The Ford Barn

PC/SR · 07-12-2010, 12:57 PM

IMHO, 3-400 is way to slow for idle. As Larry said, you are not going to get much splash lube at that speed. I idle mine at around 7-800, about the same as a modern.

HoarseWhisperer · 07-12-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

You can take a LOT of weight out of the flywheel and still have a very good driving Model A. Actually, it will feel a little more "Alive" and still Idle just fine. If you have a countered weighted Crank, I would definately lighten it. Just be sure to have it balanced AFTER you do any machining.

I believe Les Andrews gets into this in one of his books.

Chris

I'm interested as to the reasons the flywheel should be lightened with a countered weighted shaft. Thx!

PC/SR · 07-12-2010, 02:07 PM

The counter-weights add a lot of weight to the assembly. This is from an article Jim Brierely wrote on the FAST website.

Is there a down-side to lightening the Model A flywheel? No! There is none, with the possible exception of being able to idle your engine down to ridiculously low RPM’s with a very light flywheel, especially if you have installed a high performance cam. (The Model B cam is not such a cam.) The benefits far outweigh any down-side. You will get faster acceleration, quicker shifting and possibly better fuel milage although it would be so slight it wouldn’t be noticed. I also think a light wheel is easier on the engine’s main bearings.

The full article is at http://www.hotforhotfours.com/flywheels.htm

oldford31 · 07-12-2010, 03:39 PM

I machined off weight for some of the reasons noted above, but find the best advantage is: easier to lug around when out of the A
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07-12-2010, 12:57 PM	#21
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,278	Re: Lighter Flywheel - Good or Bad? IMHO, 3-400 is way to slow for idle. As Larry said, you are not going to get much splash lube at that speed. I idle mine at around 7-800, about the same as a modern.

07-12-2010, 02:07 PM	#23
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,278	Re: Lighter Flywheel - Good or Bad? The counter-weights add a lot of weight to the assembly. This is from an article Jim Brierely wrote on the FAST website. Is there a down-side to lightening the Model A flywheel? No! There is none, with the possible exception of being able to idle your engine down to ridiculously low RPM’s with a very light flywheel, especially if you have installed a high performance cam. (The Model B cam is not such a cam.) The benefits far outweigh any down-side. You will get faster acceleration, quicker shifting and possibly better fuel milage although it would be so slight it wouldn’t be noticed. I also think a light wheel is easier on the engine’s main bearings. The full article is at http://www.hotforhotfours.com/flywheels.htm

07-12-2010, 03:39 PM	#24
oldford31 Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washoe Valley, NV Posts: 13	Re: Lighter Flywheel - Good or Bad? I machined off weight for some of the reasons noted above, but find the best advantage is: easier to lug around when out of the A ...