Engine Rebuild Mission

[Tail Dragger]

Hello everyone,

I've searched and searched for information, picking up tidbits here and there but always end up with more questions than answers......so here goes nothin'...

I bought a 1931 A rolling chassis with a 1928 A engine a couple weeks ago. Within about an hour of futsing around, I got the car started and driving up and down the street. The engine ran alright but I wanted to pull it apart, inspect it and take care of any issues. Right off the bat, I found a bunch of 1/8
"-1/4" non-magnetic metal chunks stuck in sludge between the cam and block. I have no clue where they came from, which is a bit of a relief, sorta. I found no cracks in the block (yet) nor any major glaring issues. When removing the cam and crank, I did notice some old scars on the journals and the fact that no shims existed. Based on the numbers, it seems like the crank is pretty far out from spec.

This is my first crack at this and I'm wanting to see it through. I'm fortunate enough to live not to far from Bert's here in Denver but wanted to start a living thread to see if I could mine for answers to questions as they arise. Any and all help is much appreciated. This site has been a wealth of info thus far.

Pulled and measured the cam and crank. The attached picture includes all of the measurements. Are these too far gone? Do they need replaced or reground? Can I use them with new babbits? Finally, what suggestion do you have? Looking to keep this on a fairly conservative budget as I still need to find a body.

Thanks again.

-Chris

Pictures of the surfaces

 

[Gene F]

Just take your stuff over to Berts, and he will fix you up with another engine. Save yourself a ton of agrivation for possibly no savings. Tell him you want a counterbalanced crankshaft, and the IB-330 cam with big valves, and a high compression head. Thats all you need to know. I'm on my 3rd engine. Save yourself please!

 

[David R.]

if you decide to do a rebuild find a shop with experience on A engines and a good references. I have a ton of money in mine already and it isn't finished. Local machine shop was a nightmare. learning the hard way.

 

[CWPASADENA]

I agree with David R.

Have Bert's take a look at what you have. They know what they are doing.

Chris W.

 

[Tail Dragger]

Alright, so I listened to words of wisdom and took the motor over to Bert's. They're going to do a full short block rebuild for me. Looks like I get a couple of months to make a home for that motor before it returns.

Good knowledgeable folks over there by the way.

 

[700rpm]

You made a good decision and will be glad you did.

 

[Greg Jones]

Good choice taking your engine to Bert's. Steve Becker is quite possibly the most honest person I have ever dealt with. He will make sure you are happy.