The Ford Barn

Hoovercw · 06-18-2019, 09:02 AM

I adjust the shims in my rods every 10k miles. This last go around I found a bad babbitt job on rod 2 that required replacing the rod. I know its not kosher ( balanced rods and stuff) but its running again.

Ernie Vitucci · 06-18-2019, 11:25 AM

Good Morning all...I would suggest checking with your local Model A Club and see if they have a person who has experience checking and setting rods and mains. Ask them to assist the first time and teach you. Once you know, you will be more confident. Ernie in Arizona

ursus · 06-18-2019, 10:14 PM

My childhood neighbor had been a mechanic going back to the Model T era. He once showed me how he tested rod bearings without taking off the caps. He used a small copper-headed "sounding hammer" to tap on the bearing caps. By tapping on them from different angles and listening for the sound and watching the movement of oil around the edges he could estimate if there was too much clearance and some adjustment was needed. It seemed like some kind of voodoo to me but he claimed it was done by mechanics back in the day.

06-18-2019, 09:02 AM	#21
Hoovercw Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 63	Re: Checking rod and main bearings I adjust the shims in my rods every 10k miles. This last go around I found a bad babbitt job on rod 2 that required replacing the rod. I know its not kosher ( balanced rods and stuff) but its running again.

06-18-2019, 11:25 AM	#22
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 612	Re: Checking rod and main bearings Good Morning all...I would suggest checking with your local Model A Club and see if they have a person who has experience checking and setting rods and mains. Ask them to assist the first time and teach you. Once you know, you will be more confident. Ernie in Arizona

06-18-2019, 10:14 PM	#23
ursus Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,374	Re: Checking rod and main bearings My childhood neighbor had been a mechanic going back to the Model T era. He once showed me how he tested rod bearings without taking off the caps. He used a small copper-headed "sounding hammer" to tap on the bearing caps. By tapping on them from different angles and listening for the sound and watching the movement of oil around the edges he could estimate if there was too much clearance and some adjustment was needed. It seemed like some kind of voodoo to me but he claimed it was done by mechanics back in the day.