Search results

Some of you may remember my thread from a few weeks ago on my $3,800 engine "overhaul". For what it's worth, I called the builder about 6:30 this evening to tell him about the issue. Not only did he take my call after hours, at 9:30PM, he pulled into my driveway, voluntarily loaded the car...

I've had my '30 Tudor about 4 years. The first engine a valve seat came loose and destroyed a piston. The 2nd engine I bought used, locally for $1,000, and believe it was a junk engine, it was losing a lot of oil from day 1....took just a few months of driving before something came apart...

Woke up this morning to a house that smelled like gas because I forgot to turn off the fuel valve on the "A". Decided to try to fix it right, it has been an ongoing issue for months, and didn't go away with a newly overhauled carb. The fuel line had essentially been shrunk over the years from...

I have 1930 TX plates on my Tudor. It is my weekend car, so it is often at the grocery store, hardware store, or wherever else I need to go. I only have the rear plate installed as I've wondered if someone would steal these. Since they would be reported stolen maybe they aren't terribly...

I have a '30 Tudor with an oval speedometer, can I easily re-set the odometer to 0 miles? I want to do this simply because the number on the odometer number is meaningless after 90 years....I was going to set it to zero to record miles on the new engine I just installed. Unfortunately I know...

What is a "reasonable" speed in a Model A for one to get "reasonable" engine life? Just installed a new stock/rebuilt engine in my A from a reputable builder. I asked him if it was OK to drive it 45 to 50 mph, or if that would hurt engine life. He suggested that it would likely last much...

The car came with new cast drums when I got it and I need to install them. Will it hurt to keep the shoes?

I have a new engine with maybe 80 miles on it, built by a reputable manufacturer. It has started intermittent backfiring "fits" and corresponding power loss after it gets warm. I don't think it is the distributor or ignition, timing is correct, point gap is .020. Wondering if it is a stuck...

I had a piston come apart in my "A". No idea on the history of the engine or the piston source as I've only had it a couple of years. The pistons look very new, at least the parts in the bottom of the oil pan do. I intend to replace it myself...what do I need to do to ensure I have the most...

Aquired my '30 Tudor about 3 years ago. Drove it mostly around town every weekend. One day, sitting at a light something came apart on the crank...still haven't pulled that pan but there are big parts rolling around in the bottom of the pan. Bought a 2nd engine from a guy locally about 3...

I just swapped a used engine into my '30 Tudor. It is blowing a lot of smoke from the oil fill tube, and even spits small droplets of oil out. I assume that means bad rings, and that I'd have to pull the head and pan to remedy the issue, is that correct? The engine makes better power than the...

I just swapped engines and installed a new clutch. I adjusted the pressure plate fingers to 5/8” per Les Andrews. The clutch works fine, but with the cover off the top of the transmission I could see that the throw out bearing kept spinning even when I release the clutch with the car not in...

Over the next few days I’ll be swapping engines in my 1930 Tudor. I’ve done plenty of wrench turning, but never changed an A engine. Does anyone have any helpful tips to share for a first timer?

Just got back from a shortened drive. At idle, the engine made a sudden loud "clack", followed by severe knocking/banging. The sound eased up pretty quick, and the engine kept running. I shorted the front two plugs and it doesn't seem to make a difference. Shorting the rear two plugs causes...

My engine idles good, but when accelerating and at higher speeds, the GAV must be open about 3/4 turn for the engine to be smooth and have good power. I remember reading that the GAV shouldn't be open more than 1/4 turn for normal driving after warm. I assume something on the carb needs to be...

My gauge indicates 140F when the radiator is at ambient temperature (80F, etc.). Does anyone know if these can be adjusted/calibrated?

There is water dripping slowly from the "brace/tray" below my radiator, but I can't find any leaks at all from the radiator. I've attached a picture of the drip on the bottom of the brace. I can't see how this leak would be from anywhere but the radiator, are they prone to leaking in specific...

My 1930 Tudor runs fine at low-load and low speed. At highway speed, the engine misses amd surges noticeably. My guess is that it is not getting enough fuel...the finger strainer in the tank is fine. Where else should I check the fuel lines and carb for blockages?

When my engine is “coasting”, in gear or not, and I add throttle I get two or three sharp “clacks” from somewhere in the engine. I’m guessing slack in the valvetrain is causing the noise as the components go from dragging to being pushed? Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting? The...

I don't think so, as it shouldn't be any different than running the car for an extended period as far as the coil is concerned. I left my ignition on overnight (killed my two-week old 6V Optima), and now the car seems harder starting when warm. Spark is orange, not blue. Swapped condensers...