The crank on my new project (1923 coupe) is loose with loads of play between the actual crank and the mount hole it goes through. Is that a bushing in the mount that is worn out, or does it require a new mount all together? Whats happening is that when the spring pushes it back out from the pully, it hangs down because it is worn, and catches on the hole in the apron.

You need a new bushing. I suggest making your own, the ones provided by the parts houses are crap.

Hi John - Yes, the hand crank mounting hole in the pan has a replaceable bushing. All the vendors have them and it's pretty easy to replace it. Of course, you could have wear on the hand crank itself also.

Fordially, Keith

Ok, yes I see that now in the Langs catalogue - rolled steel bushing. - I'll get one, and then I'll check the fit on my crank. If the crank is worn, I'll have one made to fit.

John -- The wear pattern on the crank itself will be on the top near the engine and on the bottom toward the front of the bushing. The end of the crank won't be worn, so a bushing that will go over the end of it will allow play when it is in position. Replacing the bushing will probably take care of most of the slop, but if the crank is badly worn, it'll need to be built up or replaced.

Mike.

Mike, question; can you drive the old bushing out with everything left in tact? Is there room to do this without any dissasembly up front(other than removal of the crank, etc)?
Edward R. Levy (happy that the very very high winds didn't knock out the cable connection last night)

The steel bushings are not absolutely round. I turn a tiny bit off the bushing and it goes in much easier. If the pan is out of the car it's real easy. Make sure to support the pan while driving in the bushing, so you don't bend the pan.

I've read, but haven't done it, that you can drill a hole through the rear of the bushing and put a bolt or piece of steel in it. Then push it back with an air hammer. Pull a new one in from the rear with a long bolt through the bushing and a washer and the nut on the front of the pan.
Noel

It is my understanding the rear bronze camshaft bushing makes a good crank bushing.

Ed -- There is room, but that doesn't mean you can easily drive it out. The one on my '15 came right out, but on the one in the '27 I bought recently, I tried everything I could think of and finally ended up cutting a slot in it with a torch, then it drove right out.

Mike.

John --- The subject of crank bushing replacment was covered in the Tinkering Tips section of the Vintage Ford Magazine about two years ago. In the article the engine was apart. You can remove the bushing like the article states. It will be necessary to draw or pull the new bushing into place. Sometimes it is necessary to run a .750 reamer through the hole so the crank will go in.