Unusal Model A engine question

[HCash]

Just purchased a model A ford engine with an unusual gear driven cylinder on the carburetor side. The block is cast with an opening to accept the cylinder which has an oil line directly to the lower block. The engine serial number is
*RF3953* . can anyone identify what this cylinder or pump is for? Thank you.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Just purchased a model A ford engine with an unusual gear driven cylinder on the carburetor side. The block is cast with an opening to accept the cylinder which has an oil line directly to the lower block. The engine serial number is
*RF3953* . can anyone identify what this cylinder or pump is for? Thank you.

Pictures are always good.

 

[TerryO]

Are you sure it isn't a "B" engine with a fuel pump opening?

 

[alexiskai]

Picture of Model B block showing fuel pump mounting point.

 

[mcgarrett]

Just a guess, but from your description the "cylinder" is possibly an oil filter screwed into an adapter attached to the timing gear cover on the carburetor side of the engine. The oil line you mentioned runs from the lower right side of the block up to it, correct?

 

[mcgarrett]

Photos would help solve the mystery.

 

[Bob C]

Maybe a governor.


Oil filter is good guess also.

 

[HCash]

Just figured out how to attach a picture, hope this helps with identification.

 

[Ordsgt]

Its a governor

 

[HCash]

Thanks, can you tell me what this engine would have used for to need a governor?

 

[Thodge]

Air compressor conversion or tractor conversion.





http://gwcmodela.com/pdfs/SmithArticle.pdf

 

[ursus]

The number stamped RF#### engine blocks have turned up many times on the West Coast and all that I know of were Model B engines. Mine came out of a railroad track runner and some others were pulled from ann industrial stationary engine application. Some have claimed that the “RF” designation indicates replacement engines originating from the Richmond, CA assembly plant but I have not seen any documentation of that claim. Mine if stamped RF462# and is a Diamond block casting.

 

[Gold Digger]

That's a governor, used on combine engines and anything else that needs constant rpm control.

 

[HCash]

Thanks to all who responded. This is definitely a model A engine since no fuel pump but it may have model B internals. Thanks again all.

 

[nkaminar]

I will also say that it is a governor. Might be good for cruise control for long distance travel.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

It is the governor for a Smiths compressor conversion

 

[Fullraceflathead]

Correct that's the governor assembly from a smith air compressor conversion!

 

[ModelA29]

Thanks to all who responded. This is definitely a model A engine since no fuel pump but it may have model B internals. Thanks again all.

Model B internals - crank, mains, rods are much larger and won't fit in an A block without a lot of machine work (and loss of the strength advantage of the B).
What does the cylinder head look like?

 

[whirnot]

That is definitely a Smith Compressor conversion. See that little bracket on the Carburetor?
They are very hard to find! Don't get rid of it. Is the head normal? post a picture of it.

 

[whirnot]