CAD Model of Model A Engine

[CT Jack]

Very nice work. What is the scale? I assume all the major pieces were 3D printed. I believe Terry Burtz did his engine design in Solid Works as well. However as Terry found out, the most challenging part of the engine block design cycle is designing the internal features of the block and all the components associated with producing the casting on a repeatable basis.

 

[gbritnell]

The modeling and printing is coming along. Just like nomadpsd there's been a lot of searching the net to gather relative dimensions then from there using my artistic license to create the parts. I started with nomadpsd's block printed at 30% scale then slightly modifying the peripheral parts to fit into that block. So far I have the block, head, lifter cover, timing cover, side timing cover, timing gears, flywheel housing, oil pan and main bearings. The crankshaft was made in 2 pieces then keyed together with a shot shaft.

 

[gbritnell]

A few remaining pictures of the head and crank segments with the key shaft.

 

[atch]

Amazing. Simply amazing. Especially for us old geezers that can't/don't comprehend what you're doing or how you do it.

 

[atch]

When you finish this process are you planning to sell completed units?

 

[gbritnell]

Hi Mike, no that wasn't my plan. It's hard to figure out what to charge for it. The printing doesn't cost anything but a couple of rolls of filament so $45 but there's probably about 5 hours of fettling to get everything fitted so it turns over smoothly. It will end up having rods, pistons and cam. I already have the transmission.

 

[atch]

I'm pretty sure I could never afford one if you did decide to sell them but I sure would like to have the opportunity to see one in person someday.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

That's turning out amazing I myself have a 3D printer but haven't used it yet I would definitely be interested in a complete set If you decide to print and sell them at a later date.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I'm pretty sure I could never afford one if you did decide to sell them but I sure would like to have the opportunity to see one in person someday.

Honestly you would be surprised. Bambu Labs offers quite a few levels of these printers that are very affordable.

There are a tremendous amount of files out on the interweb that are available to be downloaded for free, -or for a small fee. If you search on YouTube for 3D shop tools or 3D tools & fixtures, you will find many videos of people who have printed things for use in their woodshop or home garage. Find the files of the one(s) you like and then print the ones that you like. Print the same items for others as gifts -or to sell to offset the cost of the filaments and the machine.

We have used ours to print many things such as molds for casting rubber pieces such as hood bumpers for a 1958 Buick Roadmaster that was missing a couple. We drew one in Fusion360 using an existing bumper as a sample, and then printed the mold. If you have no desire to learn Fusion, then ask a local high school or college if they have a student that would be willing to draw whatever you need as a side-hustle. Then, they can create an STL file for you to use on your new printer.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

We also have 3D technology printing metals Just think in the near future you might be able to sit at your computer screen plug in a program and realistically print a model A. engine for your own personal use Hopefully I live long enough to see this I'm currently 63!!!

 

[gbritnell]

I have a few more parts modeled and printed. The flywheel, oil pan, water pump and fan.

 

[Model A Canuck]

Amazing

 

[ModelA29]

This museum is a MUST.
https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/exhibit/1-4-scale-ford-model-a-engine/
https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/exhibit/4-port-riley-model-a-racing-engine/
https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/

 

[David in San Antonio]

Wow! That four-port Riley head A racing engine is wild!
ModelA29 Thank you.

 

[gbritnell]

I never built an A engine. Just not enough time but I did build an inline 4 cylinder engine. .750 bore and .875 stroke.

My trade was a metal patternmaker for the Ford Motor Company. When I started in the 60's they were just ending the castings for the industrial 4 cylinder 8N
As a teenager there were plenty of T's and A's around so I was very familiar with them. I have been making operating engines since the early 70's and just got into 3D printing about 5 years ago. I have modeled and printed out a T engine and a 1/3 scale fully operating T transmission. I then decided to do an A engine so that's what my posts are about here.

 

[Fullraceflathead]

That's beautiful craftsmanship thank you for the photos!!!

 

[gbritnell]

I just finished up the pistons, pins, rods and caps. The rough surfaces from the printing supports need to be filed smooth.

 

[JRShaw]

WOW!!! The talent behind this 3-D model is Awesome!! This coming through a retired engineer that started out on the drafting board and went through several iterations of 2D & 3D systems. Great work!!!

 

[sconnors]

Great job!

 

[gbritnell]

Slowly picking away at the parts. Modeled the generator for printing which means it was broken down into pieces that wouldn't have much support. The main body was printed from the flat end which eliminated most of the support material. The end plate was flat so that was good. The pulley just had support in the V groove, easy to clean up and the cut-out was modeled with a thin area next to the body so the mounting lugs could be bent down and glued to the body.