04-15-2020, 06:42 AM | #1 |
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A Engines
Hi, so has anyone rebuilt an a engine with the inserts that replace the habit? I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'd really like to hear from those who have done this replacement of poured babbit. And was it really a success and I'd really like to know about failures too. Also I have a couple of worn out blocks I'd like to give away to someone who might save them as opposed to scrapping them. Thanks very much.
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04-15-2020, 07:18 AM | #2 |
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Re: A Engines
Gino, What is it about those blocks that says they are worn out? Short of disastrous physical damage, just about anything can be reconditioned. I've seen blocks with the camshaft bearings so worn you could almost put the crankshaft in there, yet they were bushed and the motors run as well as ever and will for a long time yet.
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04-15-2020, 09:01 AM | #3 |
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Re: A Engines
A non-salvageable block can be used to make cutaways for club seminars, or a base for a round table in a man cave.
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04-15-2020, 09:05 AM | #4 | |
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Re: A Engines
Quote:
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04-15-2020, 11:54 AM | #5 |
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Re: A Engines
To me they are rebuild-able as long as the cracks are easily repairable.
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04-15-2020, 12:28 PM | #6 |
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Re: A Engines
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04-15-2020, 12:45 PM | #7 |
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Re: A Engines
I had a fellow in carson city rebuild my B engine with block inserts ,alum alloy i think.... turned crank, stock rebuilt rods..2000 miles on it.. runs good..
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04-15-2020, 03:02 PM | #8 |
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Re: A Engines
Hi, maybe I should explain a little, I’m moving to Camden South Caroline at the end of may.
When I get there I hope to find a reliable shop to rebuild the engine in my Model A Pickup. I will also take one of the worn engines with me and I was thinking of installing inserts and what ever other after market parts in that engine if the result would leave me with a good running spare and I would have a lot fun doing it. I’m sure all the worn out engines could be rebuilt, but the funny thing is no one wants to lend $5000 to rebuild one. Thanks again |
04-15-2020, 04:12 PM | #9 | |
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Re: A Engines
Quote:
The rebuild doesn't end there. The camline will need to be sleeved. The lifter bores will most likely need to be bored oversize and new lifters made. Many times the cam thrust face will be worn and need sleeving. One really good thing about inserts is, the cam to crank centerline can be maintained original which is many times ignored with babbit. |
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04-15-2020, 05:30 PM | #10 | |
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Re: A Engines
Quote:
What do they do to the engine for a $5K rebuild and would that be babbit or inserts?
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04-15-2020, 07:52 PM | #11 |
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Re: A Engines
I just had a block rebuilt. 1) new bearings, 2) bigger intake valves, 3)high lift cam, 4) balanced crank, 5) high compression head, 6) lightened flywheel, 7) V8 clutch, $5225. I did an exchange to save some time. About another $220 to ship the new one to me, and ship mine back. They stamped the block with my original number. I haven't got it in the car yet. I also decided to put a 4 speed synchro transmission behind it. I hope it is a nice car to tour with.
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04-15-2020, 08:45 PM | #12 |
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Re: A Engines
I too have thought machine shops and rebuilding shops have gotten overpriced here: I get it good work costs money but.... that's why I am doing most of the engine work.
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04-15-2020, 08:52 PM | #13 |
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Re: A Engines
When I said we had noticed things becoming more expensive, I wasn't just talking about engine work. Everything has gone up in price but so long as we pay attention to our personal security, it is still a nice place to visit. There have been several times when American friends have been horrified when we walked he few hundred metres at dusk to say, a diner for dinner - something we wouldn't think twice abouthere. It's all part of the experience, IMO
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04-16-2020, 05:32 PM | #14 |
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Re: A Engines
I wonder why it is that I see so many model fords with pinto engines in them.??
Actually I think the reason the rebuilds are getting so expensive is because they can get it. I did complete rebuilds on two A engines and a partial (no Babbitt) on a Russian B and I made out ok without charging that kind of money. I’m sure a lot of shops charge for know who to get the Babbitt done by, who to turn an A crank, and they b s the cusomer into believing nobody else knows how to do certain things on an A. Like finagle the fernortner rods n wipe the cylinders the correct way with none detergent monkey swet. |
04-18-2020, 07:38 AM | #15 |
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Re: A Engines
Gino- if you move to SC you will be reasonably close to James Rogers in Asheville NC- very good rebuilder- he's on this board......
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04-18-2020, 09:38 AM | #16 |
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Re: A Engines
Turlock sells a complete engine w/inserts for $4800.
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