The Ford Barn

RUNNERBUN · 09-10-2018, 02:27 AM

I just picked up an early 1928 engine (engine number 15,???) and couldn't wait to tear it apart to see what I got. The engine has the early Beaver tail crank, the connecting rods are the ones that have the cross section shaft. Rear main has the smaller drain tube. The whole thing is in very good condition and I will be just cleaning it up and put it back together as a spare engine.
One thing that surprised me is the rear main bearing cap. As you can see from the pictures a felt seal has been added to the rear groove where the crank slinger goes. I have never seen this done and was wondering if anyone has had experience with this small modification.
Did it or does it work to reduce rear bearing leaks?. Is it worth doing?
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

Runner

Tom Wesenberg · 09-10-2018, 07:15 AM

I'd loose the felt. It doesn't belong there, and if part of it came off and plugged the drain tube, then you'd have a real leaker.

jhowes · 09-10-2018, 07:54 AM

I had a Willys Knight engine where someone put a felt piece in the rear main like in your picture. The slinger caught some of it and through it all over the place. It leaked like a sieve. Take it out and live with the slinger, it works as it is suppose to. Jack

Bill Pursel · 09-10-2018, 05:28 PM

I have got an early engine that has x rods,5 journal cam and block and has a felt in the rear main like yours !

RUNNERBUN · 09-10-2018, 06:14 PM

Thanks for your input Tom and jack. I think i,ll be leaving it out. Bill, that is very interesting, having two early engines with the same feature. Will be interesting to see if any others turn up.?

Jim Brierley · 09-11-2018, 11:08 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

That felt may have an aftermarket device designed to stop leakage? I've seen both felt and cork used like that.

09-10-2018, 07:15 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Surprise find I'd loose the felt. It doesn't belong there, and if part of it came off and plugged the drain tube, then you'd have a real leaker.

09-10-2018, 07:54 AM	#3
jhowes Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: upstate NY near Mass border Posts: 789	Re: Surprise find I had a Willys Knight engine where someone put a felt piece in the rear main like in your picture. The slinger caught some of it and through it all over the place. It leaked like a sieve. Take it out and live with the slinger, it works as it is suppose to. Jack

09-10-2018, 05:28 PM	#4
Bill Pursel Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Terre Haute, Indiana Posts: 90	Re: Surprise find I have got an early engine that has x rods,5 journal cam and block and has a felt in the rear main like yours !

09-10-2018, 06:14 PM	#5
RUNNERBUN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Queensland Australia Posts: 640	Re: Surprise find Thanks for your input Tom and jack. I think i,ll be leaving it out. Bill, that is very interesting, having two early engines with the same feature. Will be interesting to see if any others turn up.? __________________ Adjust your points with gentle blows of a 2 pound hammer

09-11-2018, 11:08 AM	#6
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Re: Surprise find Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) That felt may have an aftermarket device designed to stop leakage? I've seen both felt and cork used like that.