The Ford Barn

drumyn29 · 03-09-2014, 04:28 PM

Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine?

I have lots of leaky gaskets and i wonder if it's easier to just rebuild the entire engine.

Gunmetal blue2 · 03-09-2014, 04:46 PM

alot will depend on were the leaks are and how bad. Welcome to the Ford Barn.

Mitch//pa · 03-09-2014, 05:00 PM

Excessive crankcase pressures (blowby) from worn rings can cause the gaskets to leak. if you have this condition changing the gaskets wont help

1930artdeco · 03-09-2014, 05:13 PM

Three things come to mind:

1) Assorted pubs (Les Andrew's red book, 'How to restore your Model A from MAFCA and the equivalent from MARC)

2) The Ford Barn

3) You tube will give you a visual reference so that you can match what you read to a physical plan.

Fortunately, the A engine is relatively simple to take apart and reassemble. Now if you have to replace just a head gasket that is fairly simple, a whole engine is a bit more complex. I will come down to miles on the engine, how was it treated, what are the bearings like? Just my thoughts,

Mike

Chuck Sea/Tac · 03-10-2014, 12:38 AM

Model A engine by McGee & McGee, available thru Brattons, and others.

Barber31 · 03-10-2014, 01:57 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I overhauled my engine using only the red book and this site.

Not George · 03-10-2014, 05:26 AM

According to the red book, early 28's never happened.

At least as far as clutch/transmissions are concerned.

Dave in MN · 03-10-2014, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

Model A engine by McGee & McGee, available thru Brattons, and others.

I agree with Chuck. I find the book by the MCREE's (father and son) has the most useful information for rebuilding an engine. I also check the Les Andrew's red book for an alternate description of procedures.

After obtaining the right books, find the guy in your local Model A Club that has the most experience working on engines (that work) and ask for his help. No matter how well a book is written, there are procedures in rebuilding an engine that just can not be explained well in a book. A good mentor will help greatly. I had an excellent one when I started and it made all the difference.
Good Day!

The Model A Engine

A complete manual for rebuilding the Model A engine with step by step procedures. Also includes information on rebuilding the distributor and oil pump. Written by Bill and Paul McRee. 110 pages...
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03-09-2014, 04:28 PM	#1
drumyn29 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: los angeles Posts: 149	Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? I have lots of leaky gaskets and i wonder if it's easier to just rebuild the entire engine.

03-09-2014, 04:46 PM	#2
Gunmetal blue2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Columbia, TN.38401 Posts: 422	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? alot will depend on were the leaks are and how bad. Welcome to the Ford Barn.

03-09-2014, 05:00 PM	#3
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? Excessive crankcase pressures (blowby) from worn rings can cause the gaskets to leak. if you have this condition changing the gaskets wont help Last edited by Mitch//pa; 03-09-2014 at 05:15 PM.

03-09-2014, 05:13 PM	#4
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,552	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? Three things come to mind: 1) Assorted pubs (Les Andrew's red book, 'How to restore your Model A from MAFCA and the equivalent from MARC) 2) The Ford Barn 3) You tube will give you a visual reference so that you can match what you read to a physical plan. Fortunately, the A engine is relatively simple to take apart and reassemble. Now if you have to replace just a head gasket that is fairly simple, a whole engine is a bit more complex. I will come down to miles on the engine, how was it treated, what are the bearings like? Just my thoughts, Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

03-10-2014, 12:38 AM	#5
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? Model A engine by McGee & McGee, available thru Brattons, and others.

03-10-2014, 01:57 AM	#6
Barber31 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 687	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I overhauled my engine using only the red book and this site.

03-10-2014, 05:26 AM	#7
Not George Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Yep Posts: 202	Re: Whats the most informative way to learn how to build a model A engine? According to the red book, early 28's never happened. At least as far as clutch/transmissions are concerned.