MTFCA Forum

New to Model T engine assembly. I have rebuilt other engines in the past and had to align timing marks on the cam and crank gears.
I am in the process of doing a valve job and putting new rings on the pistons for my '26 Coupe. Have read and watched
some videos and it seems that after the valves were installed they just put the pistons in. Did I miss
something where possibly number one valves have to be in a certain position to get the piston at TDC.
I have a Model T service manual and did not find an explanation in there either.
Any help would be appreciated.

align timing marks on crank/cam and you're done

in-line 4 engines are pretty straight forward

Yes it’s pretty straight forward. When the timing marks on the cam gear and the crankshaft gear are in line it works itself out whether you have the valves or pistons installed or not. Always worked for me.

Perhaps worth mentioning here- it does not relate to valve timing but the pistons/pins and connecting rods do have a specific orientation when mounted in the bores and on the crank, in relation to “front and back” or “cam side/not cam side” of the engine.
Some day I will learn to include a link to another thread, in the meantime search “piston orientation, mtfca” for several threads if you are not already aware. -Chris, in Boulder

William,
FYI, if your connecting rod bolts are questionable after dozens of removals in the past 100 years, they may be replaced with small block Chevy rod bolts. The knurling needs to be filed or ground down but that's easy in a drill press or lathe. Make sure you replace all of them as they weigh 9 grams less (or more, I don't remember) than a stock T nut-bolt-cotter combination. They also don't need the cotters and torque at about 45 ft/lbs. Depending on how many shims are left, the additional torque may take up 1-2 thousandths of your clearance at the crank. Good luck.

True the rods have to be pointing to the cam shaft on the power stroke? Someone please chime in

wrist pin bolts are on the camshaft side on the power stroke...(and all other strokes as well )

Expansion slot in aluminum piston goes toward camshaft side; am I correct, or do I have it backwards.

Slot go's on the other side of the cam on a T engine, some get confused on which side of the bore is the power thrust, which is the cam side. There is an arrow on the top that should point to the front of an engine.