The Ford Barn

Mike/Nebraska · 08-06-2023, 08:23 PM

I was wanting to hear the pros and cons about the float a motor. Would be used on a speedster.

J Franklin · 08-06-2023, 08:42 PM

A con would be in a speedster it is not needed, looses frame rigidity, and costs money.

Mike/Nebraska · 08-06-2023, 08:57 PM

Good point, thanks

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 08-07-2023, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike/Nebraska

I was wanting to hear the pros and cons about the float a motor. Would be used on a speedster.

Searching here is your friend...

In the interim, look at this post and read from #5 to the end.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329378

nkaminar · 08-07-2023, 06:48 AM

Aside from the frame issues, the Float-A-Motor makes it harder to pull and install the engine. You would think it would be easier but you have to unbolt the aluminum mounts from the engine.

Most cars have rubber pads that have become as stiff as old leather and no longer provide any cushioning. If you decide to keep the original mounts, replace the rubber pads.

The original flywheel was so heavy that the torsional vibration in the crankshaft was all forward of the flywheel. The lightened flywheels do have torsional vibration and this adds to the vibration felt by the driver. Plus, the speed that the Model A was driven at in 1930 was a lot lower than we drive them at today, so the vibration generated by the engine was not felt as much. Drive your car with the stock flywheel at 40 mph and you will not feel much vibration.

If you do decide to use the Float-A-Motor mounts, do not tighten the bolts that run through the rubber pads. Just bring the nuts up to the point where the bolts are not moving up and down. If you over tighten the bolts it well defeat the dampening action of the rubber pads.

BVZ24 · 08-07-2023, 06:54 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have noticably less vibration with stock mounts with new pads than I did with floater mounts with old pads and dampeners.

Jim Brierley · 08-07-2023, 11:25 AM

I had a severe chatter problem on a tudor that I bought years ago. I changed to stock mounts, this helped but the final answer was a diaphragm clutch. I have always used stock mounts on my speedster, and recommend you do the same.

Dr Foot · 08-08-2023, 08:08 AM

I tried float a motor mounts years ago and noticed no difference. I took them out and put original back. Don't try to have your car judged with them in because they are not allowed.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 08-08-2023, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Foot

I tried float a motor mounts years ago and noticed no difference. I took them out and put original back. Don't try to have your car judged with them in because they are not allowed.

Yes, you are basically correct however for clarity, F-a-M mounts are allowed in Touring Class Judging, ...just not Fine Point.

AzBob · 08-08-2023, 11:55 AM

My Model A came to me with FAM's.

I replaced the pads with new and still not totally happy with them. Every time I see original mounts for sale at a swap meet, I am tempted to buy them. Reading this thread has convinced me to go back to the original mounts at some point in the future.

woofa.express · 08-10-2023, 01:53 PM

I replaced the original rear mounts with floats and vibration was eliminated. This was in my ute (pickup) No longer did I get tingly hands when driving. Naturally I am delighted.
The other vehicles have no vibration thus they remain original.

08-06-2023, 08:23 PM	#1
Mike/Nebraska Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern, Nebraska Posts: 354	Float A Motor I was wanting to hear the pros and cons about the float a motor. Would be used on a speedster.

08-06-2023, 08:42 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,964	Re: Float A Motor A con would be in a speedster it is not needed, looses frame rigidity, and costs money.

08-06-2023, 08:57 PM	#3
Mike/Nebraska Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern, Nebraska Posts: 354	Re: Float A Motor Good point, thanks

08-07-2023, 06:54 AM	#6
BVZ24 Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 32	Re: Float A Motor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have noticably less vibration with stock mounts with new pads than I did with floater mounts with old pads and dampeners.

08-07-2023, 11:25 AM	#7
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,091	Re: Float A Motor I had a severe chatter problem on a tudor that I bought years ago. I changed to stock mounts, this helped but the final answer was a diaphragm clutch. I have always used stock mounts on my speedster, and recommend you do the same.

08-07-2023, 06:48 AM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,900	Re: Float A Motor Aside from the frame issues, the Float-A-Motor makes it harder to pull and install the engine. You would think it would be easier but you have to unbolt the aluminum mounts from the engine. Most cars have rubber pads that have become as stiff as old leather and no longer provide any cushioning. If you decide to keep the original mounts, replace the rubber pads. The original flywheel was so heavy that the torsional vibration in the crankshaft was all forward of the flywheel. The lightened flywheels do have torsional vibration and this adds to the vibration felt by the driver. Plus, the speed that the Model A was driven at in 1930 was a lot lower than we drive them at today, so the vibration generated by the engine was not felt as much. Drive your car with the stock flywheel at 40 mph and you will not feel much vibration. If you do decide to use the Float-A-Motor mounts, do not tighten the bolts that run through the rubber pads. Just bring the nuts up to the point where the bolts are not moving up and down. If you over tighten the bolts it well defeat the dampening action of the rubber pads. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

08-08-2023, 08:08 AM	#8
Dr Foot Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 17	Re: Float A Motor I tried float a motor mounts years ago and noticed no difference. I took them out and put original back. Don't try to have your car judged with them in because they are not allowed.

08-08-2023, 11:55 AM	#10
AzBob Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 130	Re: Float A Motor My Model A came to me with FAM's. I replaced the pads with new and still not totally happy with them. Every time I see original mounts for sale at a swap meet, I am tempted to buy them. Reading this thread has convinced me to go back to the original mounts at some point in the future.

08-10-2023, 01:53 PM	#11
woofa.express Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tocumwal, NSW, Australia Posts: 1,749	Re: Float A Motor I replaced the original rear mounts with floats and vibration was eliminated. This was in my ute (pickup) No longer did I get tingly hands when driving. Naturally I am delighted. The other vehicles have no vibration thus they remain original. __________________ I know many things, But I don't know everything, Sometimes I forget things. And there are times when I have a long memory.