Engine rebuild

K

KCW

Member
Hi everyone,

I'm new to owning a model T. I've got a 26 roadster pickup and I just got it finally working and titled and tagged. I love driving it and I want to learn more about how it works.

What I really want to do is to rebuild an engine by myself and learn every aspect of how it's done. The thing is I don't know where to begin or where to even start learning about this. I'm serious about doing this, can afford to do it and am willing to spend he time to learn every aspect of doing so, do it right and have no time frame.

Has anyone here done this? I know t can be done and it's a lifelong goal and I want to get to it and finally educate myself on this fundamental technology. Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
There is a bit more to rebuilding the T engine and transmission then modern car. I suggest you start off by getting a few books and do some reading. The Service Manual is a good place to start. Put where you are located in your profile, join a T club if there is one close so you can make some contacts. We do not know what your mechanical back ground is so it's hard to give advice.
The books put out by the Model T Ford Club of America, sold by the vendors are also good along with the videos/DVD's.
Maybe buy a complete spare engine and start by taking it apart, get the engine book first it will guide you through the process.
 
Mike Bender out of Oklahoma has many video's on YouTube that will help you. He also has his own website. I will try a post the link. He's really good and will walk you through the engine/transmission re-building process pretty much step by step. Please check out his web site. He's a real wealth of knowledge when it comes to the old T's. He also a very nice person. I've called and consulted with him on several occasions.
http://www.modelt-tips.com
 
Thank you for writing! Can you recommend some books I can look into? I'm serious about pursuing this as a long term endeavor. Thank you!
 
KCW,

Where are you located? There maybe someone nearby who would be willing to guide you and or show you the ropes of it.
 
I have had a couple T engines done in the past, its quite a bit involved and doesn't really go together smoothly as in certain parts have to be machined to fit properly with a metal lathe even when there new, where im from the engine shops who said they could do it always put the engine in the back of the other engines because it didn't bring in the big money like the V8's for the muscle cars. When I did get a shop to rebuild it I found out that they missed a bunch of things like didn't adjust the valves right and didn't put in the cotter keys where they were suppose to go. All an easy fix just annoying. Ive decided if I ever get an engine done again I am spending the money and sending it to Snyders T and A parts place on line, I know they don't do it them selves and they send it somewhere but at least its insured, and done by people who know what there doing. But maybe where you live it will be different. Good luck.
 
Get all the books, Get a knowledgeable friend who has time and patience, Go to swap meets and get an engine that is rusty and broken and have at it. Nothing to loose and everything to gain with hands on a practice unit first.
 
Good luck and post some photos, I agree with all of what has been said above but join a local club and get to know some of the people there too. So much to learn and lots of good help can come of it.
 
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