Where can I go to get my engine rebuilt in NYS cheap?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Where can I go to get my engine rebuilt in NYS cheap?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Matthew Atchinson on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 12:15 am:

Hey guys,

I am a practically broke college kid. Any work I do on my 25 roadster pickup parts build is done with no to nearly no money. This being said. I wonder if there is anybody in New York State who would rebuild my engine into running order for less than $1000. Does anybody know such a place? I'm trying to do what work I can myself: I had the transmission cover off: looks good inside, I need to check the cluthes/inside the bands though. I had the head off: valves are pretty much shot, cylinders are still bright except for light rust/grime on the top half inch or so. Landed a rusty manifold and an ok carburator the other day, and the goose neck/fan attachment for cooling.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 01:23 am:

Matthew........so far you haven't mentioned anything really BAD.
IF the crankshaft is good enough, which it likely is, if there are shims in the rod bearings and if the pistons don't have too much shake in the cylinders you might not need to starve in order to start having fun....... :-)
After checking out those things I think I'd be looking at all new .015 over sized valves, keepers and springs along with the reamer to ream the guides. Maybe you have or know of someone who could tune up the valve seats after reaming the guides who wouldn't charge a fortune?
You might want to check the block and head for straightness before you go any farther too as you'll be needing new head and manifold gasket sets too.
Don't get nervous.......the parts I have mentioned aren't that expensive....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By doug hauge upstate NY stittville 13469 on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 09:01 am:

matt, i am in the utica area. i have several T projects going on at the same time. engines, trans, rear ends etc. come on up and spend some time here and you can learn and probally do a lot of the work yourself, and i also have the special tools you would need to complete the work. also the capitol district chapter if large and has many active members.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed in California on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 09:39 am:

Try to get the engine going as is without a complete rebuild. I have resurrected many a neglected worn engine, which in the end often surprise you with how good they run. Some are beyond help, others just need a freshening up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 11:04 am:

I know this may sound a little nuts and might involve double work but: if the valves are known to be bad it can be done in the car. They don't have the life span of modern valves anyway. This could be all that's needed. Once done they don't have to be done again if more work is needed. If that's all you can see do it and try to run the engine. You just don't know until you try. It may have been "parked" because of a low compression/bad valves/no start situation with nothing deeper gone bad. It's the cheapest way I can see. Good Luck.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Monday, April 23, 2012 - 11:15 pm:

The valves can be redone with the engine in but if the guides need reaming and seats regrinding, and I can't imagine they wouldn't, the engine needs to be moved forward in the frame to get access to the rearmost valve.
Then again Matt COULD get incredibly lucky too....... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ted Dumas on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 12:06 am:

Buy a copy of the original shop manual and a copy of the MTFCA engine manual. You might also spring for the transmission and rear axle manuals. This should cost about $60-$70 and will give you much information and confidence in what you were doing. The Model T was designed to owner serviceable from the get go and most were maintained by their owners with minimal tools and skill.

Your transmission is likely just fine, although it may need new bands. The original clutch discs are buried in the bowels of the transmission and should be OK and serviceable as is. The transmission is the most durable part of the driveline and will give good service even when extremely worn.

When you do the work yourself, you not only save expense but you learn how to do it and you know what you have when you are done.

Welcome to the hobby, dig in and have fun.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Barrett on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 12:56 am:

Matthew,
Model T's were made to be repaired and maintained in less than perfect conditions and with minimal expense. They respond well to those kinds of conditions. Don't be afraid to patch that T back together and enjoy it. You will be amazed at how well it will run and drive. You can always spend more money and time in the future. For now, be sure to get info like the MTFCA manuals or a reprint of the Ford shop manual to help you and be sure to pay attention to critical safety issues. Also, try to find a local T club chapter close to you and you will find friendly T guys more than happy to help you out. There isn't much we like more than to see another T back on the road.
Regards, Erik


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