MTFCA Forum

Les Schubert

Yes the flywheel fits just fine!!

Les Schubert

Hank
I interested in the system you describe. Please provide some more information??

My experience with the VW is that I ALWAYS “blip” the throttle immediately on start up and then it worked OK. Now I’m trying to make it more “idiot proof “ so my heirs can have fun with it!!

Les Schubert

I had to extend the back of the camshaft about one and a half inches.
I figure the advantage is that priming the oil pump is longer a issue as the pump is immersed in the oil!!

Les Schubert

Using a flathead V8 oil pump. To alleviate any confusion about oiling the transmission, the transmission shaft has a hole down the center and a side hole and is fed from the rear main bearing. I first used this concept over 40 years ago and it worked great! 78F6F9FC-58A4-43D8-9A49-0F259BBCD581.jpeg ...

Les Schubert

If you are installing a “oversized crank” then I have used 5” long for the rear main and 7” long for the front and centre.

Les Schubert

I have used “grade 8” fine thread bolts and nuts for all my “odd ball” T engines. 1/2” diameter of course. I will get you a length later today(assuming you are doing a “oversized crank”. For the 3rd main I grind off a flat on the head. I don’t bother with cotter pins, I use a torque wrench (just lik...

Les Schubert

Here is my solution!!

Fill it up and still lots of access. About $10.00 worth of plumbing fittings!!

Les Schubert

Looks like a decent design! The other option I would consider is making a couple of new spindles that additionally would accommodate front brake backing plates. Yes I know it sounds like a lot of work, but I have done it and it wasn’t too bad. The fringe benefit was that I tilted the king pins in li...

Les Schubert

I have 3 in 30x3-1/2. They have good spokes and hubs. If you want them we should talk!!

Les Schubert

: And here is the cap to bore

Les Schubert

Les Schubert

Les Schubert

It is inevitable that when line boring blocks that you will have a “gosh dang” experience. And you end up with one bearing that needs to be “fixed”!! So I had a centre main cap that I was not happy with the adherence of the babbit. I have 5 good surfaces and 1 that I decided to redo. So now the stru...

Les Schubert

If someone needs a nice pair of housing for that era I can help!!

Les Schubert

I would run them,especially if money was tight

Les Schubert

If I was going to do this I would install a “swing check” (no springs) in parallel to the pump. Then I would probably have the best of both options!!

Les Schubert

So it looks like we have a “arrangement”!!!

Les Schubert

Jeffery
The cam grind that is with this crank is available to be done to your engine!! It is a grind I stumbled onto in the ‘70’s and it only works good with non-Siamese ports. It will help a T block go 100 mph or more!!

Les Schubert

I’m walking away from it as I have concluded that I have WAY too many projects and this one will certainly consume a bunch of time!! Properly built I don’t know of any reason that it wouldn’t be quite reliable and civilized. Currently I have 6 other T based engine projects (not one of which is stock...

Les Schubert

Gene
Didn’t get yours yet, so I sent you one!!
All the best
Les

Les Schubert

Kevin you would qualify

Les Schubert

I have decided to walk away from this project.
If you will pay the shipping I will pass on the crank and cam. The only criteria is that you convince me that you can carry on and I will share everything I have learned.
All the best
Les
Probably best to contact me off the website!

Les Schubert

Here are some pictures of the Roof factory NH adapter

Les Schubert

I will post a picture of the NH carb adapter later today.

Les Schubert

Some of the comments really are counter to my experience. I have owned ,and run a Roof 8(Laurel model 40) head for years. It has a factory supplied adapter for a NH carb, and I have run that on a 27 4dr for a number of years with zero problems!! I had a flex choke cable and after dialing in the mixt...

Les Schubert

I run the high dome pistons with a low head on my 13. No problem and hand crank it.
BUT when building it, trial fit with no head gasket (and perhaps some plasticine on the potential “pinch points”) just to be sure of no “interference”!!

Les Schubert

The 7th picture sure reminds me of roads by the farm when I was a kid!!!

Les Schubert

Steve
Thank you for the picture. It verifies what I was thinking. I have cast a couple of those as well as a couple of the early version as RHD (as I want one for my 13).
Additionally the early one is at a slightly different angle!!

Les Schubert

Here is my version. I use it for run testing and I am 6’4” so I want it tall!!

