I recently purchased a Model A motor from a friend, that I want to use to power my grist mill. I am interested in any help as to how to build some type of a frame to put the motor in. I would love to see pictures of how a frame might look, so I can build one of my own. I have the motor and radiator, as well as transmission and a flat belt pulley setup for my motor. I would like to build the frame unit out of wood - I don't have a welder or a torch. I really do need help on this part of my hobby. Thanks for your help.
Model A as a Power Unit
- Thread starter Ziva
- Start date
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
Don't forget a governor on the engine.
John Kuhnast
Well-known member
Do not mount the motor level. When the car is on level ground, the motor tilts to the rear about 3 degrees. This is the best angle for oil flow.
Hey everybody, thanks for the quick information. I had not even thought about a governor - how do I deal with that? Thanks also for the information about having the motor tilted. These are the very things that I need for my job. I have looked for an old ford model a frame and have not been able to find one. I would prefer an old original frame and that way most things would work better. Again, how do I overcome the lack of a governor? Thanks
Rowdy
BANNED
The carburetor flange should be level, not the block deck. Stationary engines like the one for the Gleaner combine and many others have a different carburetor flange angle than the stock original passenger cars on the intake manifold, so that the engine deck is level ehen the flange is level. That way you will not have a drive belt misalignment issue or a carburetor float level issue. Another thing to consider with the govorner setup is many stationary engines used a different carburetor than the passenger cars. The most common one I see in this area is a Kingston carburetor with a Kinston govorner. I may still have afew of each in the parts shed along with a Gleaner combine radiator. Rod
Many thanks for the information. I have emailed a member that advertised a Handy Governor for sale in Dec. of 2012. I have a neighbor here that has offered to sell me a carb. I will check to see if it is one that I might use in this setup. I really do appreciate all of the great information that has come my way. I already have a radiator, but as I said, I am still working on a governor setup. Thanks
Richard Lorenz
Senior Member
The carburetors used with stationary engines usually do not have a GAV (Gas Adjusting Valve). They use a manually operated choke, the kind operated by a stiff wire inside of a coiled wire flexible housing. The throttle connection is usually on the engine side of the carburetor. I have seen some that have a slightly smaller venturi. This is done for economy, I suppose.
I have found a model A frame. I found it on Craigslist and was happy with the price. Now, I need to figure out my governor problem and also my lack of a proper carb. My friend has what he says is a good Zenith carb. - but evidently, that will not work when the motor is used as a power unit. Thanks for everyone helping me with good advice. This old hillbilly needs all the help that he can get. Regards
Rowdy
BANNED
The stock carb will work. I just mentioned the Kinston as they were popular on stationary engines of the time period. They tended to be alittle more effecient to run on a continious basis and the GAV is not necessary on an engine that mainly runs at one speed for an extended time. If you look in my KRW picture album you can see pictures of the Gleaner combine engine mount before I modified it for an engine test stand, but it seems you already found a frame to cut up. Rod
Progress update: I found an ad on the "Swap Meet" for a Handy Governor for a Ford Model A. The owner mentioned in his ad that there was an ad listed on page 250 in the Unauthorized Accessory Book, that showed his governor. When I emailed the owner, he answered that he was out of town and that he would be home in about a week and that I should contact him then. My first question: how can I see page 250 of the Unauthorized Accessory Book? My second question: It was mentioned that "GAV" might not be necessary on my motor. What does "GAV" stand for? Sorry to be so stupid - This is all pretty new to me. I surely do appreciate all of the information and look forward to many more ideas or suggestions regarding my "project". Regards
WTSHNN
Well-known member
Hey Tim, Thanks for the quick answers to my stupid questions. It was much needed information. Rowdy, I thought my motor looked bad until I looked at your pictures in your album. I also have realized that I don't have the mounting "items" that go between the frame and the flywheel housing. I will keep an eye on the "Swap Meet" for those. Thanks again for all of the help - it is most useful. Regards
John LaVoy
Well-known member
There is one we have sitting out at a friends ranch I will have him take a picture or two and post it for you.