Compression

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Flyingpiper59
Posts: 140
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 6:02 pm
First Name: Edwin
Last Name: Douglas
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 27 Tudor
Location: Millport, PA

Compression

Post by Flyingpiper59 » Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:26 pm

Good afternoon Forum Chums,

I am soliciting your input as to what I should be seeing in terms of compression on my model T…… I am on the road and I don’t have any of my manuals with me…… I plan to do the compression test when I get home in a couple of days……. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what I should have in terms of what’s good?
what’s OK?……and what is a problem!….. As always, appreciate your help and many thanks!
Cheers!


J1MGOLDEN
Posts: 1233
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:39 pm
First Name: James
Last Name: Golden
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Model T Roadster
Location: Bowie, MD

Re: Compression

Post by J1MGOLDEN » Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:33 pm

The formula is Sea Level air pressure (about 14.5) times the compression ratio, which is close to 4.

That equals 58 psi.

A Model T engine will start and run with only 40 psi, with very little power.

50 to 60 psi is good to excellent, unless you have Domed Pistons or a High Compression Head.

You can only have one or the other, but the Domed Pistons should give 60 to 75 psi.

The High Compression Heads can give you 90 to 120 psi.


speedytinc
Posts: 4729
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First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Compression

Post by speedytinc » Tue Nov 08, 2022 4:35 pm

A fresh motor should be 60# consistent. I had an old motor that ran ok with 50#. I would be unhappy with less.
I was surprised to see some folks running with 40# & happy.


Art M
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Touring
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Board Member Since: 2016

Re: Compression

Post by Art M » Tue Nov 08, 2022 8:57 pm

At 40 psi. the car will run fairly well, but a little slow starting At 60 psi the engine performs much better. This is what I experienced. A valve grind got it to 50. New rings brought it to 62. Standard head. 23 touring car

Art Mirtes


Topic author
Flyingpiper59
Posts: 140
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 6:02 pm
First Name: Edwin
Last Name: Douglas
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 27 Tudor
Location: Millport, PA

Re: Compression

Post by Flyingpiper59 » Wed Nov 09, 2022 3:33 pm

Thank y’all

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