Did Ford make the change when they went from open
valve to closed valve? Dale
The encyclopedia quotes it as october 1911
There is no defined date for the change and there is a huge overlap with both being manufactured during the same time. The closed valve was introduced by March 1911 (#40880 is closed valve) and open valve motors were still being made a few months later as odd pallets of the old style blocks were found and machined.
Now where this question gets really interesting is the introduction of the tapered hole transmission cover and the 3 dipper sump with the closed valve blocks, particularly one as early as March or April. And then a square hole cover on later open blocks...ooooooh yeah.
The two piece timer was used well after the change to closed valves. It is an excellent timer. The first shipping invoice noting the use of the oil filler timer which initially replaced the two piece timer was Oct. 5, 1911. This would have been an engine serial number about 85,000 from my personal experience reviewing the accounts receivables records at the Benson Ford.
This is a 1910 but your '11 should be identical:
One of the very few oil fill timers found here was on #87XXX, backs up what Royce says above.
Royce's above picture shows that the end of the timer rod is
bent toward the engine for the two piece timer.
The later timers have the rod turned outward on
the timer end. The 2.5" dimension shown for timing per piston position for '12 and later engines does not work for the two piece timer.
The record of changes for the 1911 style timing cover (front engine cover) states that the new timing cover replaced the old one piece timer type cover on 5/11/11 and that new timing cover was factory number 4451 to be used with new commutator. The 1909-1910 cover which used the spring on the fan arm was 403B and that cover was replaced by 403C which used the bolt rather than a spring to tension the fan belt. 403C was first drawn up on 7/19/10 and obsoleted on 12/14/11 but that was just when the drawing was retired. The part had been retired much earlier.
Thanks John you gave me the answer that I was
looking for. Royce I have a 1911 # 81XXX that
came with the oil fill timer. I also have a
letter from Henry E. Edmunds (Archivist) of Ford Motor Company dated March 8, 1955 indicating my car was assembled October 13,1911.
This would be a time period before records were
destroyed.
Dale that is great information and it agrees with what I have seen. What is the casting date on the engine block and cylinder head?
Royce the head had a casting date of 9 11. I have
not been able to read date on block. I did try
paper and pencil trick, perhaps I can make it out
when the car is in sunlight.