Intro & Adjustable Lifters Question

[J.Ukrop]

Hi everyone,

My name is Joey and I purchased my first Model A in the late summer. It's a 1930 roadster that hasn't run in a long time. When I was inspecting the valves prior to the first fireup, I noticed that everything was extremely clean and that it had adjustable lifters installed. Were these ever stock on Model A's or do you think someone had been through the engine before me?

(I'm building the car into an early-style hot rod, hence the FSI and different ignition wires).

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I've been lurking on here for some time, but I thought I'd introduce myself and ask.

Thank you in advance!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

All factory original Valve Push Rods (-a/k/a lifters) were non-adjustable. It would appear someone has made some upgrades to your engine.

Welcome to Fordbarn as an official poster!!

[J.Ukrop]

Thank you for the speedy reply, @Brent. The engine fires easily and runs smoothly. I am wondering if the previous owner did any other work to it. I am happy with it for the time being!

[alexiskai]

I was just looking through the documentation for my coupe, and I found the original invoice for its last engine overhaul in 1984. The owner had cracks in the block repaired, cylinders bored out to .100, connecting rod bearings to .040, crankshaft adjusted, babbitt redone, valve seat inserts, new crankshaft gear, and adjustable lifters. None of that except the lifters is apparent when you're just eyeballing it, so it's certainly possible that more work has been done on yours.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

I was just looking through the documentation for my coupe, and I found the original invoice for its last engine overhaul in 1984. The owner had cracks in the block repaired, cylinders bored out to .100, connecting rod bearings to .040, crankshaft adjusted, babbitt redone, valve seat inserts, new crankshaft gear, and adjustable lifters. None of that except the lifters is apparent when you're just eyeballing it, so it's certainly possible that more work has been done on yours.

I wonder exactly what he "adjusted" on the crankshaft??

[Chuck Dempsey]

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Welcome aboard, Joey. Enjoy your 'A'!

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I wonder exactly what he "adjusted" on the crankshaft??

I knew you'd hit me on that... this is my recollection of the invoice which I do not have in front of me and which used a lot of shorthand. I believe it referred to correcting the journals for the new ID on the connecting rods and perhaps also the babbitt bearings.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome to the Barn Joey, I have been following you on the HAMB. Keep up the good work.


Mike

[Jim Brierley]

Joey,

You may be interested in my book 4-bangers and me? It is about modifying the A/B engines for performance and reliability. e-mail me at jimb4e4@gmail.com for details.

[J.Ukrop]

Thank you everyone for your input. The engine runs smooth and strong. I am looking forward to getting it dialed in for some longer drives.

[Synchro909]

FYI, If your crankshaft journals are 0.040" under size, that is the limit. It you need to rebuild it again, you'll need another less worn or new crankshaft.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.