Model T Boat Motor

Post by **jawa** » Sun Jan 18, 2026 1:58 pm

Turns over freely. Have not even tried to start. I picked up with plans to clean it up and get it running but I don't have the time. Cool piece. I can send more pictures if you contact me. $800 picked up in central New York.

frontyboy · Post by **frontyboy** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 12:51 pm

Just wondering if this is not a ground power unit, pump motor or farm unit to run farm machinery. I have seen several model t engines in marine applications, and none had the framework or radiator attached, and used the planetary transmission for propulsion.

Model t marine engines I have seen had direct sea water cooling. To me this unit appears to be a factory built stationary power unit. Just a suggestion I've been wrong before. If it was not 3000 miles from me on the right coast I could be interested.

just sayin,
frontyboy

Post by **Dan Hatch** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:00 pm

I would like to see the oil pan. Not looking to buy, just curious how they did it? Thanks Dan

Post by **Mike Silbert** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 7:12 pm

Besides the oil pan, I am curious about what they did to oil the bearings and the rest of the engine.
Way to far for me to go visit and I definitely do not need even more projects.

Mike

Post by **jawa** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 9:23 pm

It looks like a casted oil pan and my guess is there is some sort of oil pump that runs off the cam. If you look closely there is a little oil sight glass.

Post by **jawa** » Sat Jan 31, 2026 10:30 am

BTT new price

Post by **jawa** » Sun Feb 22, 2026 9:39 am

Bump to the top

Post by **Mike Silbert** » Sun Feb 22, 2026 12:13 pm

When I see this, I see a speedster build start.
It has a custom (high version) radiator shell to match the new custom hood you have to build.
All the modifications would allow someone to put a different transmission behind the Model T engine.
Frontenac made and sold an adapter kit similar to this setup that put a Model A 3 speed behind the Model T block.
Himico did their own version in a different way, so it was done back in the day.
The special pan, oil pump, the magneto all deserve to live again.
I hope it finds a good home.
I have too much backlog right now but it makes the brain run in high gear.

Mike

Post by **jawa** » Sun Feb 22, 2026 6:56 pm

That would be a great use. Probably if I didn't have so much going on I would venture to build another car.

Post by **J1MGOLDEN** » Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:33 pm

Several companies made boat engines with the Model T engine.

During my younger years, I was living in Clayton, NY where there is a very large boat museum, that I still often visit, and I have seen several different boat engines and there are several farm barns that have many in storage there.

Propeller shafts have to turn counter clockwise and the front of the engine was always hooked to the propeller shaft on all the ones I ever saw.

That engine is still different and very interesting though!

Post by **J1MGOLDEN** » Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:41 pm

I am looking closely and the magneto and water pump seem to turn together, but I cannot see how they can turn, but I can see where the oil line is connected to be energized by the #2 connecting rod.

Seems like the amount of water that could be pumped through that small hose line would not keep the engine comfortably cool, even while running at an idle.

Post by **J1MGOLDEN** » Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:13 pm

There was one company in Clayton making boat engines out of Model T Ford engines, but then, they did not look much like a Model T engine. They had a double oil pan with the transmission on the opposite end, no radiator, but a two inch pipe carried fresh water across the exhaust manifold for cooling.

This brass tag was on the transmission cover.