I'd never seen this done before either, but it's interesting to see the job in progress. There's not much technical info here but clicking on the small pics gives you some nicely detailed views of how the job's done. http://www.nwo-modelt.org/blocks.html And if that don't turn yer crank, here's some pics of hot babes in coveralls working on old cars! http://www.shorpy.com/node/2974 http://www.shorpy.com/node/2988
i didnt know what all went into making the bearings like that, pretty impressive job. and just think they had to build each motor the same way back when the T was brand new. did anyone get a look at the camshaft? that is neat how the set it to the side to operate the valves. i can really appreciate the engineering that went into building those motors and they were state of the art at the time.
There is an amazing book available on pouring T bearings yourself...covers constructing the molds, building a boring bar and locaters, converting a sears drill press to power the boring bar...I'll try to bring in info on that.
would this info translate to A's & B's? if i could pour babbitt and balance rotating ***emblies I'd be pretty self sufficient just last night i woke up with visions of adapting my milling machine to use as a distributor tester.... ***thanks for posting the pics ClayMart
I think it is entirely transferable...only the dimensions have been changed to protect the innocent. Cool tech, certain flaming death! There is also very good simple tech out there for the static part of balancing, matching weights in total and by end, etc. Keep an eye on the late movie schedule for "The Train", a WWII flick with a good scene in which a locomotive driver is re-babbitted! Distributor testing would be a good article; your engine is your distributor machine, plus the top secret protractor for initial setup and phasing... I wanna do a tech on distributor building and setup...need camera posting tech to do it. I'll bring in info and adresses I have on the book. You should also look for the moderately rare Ford shop manual...about 1925-1927 or so. I believe this book is why Ford had no real manual for the Model A and why service bulletin numbering is continuous from T through early V8...you were supposed to be familiar with that manual, then all else was update info from the Bulletins!
Here's the citation: ***le: Rebuilding the Model T Ford powerplant / Author(s): Zannis, Vic. Publication: Birmingham, AL : Vic Zannis, Year: 1998 Description: 75p. : ill. ; 28cm. Language: English Contents: Preface -- Getting started -- Precision measuring -- Selecting a machine shop -- Building the "machine" -- Pouring the mains -- Line boring the mains -- ***embling the engine -- The transmission -- The magneto -- The fourth main -- Putting it all together -- Gas and oil in the Model T -- Modifications, accessories and modern parts -- Engine and torque specifications -- Tool and equipment list -- Suppliers -- List of illustrations.
AHA! "-Send $23.50 US to Vic Zannis at:Model T Powerplant,---735 Montgomery Hwy. Box 337, ---Birmingham, AL. 35217. Ask for his book: Rebuilding the Model T Ford Powerplant-- Everything you need to know."
Too much work for me. Getting lazy in my old age. Glad somebody else can do it. If I tried to do that I would have everything stuck together and not be able to get it apart! Thanks for posting. It is very interesting to see it being done. Thanks, BOBBY FORD
Babbit Beater, no, Babit Pounder, yes. I have heard Babbit pounder used many a time to derisively describe the older Inline 6 Chevies (before they went to inserts and eventually full pressure oiling).
After going back and looking at the pics a bit closer, I really love the look of those square headed bolts on the main caps. Looks like the whole thing is held together with axle drain plugs! It says they slowly turn the crank, bolted in place, to lap or run-in the main bearings. Wonder if they do something similar to size the conn rod bearings as well???
Great pictures! One thing that I was wondering about ... Until what year(s) did Ford continue - or stop - using babbit bearings in/on connecting rods in their engines?
The '32-34 Model B was the last Ford with Babbitt bearings. Insert rods in V8's from 1932, insert mains phased in '35-6.
The Jalopy Journal