Les Schubert

Further to the Sprague steering box, here are some pictures of the Ross box.
Perhaps note the bolt in frame boxing part.
The drag link I made using model A tie rod ends

Les Schubert

I laser cut some of these “adapter discs” a few years ago. They fit OK.
I also played around with a hollow steering column shaft so that a horn wire could run up it.

Les Schubert

Jeffery
Thank you for the information. I have a two post hoist which I use often. Right now it has my 67 Mercury M100 project on it(only in Canada)!!
I will pick up a pair of your suggested posts (10 ft should do nicely).
At 71 I REALLY hate crawling around on the floor!

Les Schubert

I would bolt a piece of 1/4” plywood to the gasket surface. Probably a layer of tape on the gasket Surface first. Then double layer box it in cardboard with LOTS of tape.

Les Schubert

I have used 32-48 Ford tapered roller bearings on the worm and needle rollers in the sector (all on case hardened 4140).
Sorry but none available for sale (I’m not trolling for business)!!

Les Schubert

The Ross uses a frame rail “boxing channel” that goes from the front cross member and back to the firewall mount area. Slips in and bolts up really easily. I guess I need to take some pictures!

Les Schubert

I have a “competitors” (Ross Cam and Lever), and have made a few copies

Les Schubert

I would recommend a Ruckstell rear axle conversion. For a cheaper fix changing the rear axle ratio to 4-1 (which actually only involves changing the pinion from a 11 tooth to a 10 tooth). A 9 tooth pinion is available which gets you to a 4.44-1 ratio. But I think the Ruckstell is the best choice (al...

Les Schubert

Thinking about this I realize that I have a pair of tractor tread 21” tires. With studs they would work pretty good!!

Another option to consider is I’m pretty sure that knobby motorcycle tires are available in 21” size.

Les Schubert

Tire studs might be a option to consider?

Les Schubert

Some very interesting pictures!! I guess that I’m not motivated to the same extent, so I won’t be attempting to duplicate the camshaft pictured. The crank pictured is quite helpful though and mine will ultimately bear a resemblance. We are attempting to solve as much of the potential vibration issue...

Les Schubert

Dave I have not done anything to the ports yet. Still working on the “rotating group”. I anticipate opening up the intake ports to about 1”x2”. With modest valves but a fairly radical camshaft I doubt there will be much advantage in going bigger. I don’t remember ever seeing any pictures of the Winf...

Les Schubert

I have done the repair using genuine Heli Coil a number of times with very satisfactory results!!

Les Schubert

I agree with Gene on the thrust.
Have you put a dial indicator on the transmission shaft?

Les Schubert

The crank is T stroke but will A diameter journal that is narrower. I was planning to use a set of Townsend aluminum rod castings in conjunction with Scat stroker rod bearings , but the shells are too wide!! So at 71 years and with lots of projects on the go I will just buy a set of custom rods!!

Les Schubert

Terry I have always connected them to the block side of the bearing using the Ford supplied oil holes. I tap them and plug them prior to babbiting. After line boring and then grooving the babbit to line up with the crank drilled holes, I install tube fittings and run the oil lines roughly where the ...

Les Schubert

Jeffery
Well it weighs a LOT!!
I’ll try to weigh it sometime (probably part of the balancing). Fortunately the balance guy I’m going to use is pretty smart!!
I wonder about the comments about the sound. Personally I don’t expect anything unusual!

Les Schubert

Tim
My guess is it is made from a BIG chunk of round bar on a big engine lathe!! I used to have compressor crankshafts made that way (and a couple of antique car cranks too). No CNC required!

Les Schubert

This is very unusual crank (got it from Stan Howe). Decided I should make some progress. The cam of course is unique (320 lift and 215 degrees duration). I just realized that the rods I planned to use won’t fit so I am ordering some specials from Crower. Cylinders for bored and valves are done. Next...

Les Schubert

I use the turn off the gas with the engine on fast idle. I’ve never had any float valve problem

Les Schubert

Not like any I’ve seen. Very smooth curves and the ones available now aren’t like that. Really nice!

Les Schubert

Centre main bearing.

Les Schubert

Steve
Up here almost every old VW had a gas heater installed. I actually have one and it would be another option for a T as it is 6 volts

Les Schubert

Another option was installing a water pump and a heater inside the cab and a insulated hood and radiator cover. A thermostat was a useful addition in the upper radiator hose just above the connection for the cab heater. A electric heater installed at the bottom of the windshield helped visibility fo...

