The Ford Barn

doug.nichols · 03-24-2018, 03:19 PM

I am wondering how/if a novice can evaluate the basic components of a model A engine while it is still in the car. Such as:

1. Does it have a high compression head?
2. Does it have babbit bearings?
3. Does it have a balanced crank?

Not sure I'm man enough to start pulling it all apart.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 03-24-2018, 03:36 PM

===

Bill Pursel · 03-24-2018, 03:51 PM

the hi comp head probably has cast marks you can see, the internals will probably need a boroscope to see

AL in NY · 03-24-2018, 05:17 PM

The high compression head can be checked by doing a compression check. A standard Model A head will have compression around 60 PSI. The police head will be 70-75 and the 5.5/6.0 HC head should be 90 to 100 PSI.

Chuck Sea/Tac · 03-24-2018, 05:59 PM

The synders high compression heads look stock on top

slammin · 03-24-2018, 06:06 PM

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I believe you could figure out the bearings and crank by dropping the oil pan.

1930-Pickup · 03-24-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug.nichols

I am wondering how/if a novice can evaluate the basic components of a model A engine while it is still in the car. Such as:

1. Does it have a high compression head?
2. Does it have babbit bearings?
3. Does it have a balanced crank?

Not sure I'm man enough to start pulling it all apart.

You have very good questions. I've always wondered about the compression on my c.1960 rebuild that looks perfectly stock, but has compression of 75 psi on all four cylinders. (I hope this doesn't become a complicated discussion about the inaccuracies of individual compression gauges

).

Other people already commented about pulling the pan to check the bearings and crankshaft. That's a good idea. You can give everything a good inspection while you're in there. Its not complicated to drop the pan, but you should read up about it first, especially regarding the oil pump.

Benson · 03-25-2018, 11:44 PM

***

Synchro909 · 03-26-2018, 06:34 AM

I think a compression test will tell you whether it has a high compression head. A peek in the sump with a bore scope should tell you about a balanced crank but only dropping the sump and removing a cap will tell you about the bearings.

WHN · 03-26-2018, 07:34 AM

I am assuming your car is running OK.

Why would you want to start dismantling the engine if you don’t have a problem.

If a doctor wanted to cut you open and check thinks out, even if you were feeling great. What would you say.

Having said that. I would recommend removing the oil pan on a car that is new to you. Clean it and clean and/or rebuild oil pump. I would not want you messing around with anything else under there unless you really know what your doing. Be careful putting pan back on. Oil pump needs to be attached in place first. There’s a nut on side of engine that will hold it in place.

A stock Model A Ford engine, that is well taken care of, will outlast most of us.

George Miller · 03-26-2018, 07:54 AM

If it is running good what difference does it make if it has babbitt or inserts. They both do the same job. If they are bad you will know by the noise they make.

Benson · 03-26-2018, 09:50 AM

...

Benson · 03-26-2018, 10:05 AM

...

Jerry in Shasta · 03-26-2018, 10:40 AM

Is it FREE

doug.nichols · 03-26-2018, 11:58 AM

The doctor analogy got me.....

100IH · 03-27-2018, 02:58 PM

I'd recommend driving it as it was born. Simple yet unique by today's standards. Best learning situation ever. An un-modified A will offer enough challenges to keep any new comer busy and challenged for years to come.

03-24-2018, 03:19 PM	#1
doug.nichols Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Olga, WA Posts: 184	Engine Evaluation for Dummies I am wondering how/if a novice can evaluate the basic components of a model A engine while it is still in the car. Such as: 1. Does it have a high compression head? 2. Does it have babbit bearings? 3. Does it have a balanced crank? Not sure I'm man enough to start pulling it all apart.

03-24-2018, 03:36 PM	#2
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies === __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF" Last edited by BILL WILLIAMSON; 03-24-2018 at 07:21 PM.

03-24-2018, 03:51 PM	#3
Bill Pursel Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Terre Haute, Indiana Posts: 90	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies the hi comp head probably has cast marks you can see, the internals will probably need a boroscope to see

03-24-2018, 05:17 PM	#4
AL in NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Upstate New York Posts: 1,160	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies The high compression head can be checked by doing a compression check. A standard Model A head will have compression around 60 PSI. The police head will be 70-75 and the 5.5/6.0 HC head should be 90 to 100 PSI. __________________ AL in NY

03-24-2018, 05:59 PM	#5
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies The synders high compression heads look stock on top

03-24-2018, 06:06 PM	#6
slammin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Fruita, CO Posts: 281	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I believe you could figure out the bearings and crank by dropping the oil pan.

03-25-2018, 11:44 PM	#8
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,595	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies *** Last edited by Benson; 03-26-2018 at 02:31 PM.

03-26-2018, 06:34 AM	#9
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies I think a compression test will tell you whether it has a high compression head. A peek in the sump with a bore scope should tell you about a balanced crank but only dropping the sump and removing a cap will tell you about the bearings. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

03-26-2018, 07:34 AM	#10
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,822	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies I am assuming your car is running OK. Why would you want to start dismantling the engine if you don’t have a problem. If a doctor wanted to cut you open and check thinks out, even if you were feeling great. What would you say. Having said that. I would recommend removing the oil pan on a car that is new to you. Clean it and clean and/or rebuild oil pump. I would not want you messing around with anything else under there unless you really know what your doing. Be careful putting pan back on. Oil pump needs to be attached in place first. There’s a nut on side of engine that will hold it in place. A stock Model A Ford engine, that is well taken care of, will outlast most of us. Last edited by WHN; 03-26-2018 at 01:08 PM.

03-26-2018, 07:54 AM	#11
George Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 2,975	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies If it is running good what difference does it make if it has babbitt or inserts. They both do the same job. If they are bad you will know by the noise they make.

03-26-2018, 09:50 AM	#12
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,595	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies ... Last edited by Benson; 03-26-2018 at 02:31 PM. Reason: Several corrections and additions

03-26-2018, 10:05 AM	#13
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,595	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies ... Last edited by Benson; 03-26-2018 at 02:31 PM.

03-26-2018, 10:40 AM	#14
Jerry in Shasta Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: (Old)Shasta (Redding) CA Posts: 385	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies Is it FREE __________________ Connoisseur of Rust

03-26-2018, 11:58 AM	#15
doug.nichols Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Olga, WA Posts: 184	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies The doctor analogy got me.....

03-27-2018, 02:58 PM	#16
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: Engine Evaluation for Dummies I'd recommend driving it as it was born. Simple yet unique by today's standards. Best learning situation ever. An un-modified A will offer enough challenges to keep any new comer busy and challenged for years to come.