ford B engine

[Beater]

hello gents, I don't think ive posted in this section before, so here goes. brought home what appears to be a industrial ? ford B engine. it was coupled to a welder and running it not that long ago it feels prity good. I removed all the goveners and extra home made tin work and all that to clean it up. now I do not know much about the B engine, lots about the A however. is there any way to tell without takeing off the pan to see if I have a balanced crank? and with this engine are the mains preasure oiled? anything else I should know feel free to please

edit looks like the original paint under the grime is silver I took lotsa pics if anyone wants to see something else

[DavidG]

Judging from your photos, given the engine number on the bell housing (which indicates that the engine was manufactured in April, 1934), the post-'33 generator, and starter motor, it is highly likely that the engine has a counterbalanced crankshaft as that went into production late in the '32 model year with all fours having the new crankshaft after engine number B5175103. You can satisfy yourself that is so equipped by pulling out the oil filler tube and with the use of a good flashlight you can see if it has the counterbalanced crankshaft (without removing the crankshaft).

The only minor inconsistencies are that the intake manifold is the earliest '32 version and the front timing gear cover is the '32 version, but the exhaust manifold is the '33-'34 version. The front of the engine is supported by what appears to be a modified '32 front cross member, which is consistent with the '32 timing gear cover.

The main bearings are oiled under pressure, but not the rod bearings.

[Beater]

ive been reading up, and thanks very much for the info/ help. does the oil filler tube pull straight out? pressed in?

I didn't mention that it also has a double groove main pully

[DavidG]

I noticed the pulley, but it's purpose is unclear. While not shown, the water pump was likely the '32 version, otherwise the pump and generator pullies would not be aligned (the generator's position being governed by the '32 timing gear cover).
The oil filler tube is press fit and normally easily worked out of the cylinder block.

[Beater]

well I went and pulled the filler tube, not exactly sure what im seeing anyone have a pic of a balanced / unbalanced crank? where should the weights be ?opposite side of the rod side of the crank I guess? she looks prity much like an A in there

ok I got it figured out. it looks to be a balanced crank. so yahoo

next question, will an A head fit on this block? and will an A exhaust and intake bolt on aswell?

is the preasure plate the same as the A?

[cas3]

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tomorrow i could get you a pic from my stash, but if you are familiar with model a cranks, the early b looks the same with round square corner weights at each end of a rod journal, where as the later counter balanced cranks are cast with a smooth blob of weight only on the opposite side of the rod journal. hope this makes sense, my descriptions often dont!

[Beater]

well I wouldn't mind if you posted a pic or two. I found a few pics online and im prity sure the smooth machined flaired weight is there opposite side of journal

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Beater

well I went and pulled the filler tube, not exactly sure what im seeing anyone have a pic of a balanced / unbalanced crank? where should the weights be ?opposite side of the rod side of the crank I guess? she looks prity much like an A in there

ok I got it figured out. it looks to be a balanced crank. so yahoo

next question, will an A head fit on this block? and will an A exhaust and intake bolt on aswell?

is the preasure plate the same as the A?

The A exhaust and intake will bolt onto the B block. The B intake has bigger passages and the carburetor is larger so you might consider using them. The A head will bolt onto the B block but there are two water passages that need to be blocked (maybe 4). People usually drill and tap the passages and use a sealer to block them. The clutch and pressure plate are the same and the B flywheel is fine for use in an A (but you can't use an A flywheel with a B transmission).

Charlie Stephens

[31Abone]

model A exhaust manifold...oiling is still an open system (open to front timing gear)slightly more oil pressure then a model A..still basic gravity oiling to mains..rod oiling same as A but bigger journals and crank..my engine builder in carson city put me straight on oiling as he was tired of hearing about pressure to mains on a B which BS....my B after rebuild runs about 5 psi hot ...sc

[Charlie Stephens]

Remember to be able to time it easily front timing cover needs to match distributer, B cover B distributer, and A cover A distributer.

Charlie Stephens

[Beater]

Originally Posted by 31Abone

model A exhaust manifold...oiling is still an open system (open to front timing gear)slightly more oil pressure then a model A..still basic gravity oiling to mains..rod oiling same as A but bigger journals and crank..my engine builder in carson city put me straight on oiling as he was tired of hearing about pressure to mains on a B which BS....my B after rebuild runs about 5 psi hot ...sc

you are the first person ive ever heard say that the B isn't preasure oiled to the mains.

[ryanheacox]

Originally Posted by Beater

well I went and pulled the filler tube, not exactly sure what im seeing anyone have a pic of a balanced / unbalanced crank? where should the weights be ?opposite side of the rod side of the crank I guess? she looks prity much like an A in there

ok I got it figured out. it looks to be a balanced crank. so yahoo

next question, will an A head fit on this block? and will an A exhaust and intake bolt on aswell?

is the preasure plate the same as the A?

A B head will fit an A block so I would think the opposite should work as well. Not sure about the manifolds but I would think so.

[DavidG]

Unless you have the B-suffix version of the Model A head you would be giving up the '32 head's higher compression ratio.

[cas3]

here's the two B cranks. balanced on left, plain on right. kinda sorta like my description

[Beater]

thanks very much cas yes mine is definatly a counterweighted crank.

[Beater]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Unless you have the B-suffix version of the Model A head you would be giving up the '32 head's higher compression ratio.

well the reason I ask is if a fells wanted to put a high comp aluminum head on it

[Beater]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

The A exhaust and intake will bolt onto the B block. The B intake has bigger passages and the carburetor is larger so you might consider using them. The A head will bolt onto the B block but there are two water passages that need to be blocked (maybe 4). People usually drill and tap the passages and use a sealer to block them. The clutch and pressure plate are the same and the B flywheel is fine for use in an A (but you can't use an A flywheel with a B transmission).

Charlie Stephens

what is the differences in the flywheel?

[DavidG]

Size and therefore weight; the B version being lighter.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Beater

what is the differences in the flywheel?

The Model B flywheel looks like a Model A flywheel that has been lightened. The Model A flywheel is on the bottom and my finger is pointing to the area on the Model A flywheel that is not on the Model B flywheel. If you use a Model A flywheel with a Model B transmission it will rub.

Charlie Stephens

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Beater

well the reason I ask is if a fells wanted to put a high comp aluminum head on it

When you put a high compression head on check for piston to head clearance. Sometimes the pistons pop up slightly over the top of the block so check for clearance.

Charlie Stephens