'41 Ford COE questions

[cwh]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Do a compression test on the engine.

Pardon my inexperience but why a compression test? The truck runs really really well. Almost no smoke at all anymore.

On another note, tires are becoming a challenge to locate. I've found a pair of 7.50x20's but need 4 more. I'd like to buy a matching set of 6. I'll probably have to order them. Are bias ply tires the only tires that'll mount on the old split rims? None of the tire shops here in AK suggest anything but bias ply on those old wheels.

[alanwoodieman]

Coker in Chatanooga Tn has original mould Firestone tires for the truck-a local Firestone dealer can get them for you from them. Bias ply are the only ones that will be safe on your rims. By the way I have found three more cabovers nearby. One is a 52/53, one is 46 and one that is really nice is a 48. I told my friend with the 38 that we should buy the 48 if we can. I don't know where I would put it!!

[alanwoodieman]

I meant to comment about the compression test- It will tell you the condition of the rings, I would also put a vacuum gauge on it to tell more about the valves and their condition. If you have never done such test let us know, I am sure someone will tell you the procedure. Alan [email protected]

[tiquer]

Originally Posted by cwh

Pardon my inexperience but why a compression test? The truck runs really really well. Almost no smoke at all anymore.

On another note, tires are becoming a challenge to locate. I've found a pair of 7.50x20's but need 4 more. I'd like to buy a matching set of 6. I'll probably have to order them. Are bias ply tires the only tires that will mount on the old split rims? None of the tire shops here in AK suggest anything but bias ply on those old wheels.

If the rings are stuck hard in the piston lands they can easily break and score a cylinder . If the comp. is down when the engine is warm that is a sign of stuck rings. I believe Ron was trying to save you from maybe damaging the motor.