MTFCA Forum

Well I found a new rod with good babbitt and after scrapping and fitting, it seems to have solved the problem (thank gosh for alloy pistons idk how you would get the bottom ring in otherwise!). Just for kicks I tried to tighten the other rods, but they locked the engine so I'm taking that as a win. ...

Joe, The rod wasn't as loose as I expected it to be but it did have a tiny (could barely feel it) amount of vertical play and a nonzero amount of end play. also, the wrist pins seemed tight but the engine has .060 positions so I wouldn't be surprised if the little end is generally tighter. I think I...

Ok so I took the inspection cover off, there were a few small chunks of Babbit in the dips (4 dip pan). I took the front rod cap off and it looked OK but the babbit in the rod itself was crumbling on the edges (see photographs), luckily the journal looks to be in good shape although I haven't measur...

I just took my Roadster Pickup on a 109 mile journey around Lake Tahoe, all was going great until Mile 100 just passed what was previously known as Squaw Valley when my engine developed a very pronounced deep knock. I pulled off to the side of the road and at idle the noise went away but if I reved ...

The binding is happening once per revolution with or without plugs (compression is great btw). I Did drive it around the block today and it seems just fine, now idling we'll and starring without too much fuss (new gas helps alot). I must say that it it did drive for probably over 150miles (to and fr...

John, Thanks for the advice, I figured it would be a big job. I have quite a few transmission parts that look to be in very good if not new condition that I picked up at the Auburn Swap meet so hopefully I can find what I need without spending as much. The real issue is space and time, my shop (a ga...

Update! Looking at the transmission drums while using the electric starter and putting my finger on the very edge of the band, i can feel the drums are running ever so slightly eccentricity, probably not good... I can see why with the old cotton bands it wouldn't be noticeable but with the wood, the...

I should clarify that the engine was doing this even before I put the new 4th main in, the old main was completely worn out, nearly 10 thou over what it should be so it could very well be that something is bent in there, but again there is no visable wobble in anything. I'm almost inclined to run it...

Thank you for the insights, first I should clarify that this binding is happening when the engine is in neutral and doesn't seem to be related to the axle. I did remove the Hogshead to replace the bands as this car has a pre 26-27 narrow band transmission, I also replaced the 4th main, but again tha...

I just rebuild the Ruckstell axle on my 1926 Roadster Pickup. while I was waiting for parts I decided to put new wood band linings in the transmission, and replace and lap the valves. I just got the whole engine back together but every half turn it seems to bind slightly and there is a dragging/grin...

Allen Mogul, Nice! Good mid size locomotive bit big for my taste not to mention having to do transactions with Steve Alley Lol. It's remarkable the crossover from the live steam hobby to Model Ts, atleast half the members at my local club (Northern Nevada Live Steamers aka Ken Schroeders place) have...

Thank you all for the realistic input. Although I am not entirely deterred from the idea of driving 'Gilbert' (my little sister named it) all the way to Golden, I think I need to "manage my expectations" lol. I'm thinking instead of trying such a long journey for a first trip, I should perhaps "test...

Scott, I do agree that things will likely go wrong on the journey, but Isn't that the fun of Model Ts? As you stated having someone to pick up the peices (or atleast take the car home go be fixed by me later) is a huge asset. As for the inquiries of time and mountains, my pickup has a ruckstell and ...

Thanks for the insight! I think it would be good to make clear the "safety net" my parents are giving me. They have agreed that if anything goes horribly wrong they will come rescue me with a trailer and take the T home while I proceed in another automobile. There are a few fellow students that want...

I have recently found myself admitted to Colorado School Of Mines and want to drive my 26 Roadster Pickup from my home in Truckee California To Golden Colorado. I am wondering if there are any other young members that are bound for more eastward colleges that would like to form an antique automobile...

Thanks for all the info! I haven't taken anything apart yet but will do this weekend. Seems likely that it's a worn gear, I have all the Ruckstell books on the way although with the USPS there is no telling when they arrive. I'm hopeful that'll be a simple fix but that seems unlikely! Thankfully we ...

I am a new owner of a 1926 Model T Pickup. It looks to be in good condition and runs great for sitting in a storage unit for probably 20 years. The one issue I am having is the Ruxstell (hope that's how you spell it lol) will not stay in high gear. It seems to slip too far and goes into a terrifying...