what`s this on my timing cover?
 

I bought this engine yesterday its a june 1928 engine. I dont remember seeing this bolt where the cam spring is. I have 4 other A engines that dont have this. Its a AA3521481* dont know so ill ask the experts thanks ,Dave

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

i had one like that . It was used to tighten the tension on the cam spring!

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Was this a Ford thing or a backyard fix?

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Probably a farmer fix for an industrial engine, such as used on the old combines.

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Aftermarket, but a keeper. You'll gain some steadiness at low idle if you employ that. It can be used to keep enough tension on the timing gear to stop the helical walk between the cam and crank pulley.


Tim

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

I saw something similar in secrets mag, I thought it was a good upgrade. So what I did was drill thru the existing bore to the outside where the plunger and spring sits. Then tap the hole 3/4 fine. I used 3/4 all thread rod 1 3/4" long with a jam nut, in a lathe I faced off both ends of the rod and cut a screw driver slot in one end. It eliminates the plunger and spring. When installed, I ran the screw in then backed off 1/8 of a turn.
nick

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

several engine builders use that trick now, with a torrington bearing on the camshaft face. Jay Steele used to use it, it was one of the tell tale signs of his engine.

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Thank`s fellows the wisdom on here is something to behold. It goes to show nothing replaces experiance ,age and a good memory. I just wish i could retain some of it ! Thanks again....Dave

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Tim,

The direction of the helix cut(left or right) denotes which way it " loads " the
cam shaft. The Model A will load it back, the 32-48 Ford V/8 is also the same,
the 49-53 has an opposite helix and loads to the front, BUT has a thrust button
to stop the cam from screwing it self out the front cover. Even when doing a
49-53 I use a earlier gear set, works better.
Jay Steele, of Taylor Engines, is a sharp engine builder.

Dudley

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Not an "A" guy but since the bolt is in a cast boss it would be original. Hercules and others used similar to set end play in cam and accesssory drives.

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Yep, That's why you use it. No matter what direction the cam moves you want to retain that setting and take any advance/retard play out of it.

Tim

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Jay Steele was indeed a good builder. He passed a few years ago.

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Art,

I didn't know.....sad,....GOOD guy.

Dudley

Thank you.

Re: what`s this on my timing cover?
 

Dudley,
Jay Steele...WAS one of the best! May he rest in peace!
BTW..about a year/two ago an engine built by Jay was sold on ebay(up around Sacramento delta area). As a testimony to Jays' rep and work....it sold for 10K or so. Winfield equipped, if I remember correctly, and NEVER even run! Probably one of the guys here have it,eh?