MTFCA Forum

What’s the consensus on O ring seals on pedal shafts in the hog’s head?

Do it or don’t?

If so, how best?

Keeps them from leaking that is for sure!

Just Sayin'

Hank

Sealing the shafts is a good thing IF you understand that the prevailing trick using O-rings will starve the low pedal shaft of lubrication. It's an inelegant ad-hoc solution relying on uncontrolled compression of the o-ring.

A better solution is to machine the outside of the hogs-head bosses for small lip seals.

In either case, you will also want to watch your reverse and brake cams to see if they get any, or enough oil, or have to provide additional lube as necessary during operation.

Scott_Conger wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2020 10:06 am

..... In either case, you will also want to watch your reverse and brake cams to see if they get any, or enough oil, or have to provide additional lube as necessary during operation.

Point well taken. Not indicated on the lube chart.

Lead in paints and gasoline, asbestos as fireproofing and in friction linings, talc (soapstone) to lubricate inner tubes and in baby powder, oil leaking from automobiles. All commonly encountered fifty years ago, and certainly in the heyday of the Model T. The current generation goes into paroxysms of fear for their lives at their very mention, as if they were to encounter the Black Death, or perhaps more apropos, Ebola or Corona viruses.

Perhaps rightfully so, but from the beginning, Model Ts leaked oil, which was actually to their benefit (within reason). One might as well study on how to keep one’s horse from defecating.

I think there is enough of a chamfer on the cams to allow for an O ring?

I’ve done it on three engines and well worth the small effort. Larry, I didn’t find the chamfer large enough, but a couple seconds with a large countersink does the trick. It’s a good time to replace the hogshead pedal cams, and the ones supplied by Snyder’s are a fabulous reproduction. Some of the nicest reproduction parts I’ve ever seen.

Good timeing on this thread as I was wondering what to do in a few weeks when I get to the hogs head on my speedster.I had already about decided to let the dang thing drip if it wanted to as I have taken the pedal shafts out of 1 hoghead once and it was a pain in the "backside".

And yes, Scott, that’s part of my small oil can routine. Good thing I have a handy dandy spring loaded oil can bracket holding my oil can under my hood ( or headbolt )

Here are the shaft seals I put on mine.
.

I have used a large tapered reamer and chamfered out the pedal cams and used regular O rings in the past.
Bob, please tell us about the seals you use and your installation technique.

: ^ )

Keith

Clean the metal around the shaft extremely well. Perhaps brake cleaaner or some such degreaser. Lightly lube the shaft then apply silicone sealer around the shaft & on the surrounding metal. The silicone wont stick to the shaft but should adhere t the caseing metal if properly cleaned. Let it set up and I'm betting you'll end up with the chepest easiest stop leak fix. Not sure how long it'll last but maybe worth a shot.

THANKS ALL!!!

And be sure to put a tarp under that horse.