Proper studs/bolts for Wilmo manifold

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Proper studs/bolts for Wilmo manifold
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 04:26 pm:

I have a Wilmo manifold that came with my 1924 engine. The manifold studs that are in the block stick out 2 3/8". I not sure but I assume these are the type for the standard T manifold clamps. Either way the threads don't go down far enough so a previous owner used an over-sized nut to space out the outer nut. I'd like to find a shorter stud and clean it up.

The Wilmo is about 1 5/8" thick at the bolt holes. Are there any special considerations for a washer under the nuts and could someone recommend an off the shelf stud? Is it as simple as going to NAPA and size the correct stud?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 05:13 pm:

Rich - I'm not sure if I can be of any help here, but your post really got my attention!

My '27 engine was just rebuilt this past winter by a very highly respected local engine rebuilder here,...Steve Tomaso of "Steve's "T" Works in Milton, Washington.

Steve made a few deviations from "stock" when he rebuilt my engine, and one of them was to install a Wilmo manifold that I picked up 2 years ago at Chickasha. My idea was to replace the '27 engine's vaporizer carburetor with the Wilmo manifold and a Holly NH carburetor that Steve also rebuilt. This isn't what you asked about Rich, but you might be interested to know that as good as the engine used to run with the vaporizer, it REALLY runs great now, and is much, MUCH easier starting when cold with the Wilmo and NH carb than it used to be with the vaporizer.

The interesting thing that DOES pertain to what you asked is, the manifold studs that originally held the old manifold and vaporizer set-up on were just barely long enough to hold the Wilmo manifold in place. In fact, when I picked up the rebuilt engine from Steve's "T" Works, Steve made a point of telling me that he was sure that the manifold studs would work out just fine, but that he wouldn't have minded if they'd been just a tad longer as the nuts didn't quite engage the last outer thread or two. The point is, I'm sure you can find studs that will work out better for you, and if nothing else, maybe find some studs that came out of a '27 block that had the vaporizer on it.

Steve, who rebuilt my engine, reads and participates pretty regularly on this forum, and maybe if he sees this thread and has any suggestions for you he'll "chime in".

In the meantime, hope this might help in some way,....harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 05:32 pm:

Harold, thanks for the reply, it was very informative. I look forward to getting the engine running with this manifold and a Holley NH. Your post helps to confirm that it should be great. The vacuum fitting will removed since I can't think of a use for it and the hole plugged up.

Sounds like Steve didn't use a washer under the nut since there was not enough thread. Once I find a stud that fits, I may have a thick washer made that covers the small shoulder of the mounting holes. I could be over thinking this but certainly don't want to damage the manifold.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Johnson on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 05:33 pm:

I wasn't aware that there was more than one style of Wilmo.

The Wilmo on my unrestored '17 uses the stock manifold clamps as seen below:

1


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 06:00 pm:

Erik

I actually like the look of your style Wilmo since it retains the original T clamps. Here's a better picture of mine.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 06:05 pm:

If it was in my garage I would cut off the studs you have and die the threads down further if necessary.

I've owned a number of Wilmo manifolds. None looked like that. All mine looked like the one Erik pictured. Yours appears to be a pre - patent approval version, it is a rarity.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 06:16 pm:

Rich - Correct,....just the nuts,....no washers. And like Royce just said, my Wilmo looks exactly like the picture Erik posted, and the nuts fit EXACTLY like the nuts fit on Eriks. Glad Erik posted the picture since his set-up looks exactly like mine, and I still don't know how to post pictures! I think Royce has a good idea in how to make your studs work just fine,.........harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 06:51 pm:

Thanks Royce, reworking the stud makes perfect sense. I found this 1916 ad on eBay and it features a similar style Wilmo but it is interesting that the casting text and location is from mine.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike conrad on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:33 pm:

I think I remember looking at a Wilmo once. Aren't the ports smaller than a standard manifold and intake. Is that right? Is this where they are getting more fuel economy And have you noticed a inprovment over stock Just curious.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Tomaso - Milton,WA on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 08:02 pm:

Rich,

Several avenues to take - you might pick up some Model A manifold stud washers - the thick ones or shorten the length of what you have as Royce suggests or procure a correct length stud. Original studs prior to 1925 are 3/8 x 3 & 1/4 - sometime in '25 when the carb. combination mixture and choke assembly began to appear, the stud length was changed to 3/8 x 2 & 5/8 and used the reversed style manifold clamp.

Thanks for the "plug" Harold !


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 09:32 pm:

After I pulled the manifold off to look at the back side I noticed the two valve cover studs on my open engine. Took some measurements and it looks like they will be perfect when used with thick washers. Add some thick brass nuts and it should look sharp.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Johnson on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 06:04 pm:

An earlier style Wilmo is on a Model T for sale on Craigslist. Refer to the last photo in the ad:

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3133670330.html


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