A and B flywheels

[James Rogers]

I have a B engine that a customer wants re-built. The engine had a Model A flywheel on it. I know the outside perimeter of the B flywheel is smaller than the A but is there a reason for this difference? I have an idea but am not sure of my notion.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

I have a B engine that a customer wants re-built. The engine had a Model A flywheel on it. I know the outside perimeter of the B flywheel is smaller than the A but is there a reason for this difference? I have an idea but am not sure of my notion.

It is my understanding that if you try to run a Model A flywheel with a Model B transmission the flywheel will interfere with the bellhousing.

Charlie Stephens

 

[JoeWay]

I would expect a flywheel that was originally installed on a factory counterbalanced crank to be lighter than an A flywheel.

It may also be that by 1932 Ford had decided flywheels just didn't need to be so heavy anyway.

Since B flywheels are smaller on the OD, Ford could build the new bellhousings smaller (and lighter and cheaper) to match.

Joe

 

[James Rogers]

I also found out, if you run a Model A flywheel on a B engine with a full B flywheel housing and pan, You can't get the flywheel out without removing the pan. The B housing doesn't interfere with the A flywheel until you need to remove it. I guess this is because the housing and pan part are smaller.