Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

I'm an Early Ford V-8 guy...but I need some Model A help. What can you tell me about an early '28 block with a 5 bearing cam? Are they desirable? We just got one with some early V-8 parts...

The block looks good. No visible cracks or repairs in the block and it's only bored .015 over. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Neal

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

sounds like a good block to build a stock engine with. Some guys like the 5 main cam because they can use stiffer valve springs and have no cam flex. But, OTOH, the early blocks have weaker rear main bosses than the later blocks.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

You don't want one of those old 5-bearing Muddle A blocks. I'll give you $35 for it, including shipping to Portland, just to help you get it out of your way.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Ok thanks...lemme know where to send it. :rolleyes:

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

....with the block number, to the right guy, who knows.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

The above answers are all good. As a side note the cam could be worth something as the Donovan engine uses that cam. Ford made 3 versions of the 5 bearing cam, the first had all 5 bearings ground to the same size, this is the one Donovan uses. As the 5 bearing blocks were used up, the next version had all 5 ground, but the 2 intermediate ones were smaller, in the 3rd version those bearings were just rough-turned on a lathe. The smaller bearings allowed quicker installation into the block.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look at the cam and see what condition it is in.

Thanks again,

Neal

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Does the block have a number? If not, where is the number pad and what size is it? If it is/was a three or four digit # it is worth more than $35. I have three 3 digit cars and two 4 digit cars. I'm one of those guys Marco was referring to.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

It's a 170,000 number...which is June of '28 I think.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Interesting. I have one where the oil line is drilled from the timing gear chamber, not a tube that was added later. The hole at the timing gear end is closed with a flat head screw.
clem

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Interesting that an engine that late is 5 main. Will have to look at some of my later blocks. Thank you for responding.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Steve,

This is from my engine block data...

5 OR 3 CAMSHAFT BEARINGS

5 # 481,204 OCTOBER 03, 1928
3 # 492,408 OCTOBER 06, 1928 (11,204)
(SEE FORD SERVICE BULLETIN: JANUARY, 1929)
(CONTINUED THROUGH END OF PRODUCTION)

THE “RELEASE” INFORMATION OF SEPTEMBER 28, 1928, INDICATED:
· “REMOVED SECOND AND FOURTH CAMSHAFT BEARINGS”.


Pluck

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Hi Neil, I believe we have the same engine. I just posted yesterday Barn Find. Take a look, https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36596

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

I think posting the block number, or partial number, of any block for sale or inquiry
is a good deal. It helps the people trying to ID the block and/or the anal group, that
would be me, looking for the block from their chassis. Yes, it is a needle in a hay
stack, but I care. Thanks again Neal.

Looking for block#...A 352,XXX...

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

It just looks like you have a 5 bearing cam,.....the block looks like it only has
3 cam bearings..

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

If the block is original and numbers matching, it must be during the mix and match transition period. My numbers matching engine from my 9-27-28 Phaeton has the 5 bearing block and 5 bearing cam, but the 2nd and 4th bearings are rough undercut and not used. My engine number is 404378.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

Later blocks made in 1931 have stiffeners added to the rear transverse web making them stronger. Also, later blocks have better coolant flow.

Although the 5-bearing cam has a better load distribution than the later 3-bearing cams, the 5-bearing supports were not necessary. The maximum cam bending moment is reacted by the center support where the oil pump & distributor drive gear is situated.

By the way, camshaft thrust loads are reacted by a spring loaded plunger in the front timing gear cover of the engine. The thrust loads come primarily from the torque of the oil pump & distributor drive mechanism.

Re: Model A Engine w/ 5 bearing cam?
 

My 1928 Sport Coupe 10-8-28 has the 5 main cam and block. All 5 bearings are to size on the cam and in the block. This is the original engine it has the solid front engine mount, and equalizing brakes. I have the title from 1938. all numbers match.