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1915 Model T Fire Chiefs Roadster
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This beautiful little car came in after it "overheated a little".
If you'd like to follow the story as it unfolds, come back once a week or so.
I'd say it got a little warm near the rear.
"high water" mark in the exhaust
Water got in everywhere. The intake, carb, and oil pan were full too.
Engine removed.
"Naked" without it's engine!
Parts carefully stored to prevent scratching.
Pan looks OK, a little rust but it should clean up.
The engine is seized, rusted solid. Currently being soaked in penetrating oil in an attempt to free it up enough to remove the transmission.
Pistons are toast but the rods look good. The crank has been ground 10 under and all the bearings look like they have been re-poured recently.
It didn't come through in the photos, but this engine got so hot that the valve stems turned blue. The springs are no longer springy and will need to be replaced.
The block looks great so far. It will still need to be cleaned and checked for cracks.
Mag field coil
Status Update:
Both the head and block are being pressure tested to ensure that neither have any cracks.
The block was warped from the heat, the "deck" will be machined so the head gasket will seat properly.
The head was warped from the heat, it will be re-machined as well.
The radiator is being built.
Most of the engine parts have arrived
Oil Pan
Recharged Magnets Mounted
Machining Camshaft Bearing
One of the "triple gears", new bushing being fit.
Time to fit the main bearings
Finished Mains
New camshaft and lifters installed
Setting the valve lash the easy way
Valves done
New magneto parts installed temporarily for testing.
Checking Mainshaft Runout
Pistons are in!
Transmission assembled
Moved to test stand for the remainder of assembly
Gaskets being glued in place.
Engine assembled
Sitting back in the car.
The engine is in, gas to it, etc.
I did get it running tonight. Unfortunately the ignition switch is flakey and it shut off before I wanted it to. I will be towing it for the next start, it started on the third pull, but now it's being cranky and my arm is tired!
BTW - For the short time I heard it run, it sounded absolutely perfect.
Next will be the radiator, hoses, floorboards. The rear wheels are loose, the front wheels are loose. We'll need to get it back in one piece and safe before attempting to tow or drive it...
We ended up towing it across the lawn this time, it started up in under 50 feet as expected. The neighbors enjoyed the show. After the rings seat it will start easier.
We "fixed" the rear end today too, I made up a shim to go between the hub and the worn axel.
This is NOT how to repair a loose wheel!
The axel should be replaced when the rear end is rebuilt (the whole thing is very worn). But for now the wheel no longer moves in and out 1" and those two washer/shims are gone.
Front end removed, this wishbone was loose at every joint.
Front end rebuilt and re-installed.
Drivers side view.
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Passengers side view.
I took it down the street a couple times after taking this round of photos.
It runs perfectly, sounds great, and has good power.
Rear end has been gone through - new u-joint, seal, lube, and we replaced a couple missing hub nuts.
Here is the second video!