The Ford Barn

emf · 01-13-2017, 11:39 AM

I have a 28 AA with a Howe Fire Apparatus body that has all of the markings of an early 28. Wire wheels, single shoe rear brakes, left side brake handle, etc. The engine ran well, but after a few hundred miles, threw a center main bearing. It did not leak oil or water. Since it failed in the middle of parade season, I quickly replaced it with a rebuilt short block with the idea to rebuild the blown one. I stripped the block and found a JB Weld repair in the water jacket just above the water inlet that goes all the way from front to back, so this baby froze at least once. The serial number on the block does not match the serial number for the truck. Now the question: is this a keeper to be repaired correctly, since it's a 28 or should I just toss it?

Frank

DaWizard · 01-13-2017, 11:52 AM

I say, keep it and make it right as the amount of early or even made in '28 blocks is dwindling.

My 2¢

SeaSlugs · 01-13-2017, 11:53 AM

Hmm since its not matching to the truck I would rebuild a non cracked candidate. BUT I wouldnt just scrap this one. What condition are the valve seats and cylinders in? Has it been bored over before?

Theres lots of blocks out there over the years that have been repaired and running today so I wouldnt let the water jacket crack scare you away. Do you know why the center main let loose?

emf · 01-13-2017, 11:58 AM

I did not measure any of the holes, since I needed to replace it quickly. The valves look decent as well as the seats. I know what you mean about not being scared of cracks in the water jacket, but I hesitate to put a lot of money into a block with a crack this long... It looks like the center main babbit peeled off in sheets and plugged the oil hole. It needs all new babbit.

Frank

Rancho Deluxe · 01-13-2017, 12:03 PM

The big ?? is, Just what is the block #s ?? A three or four #d one keep for sure.. Others can be found, But are getting on the short side now..

emf · 01-13-2017, 12:38 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Serial is A1559789 (May 1928) I would guess it's available...

Rancho Deluxe · 01-13-2017, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emf

Serial is A1559789 (May 1928) I would guess it's available...

That looks to be a May of 1929 #

emf · 01-13-2017, 01:51 PM

Yes! I stand corrected. I mis-read the chart. Now I really have a paper weight....

Tom Wesenberg · 01-13-2017, 04:49 PM

I have a block that sounded perfect when it ran, and it didn't leak water, but as I was cleaning it up to use in my 28 I found 2 cracks about 2 1/2" long. I sandblasted them and pushed JB Weld into the crack, but doubt that any really got inside the crack, as it was tight already. Anyway if the babbit is good then I'd use the engine.

01-13-2017, 11:39 AM	#1
emf Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hudson, NY Posts: 511	May, 1928 Engine Block I have a 28 AA with a Howe Fire Apparatus body that has all of the markings of an early 28. Wire wheels, single shoe rear brakes, left side brake handle, etc. The engine ran well, but after a few hundred miles, threw a center main bearing. It did not leak oil or water. Since it failed in the middle of parade season, I quickly replaced it with a rebuilt short block with the idea to rebuild the blown one. I stripped the block and found a JB Weld repair in the water jacket just above the water inlet that goes all the way from front to back, so this baby froze at least once. The serial number on the block does not match the serial number for the truck. Now the question: is this a keeper to be repaired correctly, since it's a 28 or should I just toss it? Frank

01-13-2017, 11:52 AM	#2
DaWizard BANNED Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Dizzyland Ca Posts: 332	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block I say, keep it and make it right as the amount of early or even made in '28 blocks is dwindling. My 2¢

01-13-2017, 11:53 AM	#3
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block Hmm since its not matching to the truck I would rebuild a non cracked candidate. BUT I wouldnt just scrap this one. What condition are the valve seats and cylinders in? Has it been bored over before? Theres lots of blocks out there over the years that have been repaired and running today so I wouldnt let the water jacket crack scare you away. Do you know why the center main let loose? __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

01-13-2017, 11:58 AM	#4
emf Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hudson, NY Posts: 511	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block I did not measure any of the holes, since I needed to replace it quickly. The valves look decent as well as the seats. I know what you mean about not being scared of cracks in the water jacket, but I hesitate to put a lot of money into a block with a crack this long... It looks like the center main babbit peeled off in sheets and plugged the oil hole. It needs all new babbit. Frank

01-13-2017, 12:03 PM	#5
Rancho Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 145	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block The big ?? is, Just what is the block #s ?? A three or four #d one keep for sure.. Others can be found, But are getting on the short side now..

01-13-2017, 12:38 PM	#6
emf Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hudson, NY Posts: 511	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Serial is A1559789 (May 1928) I would guess it's available...

01-13-2017, 01:51 PM	#8
emf Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hudson, NY Posts: 511	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block Yes! I stand corrected. I mis-read the chart. Now I really have a paper weight....

01-13-2017, 04:49 PM	#9
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: May, 1928 Engine Block I have a block that sounded perfect when it ran, and it didn't leak water, but as I was cleaning it up to use in my 28 I found 2 cracks about 2 1/2" long. I sandblasted them and pushed JB Weld into the crack, but doubt that any really got inside the crack, as it was tight already. Anyway if the babbit is good then I'd use the engine.