Can we date this photo??

35fordtn

35fordtn

Well-known member
This photo has always confused me as to the date taken. Any opinions? The engines on the right appear to be 34's and there is a 4cyl. in the background, but the engine closet in the photo appears to have a cast iron intake.

IMG_1378_zps1a489362.jpg
 
I would say the engines on the right side are '34. Not sure about the intake on left side engine. Maybe a truck engine? Just a guess.
 
Front engine has painted cast iron cylinder heads and 35 style intake for truck production. Engines on right are 34 passenger with alloy heads and intake. Time period late 1934 ?? Regards, Kevin.
 
I'll also vote for a '34. Aluminum heads on the right are usually for passenger use. The left line appears to have cast iron heads commonly found on commercial vehicles. The intake manifold has the large generator ramp with an oblong fuel pump mount hole ('35 and up have a round fuel pump hole). Dip stick appears to be different from the '35s that I am familiar with. Gotta be a '34.

Tom
 
Likely in the first quarter of 1934 given that fours were no longer offered as an engine option in vehicles after April.
 
Can anyone say what process is going on? The line running towards the camera has engines on it, the engines at 90 degrees to the line seem to be attached to motors so they can be spun up. I say spun up rather than ran because they have no distributors or carbs and the intake manifolds appear to be not bolted down. They do appear to be plumbed for some water flow though.

It may have been some sort of bedding in stand for the benefit of the rings and bearings. The water supply may have been warm, I don't know. The motor may have needed some cooling just from the friction of the rings.

Anyone know the real scoop?

Mart.
 
Hi, This photo was printed in the book titled "RIVER ROUGE" and showed a wider view on page 61. Caption reads :- "This is the break in room of the motor assembly building in 1934 where each assembled engine and transmission was tested for defects and initial lubrication. The engine is hooked up to oil and water lines and an electric motor powers the engines components until mechanical friction has been reduced." Not shown in this photo, but in other photos was a very large diameter gauge which read the power required to drive the engine. When "run in" the engine required a lower level to drive it before passing the test. Note the water pump outlets are plugged, but no belt is fitted, because no crank pulley or generator is fitted. Regards, Kevin.
 
I think the water is for checking leaks and as the resistance of the electric motor drops likely using a AMP meter then its considers good to go .I notice the pans /sumps are painted black not green .
 
Id probably give my left arm for one of those engine assembly line rollers.... Anyone ever seen them for sale?
 
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