Model A News: Overhead Cam

[BrianBurkert]

I liked the article in the last Model A News about the overhead cam engine that was tested in a Model A.

My question is: Where are the spark plugs in that engine? Also, I don't see the appropriate number of valve lifters in the one photo. What am I missing?

Brian

[d.j. moordigian]

Brian,

1. Lower left color photo...spark plugs on passenger side, between the EX. ports.
2. Upper right B&W photo...some of the "cups" are missing that actuate the valves,
note, one of the valves is missing(top of the same photo) out of the head.

Dudley

[BrianBurkert]

Thanks, Dudley. I'll have to check that out when I get home.

[BrianBurkert]

Dudley,

I'm looking right at the photo, and on the passenger side of the engine head I only see the exhaust manifold, a water outlet, and an access plate. No spark plugs. Am I blind or crazy? Maybe they sent me a special photoshopped magazine to drive me nuts.

The top right black and white photo still perplexes me.

The article says the distributor was mounted on the driver side of the engine. You'd think they'd put the plugs over there. There are four little plug-like objects in the block on that side but they don't appear to be spark plugs (they at at the wrong place, anyway).

For those who don't get the MAN, this is on pages 46-47 of the Jan-Feb issue. The subject is a ca. 1930/31 overhead cam engine that Ford installed in a Model A for testing. It's a strange duck.

Brian

[BrianBurkert]

I E-mailed Charlie Yapp, the originator of the OHC article. He said the dummy plugs on the driver side of the block are indeed the spark plug ports.

It stumped me that the plugs were in the block and not the head. Judging by the patent drawings that Charlie sent me, I'd guess this puppy had a wicked compression ratio.

Ford applied for a patent on this engine in 1932 and patent was granted in 1935. I digress: I'm not into speed or modifications, but this Model A era R&D piece was interesting to me.

[frank55a]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There is also an interesting article about the Hal-Hed in the March/April 2008 Model A News. This was also an overhead cam conversion for Model A and AA engines. It was sold by Ford Dealers. Apparently off the shelf this head developed 80 HP.