Model A engine pieces. difference in parts
- Thread starter bartmcneill
- Start date
J Franklin
Well-known member
One is an earlier piece and the one with the lower outlet is a later one
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
One is early and one is late but they are both common enough that they would probably only bring $5 at a swap meet. If you absolutely needed on to get your engine together this weekend you might pay $20 from a vender.
Charlie Stephens
TinCup
Well-known member
Top valve cover is for a 30 or later motor the lower oil return is designed to decrease the amount of oil in the valve chamber. The other is for a 28-29 motor. I learned this because I had the 28-29 on my late 31 motor when I rebuilt it. I paid 5 dollars for the right cover.
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bartmcneill
Well-known member
Thanks, I was curious for sure.
Tom Endy
Well-known member
The oil return pipe that mounts to the boss on the valve cover is also a different length depending on which version you have on the engine. I forget which is the longer. So if you change the valve cover you also have to replace the return pipe. The reproduction aluminum valve covers used with the oil filter modification are made only in the later version, so if you install one on an early car you also have to locate a later pipe.
Tom Endy
Tom Endy
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
The later cover with the lower hole has the longer pipe.
I wonder if there is an easy way to ID the later pipe if you spot one at a swap meet, but don't know the measurement? I need to lay them side by side to see if there is some telltale sign.
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Dave in MN
Well-known member
I took measurements and photos this morning.
The later pipe has a mounting bolt spacing of about 15" where the early pipe is about 14.5" center to center.
There is also a difference in the cups and flange depth between the two.
See photos.
(Close-up photo: You can't see it but there is a bolt through the other side of the two return pipes so the amount they are overlapping is the difference in length.)
Good Day!
Dave in MN
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Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Thanks Dave, I corrected my posting after you brought it to my attention. I knew the correct way, but my hand wasn't typing what my brain was thinking. 
Not the first time that's happened. 
An easy way to remember it is to think of the 3 L's.
Later = Lower = Longer
Not the first time that's happened. An easy way to remember it is to think of the 3 L's.
Later = Lower = Longer
Craig Lewis
Well-known member
I've noticed many valve covers have at least one of the support webs cracked due to overtightening.
(I'm talking about the 3 webs supporting the 5/16 threaded hole)
You have to clean the spot well to see these cracks but roughly 3 in 4 covers I checked were cracked.
This happens at the motor end too...from overtightening.
Fortunately they're easy to braze with flux coated brass, but since covers are cheap & plentifull it's best to just hunt down a good one.
(I'm talking about the 3 webs supporting the 5/16 threaded hole)
You have to clean the spot well to see these cracks but roughly 3 in 4 covers I checked were cracked.
This happens at the motor end too...from overtightening.
Fortunately they're easy to braze with flux coated brass, but since covers are cheap & plentifull it's best to just hunt down a good one.
Charles Reese
Well-known member
'Dave' (and many others) has done a great service by making comparison photos with pertinent info included. Something like this as part of the Judging Standards would be a tremendous support. I realize the JS are a non paid service but with all the information, parts and computer talent out there, maybe a web page (i.e., natl club supported) with such things might be possible. I'd be willing to help as best i can.