May, 1928 Engine Block
 

I have a 28 AA with a Howe Fire Apparatus body that has all of the markings of an early 28. Wire wheels, single shoe rear brakes, left side brake handle, etc. The engine ran well, but after a few hundred miles, threw a center main bearing. It did not leak oil or water. Since it failed in the middle of parade season, I quickly replaced it with a rebuilt short block with the idea to rebuild the blown one. I stripped the block and found a JB Weld repair in the water jacket just above the water inlet that goes all the way from front to back, so this baby froze at least once. The serial number on the block does not match the serial number for the truck. Now the question: is this a keeper to be repaired correctly, since it's a 28 or should I just toss it?

Frank

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

I say, keep it and make it right as the amount of early or even made in '28 blocks is dwindling.

My 2¢

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

Hmm since its not matching to the truck I would rebuild a non cracked candidate. BUT I wouldnt just scrap this one. What condition are the valve seats and cylinders in? Has it been bored over before?

Theres lots of blocks out there over the years that have been repaired and running today so I wouldnt let the water jacket crack scare you away. Do you know why the center main let loose?

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

I did not measure any of the holes, since I needed to replace it quickly. The valves look decent as well as the seats. I know what you mean about not being scared of cracks in the water jacket, but I hesitate to put a lot of money into a block with a crack this long... It looks like the center main babbit peeled off in sheets and plugged the oil hole. It needs all new babbit.

Frank

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

The big ?? is, Just what is the block #s ?? A three or four #d one keep for sure.. Others can be found, But are getting on the short side now..

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

Serial is A1559789 (May 1928) I would guess it's available...

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

That looks to be a May of 1929 #

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

Yes! I stand corrected. I mis-read the chart. Now I really have a paper weight....

Re: May, 1928 Engine Block
 

I have a block that sounded perfect when it ran, and it didn't leak water, but as I was cleaning it up to use in my 28 I found 2 cracks about 2 1/2" long. I sandblasted them and pushed JB Weld into the crack, but doubt that any really got inside the crack, as it was tight already. Anyway if the babbit is good then I'd use the engine.