Pulling Eng and trans

J

jakesmodela

Junior Member
Hey guys, I'm a 21 year old mechanic that has been left a 1930 Model A from my grandfather. I have a ton of memories as a child with this car and I feel its my responsibility to keep it on the road. I have worked on it here and there throughout the years but nothing extensive until now. It had a ground up rustoration 30 years ago and the first major issue is that all the gaskets in the car are now 30 years old and need replaced. I want to pull engine and trans and get everything sealed up (at least the best it can) While its all out I plan on briefly going through it while its easy. It runs and shifts perfect, just pours oil and trans fliud like crazy. (which should be expected for 30 year old cork.) I'm pulling the eng and trans together because I figured that was easiest. At this point the engine is ready to come out, really the only thing I have left is to disconnect the trans from the driveshaft. Any suggestions on this??? I've never had this apart. Also where have you guys lifted the engine from?? I've come up with a couple good places but I'm guessing most of you have a perfect set-up. I just don't want to break anything. I would appreciate any help or suggestions that you may have so please feel free to comment anything that comes to mind as I may have missed something. Again, I work on new stuff every day and some parts of this car are just out of my league. Thanks for any help you can provide in keeping my grandfathers pride and joy alive!
 
This will be EZ. All of the Model A vendors sell special lifting lugs-simply thread them into a couple of the spark plug holes, loop a piece of chain through them---you know the rest!! OR, if you're handy with a welder you could make them up from a couple of old spark plugs and heavy duty eye hooks. Good luck!!
 
The u-joint housing has 6 bolts around and one on either side. The housing has an upper and lower half, plus the inner one piece cup.Don't forget to remove the emergency brake rod and wishbone bolts.
 
Find your local Model A club and join. It will (probably) look like a bunch of old fahts, but they'll have the experience to help and will more than welcome a new young person into their ranks.
 
I would be looking for other causes for the leaks than 30 year old gaskets.
As Mike said there are a lot of cars with older gaskets that don't leak.
 
The ****** should have 600w oil. The standard 80/90w will leak. Same with differential and steering box. I wouldn't take it apart unless you're sure you have the "stick-to-it" to finish. Many cars are sitting completely dissassembled for many, many years, parts get scattered and lost.....
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate your responses!!! I just ordered a couple of the spark plug loops for pulling it... As many times as I've searched websites for parts, I had never seen them before. And yes, the fluid is coming from gaskets.... I have no idea why they are so bad but it seems like every place there is a gasket, there is fluid seeping out.... I'm also going to repaint the engine while its out... the paint is flaking off pretty bad, especially on the head. No worries, I'm not the kind that starts things and leaves them for years. I love driving it and I don't want it sitting.
 
OK, sort of glad to hear that the fluids are actually leaking and you are not doing it just because they are old.

Everyone here is ready to help answer your questions, just ask.
 
Looks like you will be keeping your A long term so my suggestion is to purchase Les Andrews "Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook" you can purchase from Brattons www.brattons.com it costs $36.00 and you will find it so valuable. Working on a model A is actually so enjoyable and you will find it to be a nice way to un wind, not complicated like the modern cars.
 
Hold off, do nothing until you have an experienced " Model A owner" take it for a drive. These cars were driven in the worst of times, no money, no jobs, poor roads, lousy fuel and oils; I could go on and on about the difficult times a Model A experienced and yet so many survived and are on the road today. As "mantta" suggested; find an old timer that knows his Model "A"'s and adopt him. I learned that that wisdom comes from the elder and not from a book. JOIN A LOCAL MODEL A CLUB before you make any decisions. It will save you a pile of money and the friendship will be most rewarding.
 
I do agree "Find a Friend" I have many in the Model A Club that I joined, but the book for a small investment is worth it weight in Gold. Even the Gentelman who are up there in age use the book that Les Andrews wrote
 
Keep in mind that there are no modern-type seals to dry up and leak in a Model A. The rear crankshaft main has a slinger rather than a seal. The front crankshaft has a rope seal. The ****** has no seals at all. So your leaks aren't coming from dried seals, 'cause there ain't any!

To disconnect the trans from the torque tube, remove the 6 horizontal and two vertical bolts from the torque ball retainer or "pumpkin". These have castellated nuts and cotter pins. The two rear halves of the retainer can be removed, the front half stays bolted to the ****** . The rear of the ****** output shaft has the u-joint attached, and it slips onto the splined end of the drive shaft. Support the torque tube, and the the engine and ****** can be pulled up and forward and out.
 
When you do get to disassembling your A, take lots of pictures as you go along, and don't throw anything away, even if it looks worn out. You will be glad you did these things later.
 
or find a young guy that drives and works on them all the time
where are you in indiana. i will be visiting friends in mc cordsville (north indy)
i could stop by
shoot me a p.m. if you like
tk
 
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