Just acquired a "1913" Speedster - questions? Make it Happy!

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Catbird
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2020 7:12 am
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Marsh
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Speedster, 1914 Touring, 1923 Depot Hack, 1925 Calliope, 1926 Pickup, 1927 Speedster
Location: Stone Mountain, GA, USA

Just acquired a "1913" Speedster - questions? Make it Happy!

Post by Catbird » Thu Jan 26, 2023 8:06 am

I just received a 1913 Speedster. Seems to be an incredible build, everything looks new, but zero documentation - I will be asking a lot of questions. I am mostly an old car guy, Packard, Pierce, Thomas, Napier, Cadillac. I recognize that Model T, I have several. It is a very tough car, but unique in many aspects. I have studied the history and lineage, but, now "hands on" and would like to do it properly.

First, Oil? I use 15w/40 heavy duty diesel oil in my brass cars. Is this be well in a Model T? I drained through the upper petcock and got an almost 3/4 full glass mason jar. Obviously over full!

Second thinking about adding a sight glass on the lower petcock? Are these recommended? Looks like a very good idea. I plan no off-road touring! It could otherwise be ok?

Third, I have a new KC Warford and a Ruckstell axle. What grease/oil?

My engine block has the number 50 36 59. This seems to be 1914 or 1915? I am less interested in whether my car is a 1913, but more so as to what year parts fit it. There does seem to be a range from '08 to '27. But where and what.


I am compiling a library of Model T books. Have not tried to start the speedster. I am starting with oil and grease.
Attachments
1903 Engine number.jpg
Bill

You can dissect a Model T; but you can’t kill it!


Petrah Phyre
Posts: 151
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:57 pm
First Name: Sean
Last Name: Pownall
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Speedster
Location: Custer, SD
MTFCA Number: 52944
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Just acquired a "1913" Speedster - questions? Make it Happy!

Post by Petrah Phyre » Thu Jan 26, 2023 11:02 am

Bill, you will get a better response on if you post this in the general forum. I know the 'what oil' alone will create quite the input. I , personally, run 15w40 in everything I own.

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Steve Jelf
Posts: 6463
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
MTFCA Number: 16175
MTFCI Number: 14758
Board Member Since: 2007
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Re: Just acquired a "1913" Speedster - questions? Make it Happy!

Post by Steve Jelf » Wed Mar 29, 2023 12:54 am

I hope the overfill isn't from coolant or fuel leaking into the pan.

Oil: Yes, that will be fine. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG103.html

Oil sight gauge: No. It sometimes appears full when it's empty. If it gets broken or develops a leak you lose your oil. I clamp a piece of clear plastic tubing on the petcocks and only open them when I'm checking the level. When it gets down to half full I add a quart. You can buy or make a checking rod to reach the petcocks without crawling under.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

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