Model A Motor Build

Stretch Cab

Stretch Cab

Well-known member
Ok, I know which end of a wrench to hold and how to ask questions. I have a small shop and lots of tools. (And can buy more) If I buy a "How to" book on rebuilding the "A" motor and farm out what should be done by an expert is this a reasonable project for a novice to build his own motor? Your thoughts?
 
Sure! What have you got to lose (...besides a warranty and possibly some money if things went bad)? :D

Just curious, which "how to" book you got in mind?? Also, exactly which tasks do you have in mind when you say "...farm out what should be done by an expert"?

(;) BTW, it is my personal observations that the major expenses in an engine rebuild is from those items that the expert has to do.)
 
You will have to farm out the babbit work or installation of inserts on the crank and rods at least. Maybe re-boring the cylinder walls as well if needed. You can grind your own valves if new seats are not needed. You can install adjustable tappets yourself. Not really a lot you can do yourself!
 
You could but, some of the boys in Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL might give you some insight on a job like this. I would rather you would talk to some of my customers than to toot my own horn.
 
JMHO, but I think any shade tree mechanic can do it. You just need the machine work and bearings done by the tradesman. Everything else can be done with the proper tools, either owned or borrowed.
 
Have machine work and babbit done, take your time you can do it and have a great amount of satafaction. I have done several and its a real joy to fire them up afterwards.
 
Ed Northrop said:
Have machine work and babbit done, take your time you can do it and have a great amount of satafaction. I have done several and its a real joy to fire them up afterwards.
Click to expand...

I'm with Ed and Russ and a few thoughts;
If , after a certain age, you are still in control, i.e.- shake factor..good; memory factor..good; dexterity..good; determination good = you will likely do good:)!
Couple things that do not come 'naturally' that I'd recommend: take copious/detailed notes/photos to help keep you on track. Make a LIST of 'things to do' and check off. Clean work area and reclean work/tools area. Clean, clean and clean parts prior to assembly/reassembly. Measure several times..write down everything. See if you can find a club referenced guy who you can call...for backup!

BTW..what is your goal? The answer to this depends on how MUCH $ you must set aside/budget for.

There is nothing quite like firing one off...after you have taken care of business! Good luck
 
If you have to ask but want to do some stuff yourself then I suggest a shortblock and then you bolt on the head and the pan plus all the accessories. This is a fair amount to do and while it is not rocket science it is not ct and dry either. You may get a few different opinions on how to best assemble the pan gasket and seals for instance. I appreciate you wanting to do a few things yourself. You could assemble the valves but I would not expect anyone to warranty a valve job that you assembled. Same for pistons and rings. Anyway just some thoughts. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the input. I don't have a rebuild book and don't know if there is one like is available for the V8. Would be good if there was. The machine work and babbit would be farmed out. What am I looking for? Not really anything more than the experience and satisfaction if all turns out well. If it doesn't, still would have the experience.
 
go for it....
There is a lot of great engine builders out there. There are even more hacks.
If you do it your self do your home work
If you pay some one do your home work
 
Well, so I guess I missed it! Exactly what things can the consumer do that actually saves the money making it a value to do it yourself?? I guess it does depend whether you are wanting a rebuild --or just re-ring it & tighten the bearings.

Assuming someone is wanting to do it correctly, let's make a list of operations, and who needs to do them.

MACHINE SHOP:
Hot Tank/Degrease Block & Parts
Pressure Test Block
Machine Crankshaft
Bore Cylinders
Hone Cylinders
Deck Block (Head) surface
Straighten Connecting Rods
Rebabbitt/Machine Connecting Rods
Float/Fit Piston Wrist Pins
Balance Connecting Rods
ReBabbitt/Machine Main Bearings in Engine Block
Install/Press in one-piece Valve Guides
Ream/Hone Valve Guides
Resurface/grind/lap valve seats in block.


OWNER:
Disassemble Engine.
Chase bolt threads in block w/ taps.
Fit Piston Rings end gap.
Install Crankshaft into block and clearance.
Install Rings into Piston Lands.
Install Pistons onto Con Rods
Install pistons into cylinder case (block)
Instal Valve train


Anything else that would be a cost savings??? The most I am seeing is the assembly costs which is usually less than $150 on a short block.
 
Ok, thanks for all the input. Question, is the flathead V8 an easier build than the A motor? Seems like there are a lot of guys building the V8 in the home garage.
 
I would think the Model A is an easier build than the V8. It can by assembled at home if you know how to do all the checks for correctness, such as very clean cylinder walls after honing, know how to check cylinders for out of round and taper, check piston ring grooves for wear and pistons for correct clearance, and check the rods for fit and straightness. Attention to detail and cleanliness are the most important things to keep in mind.
 
The book I would suggest you obtain and read before starting your project is THE MODEL A ENGINE BY William H. and Paul H. McRee. It is available from most of the large Model A parts vendors. It presents the overall process of rebuilding the engine in an orderly progression of steps and explains the detailed areas well. I refer back to it often. Can you do a good portion of the work yourself? Yes, but leave the machining to the specialists...check their work carefully to verify they are within the correct tolerances and then assemble the engine. Knowing that all the work is proper as you assemble it will add to the experience.
You will really enjoy the moment when that fresh engine fires for the first time. I have started most of the 56 engines I have rebuilt in the last 3 years and still get that feeling of satisfaction.
Go for it.......Good luck with your project.
Dave in MN
www.durableperformance.net
 
We all built our first engine at some time. If you really want to do it, do your home work and go for it. I do not know of any books to help you, although there must be some.
 
It can be done, it is a great learning experience and is very satisfying. Get 2 or 3 books and read and understand them before you start and as you go. Les Andrews' and Jim Shild's books are both good as well as McRee's. Each has a little something that the others dont have. A good book on general engine assembly is worthwhile as well so you get an overview if this is your first foray into engine rebuilding.
One big advantage of doing it yourself is that you can take all the time you need to measure and fit and assemble everything precisely, which is the key to long life and smooth running. Gather together all the clearances and measurements and specifications of each assembly. Mac's catalogue has a good listing, and there are other sources around. Get good measuring tools. Harbor Freight stuff is mostly good enough for the home mechanic. It is not necessary to spend $200 for a micrometer you will use only a few times. Do spend the extra money (not HF) for quality wrenches (including torque wrench) sockets, etc. You will use them often.
Find a machinist you can work with who will take the time to explain things. These guys get paid for their time and knowledge but it is worth the cost. Double check the work they do. You will learn something and they are not infallible.
Ask a lot of questions of knowledgeable people. Aer's are always ready to help out.
Go for it.
 
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I would think the decision would be if you want the satisfaction of doing it yourself, then go for it. If you want to make sure it is an engine that will serve you well, then maybe you want to find a good rebuilder. Not saying you are not a good rebuilder but for me, I wanted a good engine and I knew I could not do that myself.
 
Do it.
 

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