine has been producing smoke through the sump breather for years, but lately the smoking was getting worse, a sign that the piston rings are at the end of their tether. During a short run a few weeks back, the engine was developing a rattle as well, probably due to a broken piston ring. I managed to nurse the car home and had to park it up.

No choice but to take the engine out to get it rebuild, so I had to start planning for for the big job. After buying an engine lift of sufficient capacity, last week I finally picked up the courage to have a go. To remove the engine, the radiator, all engine auxiliaries and the front cabin floor have to be removed first. The engine comes out with the clutch housing and gearbox attached, an overall weight of 400-500 Kg to lift!

So first, off with the manifolds, generator and starter motor and various other bits and bobs:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08709_zpsmt9oqyxh.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08709_zpsmt9oqyxh.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08709_zpsmt9oqyxh.jpg"/></a>

After checking, rechecking and rechecking again that everything was uncoupled it was time to do the big lift and land the engine on a pallet for transport. I was very pleased to have removed the lump without any major incidents:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08707_zpsmns7ommk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08707_zpsmns7ommk.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08707_zpsmns7ommk.jpg"/></a>

Leaving an empty, but very dirty engine bay:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/DSC08708_zpsilu6zo4u.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/DSC08708_zpsilu6zo4u.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC08708_zpsilu6zo4u.jpg"/></a>

The engine bay was rather covered in oil and dirt, the overpressure in the sump causing the occasional spray from the oil filler tube and dipstick aperture. Although good for preservation, I have given the engine bay a good high pressure clean and cleaned up the mess on the floor and stored loose bits for when I need them again.

The engine rebuild will take place over winter, so I am hoping to get the Kfz 17 back on the road again next spring. After that the engine should hopefully last another 75 years, so it should outlive me by quite a margin!

regards,

Funksammler

[Val]

The engine rebuild will take place over winter, so I am hoping to get the Kfz 17 back on the road again next spring. After that the engine should hopefully last another 75 years, so it should outlive me by quite a margin!

Nice work so far. Looking forward for the photos of piston and piston rings conditions after dismantling the engine.

And regarding that outliving part hope there's someone who will take care of this beauty some day with the same care as you did, teach him everything!

[Funksammler]

Engine update

Well, the engine was well and truly Kaputt. One of the piston rings had broken and a bit of ring somehow worked itself through the piston rim into the cylinder where it danced around for a few revolutions until smashing through the piston:

<a href="http://s672.photobucket.com/user/Funksammler/media/IMG-20161007-WA0000_zpse55lq2lt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/vv86/Funksammler/IMG-20161007-WA0000_zpse55lq2lt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG-20161007-WA0000_zpse55lq2lt.jpg"/></a>

No wonder the engine was smoking! The dismantled block is now with an engine overhaul businss to get the cylinders honed and various replacement parts are on order. It will be expertly rebuilt and hopefully we will be back on the road next summer!

regards,

Funksammler