Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?

[NealinCA]

I'm an Early Ford V-8 guy...but I need some Model A help. What can you tell me about an early '28 block with a 5 bearing cam? Are they desirable? We just got one with some early V-8 parts...

The block looks good. No visible cracks or repairs in the block and it's only bored .015 over. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Neal

[pat in Santa Cruz]

sounds like a good block to build a stock engine with. Some guys like the 5 main cam because they can use stiffer valve springs and have no cam flex. But, OTOH, the early blocks have weaker rear main bosses than the later blocks.

[700rpm]

You don't want one of those old 5-bearing Muddle A blocks. I'll give you $35 for it, including shipping to Portland, just to help you get it out of your way.

[NealinCA]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

You don't want one of those old 5-bearing Muddle A blocks. I'll give you $35 for it, including shipping to Portland, just to help you get it out of your way.

Ok thanks...lemme know where to send it.

[d.j. moordigian]

....with the block number, to the right guy, who knows.

[Marco Tahtaras]

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Since the answers seem to circle the intent of the question, I'll take a stab at it. The bottom line is there is no special value except to "the right guy" like most things. The percentage of folks looking specifically for that type block is small and likely very close to percentage of available blocks being that type.

[Jim Brierley]

The above answers are all good. As a side note the cam could be worth something as the Donovan engine uses that cam. Ford made 3 versions of the 5 bearing cam, the first had all 5 bearings ground to the same size, this is the one Donovan uses. As the 5 bearing blocks were used up, the next version had all 5 ground, but the 2 intermediate ones were smaller, in the 3rd version those bearings were just rough-turned on a lathe. The smaller bearings allowed quicker installation into the block.

[NealinCA]

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the cam and see what condition it is in.

Thanks again,

Neal

[Steve Ciccalone]

Does the block have a number? If not, where is the number pad and what size is it? If it is/was a three or four digit # it is worth more than $35. I have three 3 digit cars and two 4 digit cars. I'm one of those guys Marco was referring to.

[NealinCA]

It's a 170,000 number...which is June of '28 I think.

[Clem Clement]

Interesting. I have one where the oil line is drilled from the timing gear chamber, not a tube that was added later. The hole at the timing gear end is closed with a flat head screw.
clem

[Steve Ciccalone]

Interesting that an engine that late is 5 main. Will have to look at some of my later blocks. Thank you for responding.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Steve Ciccalone

Interesting that an engine that late is 5 main. Will have to look at some of my later blocks. Thank you for responding.

Steve,

This is from my engine block data...

5 OR 3 CAMSHAFT BEARINGS

5 # 481,204 OCTOBER 03, 1928
3 # 492,408 OCTOBER 06, 1928 (11,204)
(SEE FORD SERVICE BULLETIN: JANUARY, 1929)
(CONTINUED THROUGH END OF PRODUCTION)

THE “RELEASE” INFORMATION OF SEPTEMBER 28, 1928, INDICATED:
· “REMOVED SECOND AND FOURTH CAMSHAFT BEARINGS”.


Pluck

[Calahan]

Hi Neil, I believe we have the same engine. I just posted yesterday Barn Find. Take a look, http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36596

[d.j. moordigian]

I think posting the block number, or partial number, of any block for sale or inquiry
is a good deal. It helps the people trying to ID the block and/or the anal group, that
would be me, looking for the block from their chassis. Yes, it is a needle in a hay
stack, but I care. Thanks again Neal.

Looking for block#...A 352,XXX...

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by PatrickGrant

Steve Plucker, I have a 5 bearing camshaft engine *641---* Nov. 1928 engine I believe. Just found out today. If my dating skills are bad please let me know. Thanks, Pat

It just looks like you have a 5 bearing cam,.....the block looks like it only has
3 cam bearings..

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

It just looks like you have a 5 bearing cam,.....the block looks like it only has
3 cam bearings..

If the block is original and numbers matching, it must be during the mix and match transition period. My numbers matching engine from my 9-27-28 Phaeton has the 5 bearing block and 5 bearing cam, but the 2nd and 4th bearings are rough undercut and not used. My engine number is 404378.

[Bob Bidonde]

Later blocks made in 1931 have stiffeners added to the rear transverse web making them stronger. Also, later blocks have better coolant flow.

Although the 5-bearing cam has a better load distribution than the later 3-bearing cams, the 5-bearing supports were not necessary. The maximum cam bending moment is reacted by the center support where the oil pump & distributor drive gear is situated.

By the way, camshaft thrust loads are reacted by a spring loaded plunger in the front timing gear cover of the engine. The thrust loads come primarily from the torque of the oil pump & distributor drive mechanism.

[George Miller]

My 1928 Sport Coupe 10-8-28 has the 5 main cam and block. All 5 bearings are to size on the cam and in the block. This is the original engine it has the solid front engine mount, and equalizing brakes. I have the title from 1938. all numbers match.