Les Schubert

James
I was pondering what the machine was as well. It seems to have a bundle feeder and some kind of straw chopper and a discharge elevator. Like nothing I’ve ever seen!!

Les Schubert

Helicoil makes a repair kit for the spark plug thread (1/2” npt). I have done them over the years and they work great.

Les Schubert

I’ve got a 13 Canadian T block in the shop. I will look tomorrow!!

Les Schubert

Standens in Calgary can make you a new reverse eye main leaf (they made me one a couple of years ago). I can help you with that if you want

Les Schubert

I’ll take the nylon gear. I’ve run various fiber and nylon gears for 48 years without a problem. But I am scrupulously careful about 100 mm cam to crank spacing and generator gear lash.

Les Schubert

A burned #4 exhaust valve is not a uncommon problem after some miles. With modern valve material slightly less often.
I’ve only used a compression tester on my cars but certainly have used the leak test on my airplanes.
All the best

Les Schubert

Nice looking engine Gary. Thank you for the pictures!!

Les Schubert

Jeffery As a small airplane pilot, in the “run up” prior to takeoff you switch the engine from running on both magnetos to running on each separately and you watch for a small drop in rpm (maybe up to 10%). EVERY light aircraft I’ve been in behaves similarly. That big fan on the front draws full hor...

Les Schubert

Harry Well you have seen my solution, a Nissan cap and rotor on a Bosch plate distributor firing a Onan dual plug coil. Fires both plugs at the same time every time. I am now making a copy of the distributor drive that I put on the 21 car 40 years ago and might make a dual plug version of it. The ni...

Les Schubert

I would be concerned by two things;
1. The straps are very close to the center of the differential and risk bending the housing from a big bump.
2. The right one seems really close to the exhaust outlet.

I would like them if they were located as far out as possible!!

Les Schubert

Further to Ricky’s post, about 20 years ago I put high dome pistons into my 13 engine with a 280 cam, a Chaffin intake, a Stromberg OF and a Trufire ignition. It has been a good tour car (probably 6,000 miles) reliable and easy to hand crank (it is a 13 after all and RHD)!!

Les Schubert

Further to Adrian’s posting, Canadian T’s all had 2 front doors!!

Les Schubert

I really like the Ruckstell but I really don’t like a 3:1 gear set!! A 12 tooth pinion so you have either a 3.25 or 3.33-1(depending on 39 or 40 tooth crown) I think is a great option for a Ruckstell where you live.

Les Schubert

I think a important factor is “how much of the work can you do yourself “?? If you are somewhat skilled and have access to a lathe and other tools, then here is my way. 1. Install a model A crank. Two options here. One is to relocate the block 5/8” ahead to deal with the extra length at the back of ...

Les Schubert

The “Silver Solder” I use is a form of brazing rod coated on the outside with flux and is quite strong. It also needs a fair amount of heat (compared to variations of plumbers solder). Typically I buy it at a welding supply. I hope this helps. One further thing, to get a good result the joint needs ...

Les Schubert

Some of the holes in the deck were required for supporting the casting cores. The so called “frost plugs” are a classic example!!!

Les Schubert

Thank you for the refreshing of how I got into reproduction of this. It was/is a interesting project. I got lucky last year and picked up a Scurlok and put it in a Ruckstell. I have a set of gears to make another one. Not particularly wishing to compete with Hank, but I have more copies of the Baile...

Les Schubert

Further to what I said above, that is why I have made a bolt in 5 main conversion for the stock T block. I have a Crower 5 main conversion crank!

Les Schubert

Hi So I still have the patterns to make the 5 main T block. I personally have one in cast iron (of which there are more in existence) and one (and only) in aluminum!! For these I have 5/16” lift camshafts. For the aluminum block I have a Gemsa head. I should caution you that I have been advised that...

Les Schubert

Will they be.020 or better? That would be my first criteria!

Les Schubert

Steven How much wear do you have where the bushings run? So you are going to remove about a foot of it and likely from the front end. If you chuck it in your lathe 3 jaw grabbing it where you will cut it off with the pinion end supported by a centre by the tail stock , how much runout do you have th...

Les Schubert

Jeffery
That 3 ohm concept is interesting. I will keep it in mind.
Thank you

Les Schubert

Never run a T generator disconnected!! For the stock T generator ground the output connection and then you are safe.

