Model T oil leak

Deuce Man

Deuce Man

Well-known member
I recently bought a real nice 26 running chassis [my first T]. When I crank it over a lot of oil leakes out through a cap on the aft end of the bellhousing. It looks like it covers the starter bendix. Is this just a matter of sealing it up, or is there an underlying bigger problem. I think there is a magneto in the flywheel, does this work in oil? or is it supposed to be isloated from the trans/engine oil? A brief explanation of Henry's oiling system would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
 
Deuce Man said:
I recently bought a real nice 26 running chassis [my first T]. When I crank it over a lot of oil leakes out through a cap on the aft end of the bellhousing. It looks like it covers the starter bendix. Is this just a matter of sealing it up, or is there an underlying bigger problem. I think there is a magneto in the flywheel, does this work in oil? or is it supposed to be isloated from the trans/engine oil? A brief explanation of Henry's oiling system would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
Click to expand...

Every internal part runs in the same oil. The 2 petcocks on the right side tell the level - if oil comes out the top one = too much, if none comes out the bottom one = too little - (very bad!).

Your leak is common. Remove the cover & replace the gasket. Be sure the area around the screws is not distorted from over tightening. Be careful with the screws - they are an odd thread.
 
While you're dealing with the Bendix leak, check to be sure the starter is firmly in place. Looseness there can also be the source of a big leak. By the way, never try to remove the starter without taking the Bendix off first. The T is relatively simple, but it's different. Being warned about what you're going to find before you dive into repairs is a good idea.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG79.html

The oiling system is called the splash system. The engine and transmission share the same pan. The crank shaft and rods and the fly wheel sling oil all over the insides of the engine and transmission. Inside there's a tube with a little funnel to catch oil from the flywheel and carry it by gravity to the front of the engine. A lot of T's also have an accessory outside oil line to do the same, so more oil gets to the front.
 
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Ford splash oiling system
 

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Thanks guys, just the information I needed. I have a little more confidence now! This old girl starts immediately, with a little squirt of gas in the carb. I am going to seal up the bendix cover next and connect up a tank for the gas, maybe try water in the cooling system. Lots of fun. Rich
 
Deuce Man Don't let Willie scare you. Start one bolt in. With the gasket on it. Then get the cap under that bolt. Then tighten just enough . To hold it in place. Then with a long screw driver. With the clips to hold the screw. Put in the other three.Go back and tighten first one.
 
Looseness there can also be the source of a big leak. By the way, never try to remove the starter without taking the Bendix off first.???
 
A long thin magnetic screwdriver is a blessing doing this job. That's a T for you. What looks easy ain't and what looks hard ain't.
 
GuL,

Because trying to pull the starter out with the bendix attached can damage the field coil and ruin the magneto.
 
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