Model A endurance questions

M

mrbillcars

New member
For you model A'ers with temperature gauges, What is the Normal range for the temperature to run at a speed of 45mph for any length of time?

What is a "normal" top speed of an original Model A ?

What is the longest trip you have made without having to add water?
 
1) With a 160° thermostat = ~160°; with no thermostat = ~140°. In the mountains expect a little more.
2) Per Ford's marketing when they were new = 60 mph
3) 600+ miles
 
mrbillcars said:
For you model A'ers with temperature gauges, What is the Normal range for the temperature to run at a speed of 45mph for any length of time?

What is a "normal" top speed of an original Model A ?

What is the longest trip you have made without having to add water?
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I run 180 thermostat car runs between 180-190 at 45 miles per hour.

I never add water run about 1000 miles a year. I have not added water for 3 years. But I do run anti freeze.

I have always heard 62 was top speed for a stock A.
 
Ditto what George said. Top speed is NOT cruising speed. I don't like to drive faster than 45 with a stock engine with no counterweights on the crankshaft.

If I need to drive 55 MPH I would add counterweights, overdrive or 3.27 ring and pinion, and a higher compression head, or just drive my Studebaker. If I need to drive faster than 55 then I'll drive my 1999 Olds.
 
If you are losing coolant read Service Bulletin page 450 ... the problem was addressed in about 1930 with a fix to the radiator.

I have seen some new and many rebuilt radiators that need the SB page 450 applied to them.
 
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Looks like the speed of stock model A when the engine is at it top HP is around 50mph:

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I have kept to the PA Turnpike speed limit for it's entire length
1500 mile trip at speed limits or over with no coolant added
Have gone more than a year without adding coolant
Stock water pump, 160 thermostat

A properly restored car I would expect to go over 60, my top speed was 67, and have driven thousands of miles over 60
 
Over time people tend to forget that cars had to have water added. There are still some "radiator water" turn outs on mountain roads. On the Hwy 5 Grapevine there are a few still left. But it was just how it was with out the modern pressurized systems and the holding tanks that caught the overflow. So don't worry about adding a little water on a trip. Most people haul a gallon jug along for just that reason.
 
JohnLaVoy said:
... don't worry about adding a little water on a trip. Most people haul a gallon jug along for just that reason.
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I capture and filter used anti-freeze and carry along a gallon just for this reason. The used anti-freeze won't dilute what's in there as quickly as just plain water.
 
On a totally stock (pretty much fine-point restoration) Tudor, it runs anywhere from 120 to 140 degrees, depending on the ambient temperature. No thermostat. No O/D. Stock rear end ratio. It will go 52 MPH all day, no problem. Have had it up to 60 MPH, and it felt plenty solid and stable. The motor sounded like it was screaming though. I don't recommend sustained highway speeds over 50-55 MPH.
 
At great risk of being shouted at by the lead foots, I held mine to below 45 mph while it had standard motor and transmission. Now, with counterbalanced motor, inserts, pressure oil to centre main bearing, Hi comp head, O/D, down draft carb I am happy at 55 mph before road holding makes it feel unsafe.
 
At 45 mph, my tudor runs at around 50C or 120F on a 20C day. On a 35C day, the temp runs at about 65C, or 150F. The radiator is a modern flat tube style core. With my old round tube core, the car would boil at about 45 mph, a lot of blocked tubes in that one.
 
Stock original 1929 engine/transmission /rear end, new leak less water pump, and new brass works radiator. Thanks for your input.
 
From "We Never Called Him Henry" by Harry Bennett
Who was Harry Bennett? No one was so close to Henry Ford as was Harry Bennett. Harry was with Mr. Ford 30 years as a trouble shooter and personal confidant.
Fred Rockleman was the Sales Manager for Ford Motor Company during the Model A Ford era.
Mr. Ford thought he could do almost anything well. After a few years, as sales slumped on the Model A Ford, Rockleman made that familiar mistake-he criticized the car. He said the radiators, were overheating. They were, too. Mr. Ford had to let him go, Mr. Ford did not want to make changes to the Model A Ford that Rockleman has suggested.
 
talwrench said:
Kurt in NJ, Are u running a stock engine or do u have a balanced crank?
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Stock except for B cam, stock 3:78 ratio
Stock crank, with flywheel / crank flange runout balance problem, been trying to break it for over 25 years, it is the first Babbitt I poured, I have lugged it, over revved ,it run it lean with full advance.

Got 23 mpg at 60 plus on the turnpike run
 
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