Les Schubert

50’s-60’s cars with 12 volts always had a resistor in the ignition circuit.
What coil are you using?

Les Schubert

Jonah over the years I have encountered quite a few model T people that have very little understanding of the science behind what happens inside the cylinder when the spark occurs and what is the optimum spark timing for the various operating conditions that are encountered as we drive. As a example...

Les Schubert

I don’t disagree with Hank, but in my case it is going on a only moderately modified T flathead (Prus head) with a T35 automatic transmission and Datsun B210 oil pump. So not really high performance but it needs to be easy to drive. Additionally I just got a fresh remanufactured Vega distributor for...

Les Schubert

About $10.00 of material and a hours time!!

Les Schubert

Here is a picture of a water pipe system that I made to facilitate test running a T engine. All made from plumbing fittings

Les Schubert

So I got a Vega distributor from Rockauto. Now tracking down the pair of helical gears and the shaft and bearing assembly and then I will make the housing. My motivation is to build a speedster that is easy for my wife to drive and automatic ignition advance will help.

Les Schubert

Interesting that this topic came up now. Some years ago (about 40), I made my own distributor drive for a T using a current production “dual advance”(centrifugal and vacuum) distributor. I sold the car about 25 years ago and then last Sunday I was invited to advise on some service items. The distrib...

Les Schubert

AC rear accessory brakes?

Les Schubert

: I hope this helps

Les Schubert

I would seriously consider relocating the coil to the front of the engine, probably to the rh water outlet bolt. I’ll look for a picture of mine.

Les Schubert

Well the first rule is DONT apply all that excess solder!! OK so it’s there, so now how to remove it. With careful use of a torch and a rag you can remove a lot of it. A good place to practice is with some copper plumbing pipe and solder and flux. Some fine grit sandpaper (600) can be useful. It wil...

Les Schubert

I was hoping for a picture of a T powered motorcycle!! I keep thinking about building one.
I like the picture of the BIG headlight. I have something similar that could be used!!

Les Schubert

In my youth I made a number of transformers for custom applications. Mostly for converting old battery radios to run of 110. The A voltage (1.5 volts) for the filaments, the B voltage (90 volts) for the main power and in some cases the C voltage of I think about 9 volts. The A was ok as AC. The B of...

Les Schubert

I have had good results from Sea Foam

Les Schubert

252668FF-E787-43E8-9F58-F6CE04D7532E.jpeg 139FCE73-6BBA-4FD9-9253-2B4C9B1B3D38.jpeg 0CFF34AB-67C7-435E-B3E2-4DAB04148B49.jpeg My variant The filter I bought at Canadian Tire. The tubing is a 1-1/4” sink trap. The carb adapter and the filter mounting plate I made. Has LOTS of filter capacity for cou...

Les Schubert

Jim
I’m pretty sure that Dan has that concern dealt with as I’m pretty sure he is running a “floating transmission shaft”!!

Les Schubert

Dennis
I like the idea. I’ve been running wood bands for about 15 years in my 27, but the brake is about done

Les Schubert

You don’t say what brand of bearing. I’ve always used a non Chinese name brand like SKF or Fafnir or similar with no trouble.

Les Schubert

The fact that there is no sump visible does not mean that one doesn’t exist. When I build a pressurized T engine I install a dam around the flywheel to keep it out of the oil. So it could provide a satisfactory sump to supply a VW pump on the back of the camshaft. Obviously I don’t know if this exis...

Les Schubert

I’ve responded on Facebook.
Have you changed the oil and filter?
I am probably going to suggest “blipping” the throttle. It’s worked for me on various engines including a A65 Continental aircraft engine

Les Schubert

Various of the early versions of coils didn’t have the “rebound spring” on the points (Heinz as a example). The behavior of each individual coil had a lot of variation. As stated above, the master vibrator solved some of the issues.

Les Schubert

To clarify I should have said “permanent magnet fields “!!

Les Schubert

The original T starter didn’t care about polarity when it came to rotation because of the wound field coils. Your new starter may have magnet fields and might be sensitive to polarity and rotation. I would certainly want to check outside the engine!!

Les Schubert

Now if you don’t have all the fancy era tools to do this then I would use my “bearing splitter puller”(available at better tool stores). It is a puller that you will get enough use of to justify the cost.

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