Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

There has been some discussion on another forum that the Zephyr V12 of the 1940's was a real crap engine. Poor HP and other performance issues. Is that because of the tiny pistons?

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

Partly, I helped restore a 40 Continental Convertible and the hydraulic lifters were a big problem. Put in solids and it ran well. The 46-8 V12s were better.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

Lots of cracked blocks in V-12s.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

Was that the result of forging problems with those huge blocks?

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

Blocks are cast. That is different to forged.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

They were not a lugger, more like a V8 60 that likes higher RPM. Most big cars from that era were high torque motors that ran fine in high gear at lower speeds. That type of driving was not conducive to long life for the Lincoln 12. As noted earlier, if the lifters were working and one kept the RPM's up, they were a decent engine. A Cadillac V8 or Packard straight 8 had more power and were a much more flexible engine for a heavy car.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

I’ve torn down more V-12 engines that I care to remember but can’t say that I’ve seen any cracking like the V-8 blocks. They have their share of problems but I’ve not experienced cracking issues. Usually lots of wear on the crank and cam journals. When I rebuilt my V-12 I done away with the hydraulic lifters and had a cam ground to the Isky 77b profile . Bored it to .020 over 2 15/16”. Runs great with plenty of power and no heating issues.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

The Lincoln transmission gear sets along with overdrives were good for the heavy cars. If well cared for, the Lincoln V12 did just fine. As was already mentioned, improvements were made over time that made them even better. They are larger so not necessarily a good choice to fit into smaller engine compartments. Weight kept them from being seriously considered for hot rods. That's why the high performance stuff is kind of rare for them. They were lighter than the later 337 V8 of 1949 but that's not saying much.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

The Lincoln V12 was one of the smoothest running engines I ever saw. We started one up on an old tire and just let it run for a while. I think the guy wanted a 1oo bucks for it. Wish I bought it. I'll bet the 107b cam in one of those was a winner. Imagine the sound??

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

I have build 14 V12 over the years and only a few with solid lifters the rest hydraulics . They ran smooth. Even this guy on the driver seat liked it !!



Frenchy

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

The V-12 in my opinion is a GREAT engine, and designed oddly. Is it essentially two 6 cylinder engines (study the crank and ignition on one and you will see what I mean.

While I have only messed with a couple, if you rid yourself of the hydraulic lifters and have the separate ignition points timed properly they run quite well and are incredibly smooth. They do not seem to have a lot of torque or substantial power, but when properly set up, seem to run smoother than the V-8 counterparts.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

frenchy, i L O V E that car & the V 12 is .....outstanding !!! I want it.....

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

The 60 deg 12 cylinder configuration, is the only one that can be balanced in all harmonics. Many famous racing engines have been built using this system. Our favorite V8 can only be balanced mechanically as with others . However, there are several Harmonics that can't be removed. One ocores in the 5000 rpm range,
I can't remember all of this "stuff" because it waz along time ago iwas in school. There are probably others on the forum that can explain it better. It;s one reason a Harmonic balancer is agood idea.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

frenchy, your car is the cat's meow! Well done.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1577761314
This little Lincoln V12 seems at home in this engine bay. Very nice.

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

I have removed the harmonic balancer on my engine . The engine was balanced without it and the engine runs smoothly. The reason why I have removed it is because it would of hit part of the frame and I would of had to move the radiator forward more for it to fit. And I have an electric fan instead.



Frenchy

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

That is just a work of Art! Very nice.


Mike

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

Thank You Mike !!



Frenchy

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

You have to remember on the V12 engines with hydraulic lifters it is necessary to change the oil at least every 1,500 miles or so depending how much you drive the car as the oil is loosing its viscosity the hydraulic lifter are getting this real thin oil that is breaking down as it gets dirty and seem the lifters are not working as well to push the valves to open. These lifters are very critical to be kept cleaned. If you have the adjustable Johnson lifters not as much of a problem but you will need to use the correct cam for these adjustable lifters as the cam profile is different for them than the hydraulic cam.


Thanks
Frenchy

Re: Lincoln V12 a crap engine?
 

For their intended use no. For performance YES