Does a stationary engine work OK in a running T ?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Does a stationary engine work OK in a running T ?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rodrigo Nunes Ricardo on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 08:35 pm:

A model T engine which spent its hole life as a stationary engine will work fine in a running T?

Any limitations?

THANK YOU AGAIN!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 08:44 pm:

Just like any T engine, check everything out and run it. I can't imagine why there would be any limitations other than those found in an engine with similar wear.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Thode Chehalis Washington on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 08:45 pm:

No limitations. Like any engine, just depends on the condition.
Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Claverie on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 08:47 pm:

So long as it wasn't modified to be a stationary engine, it should work OK.

Considerations: Stationary engines usually rack up more hours than auto engines, and often at sustained high speeds. This isn't necessarily a problem, but it could affect the wear on internal parts.

Also, sometimes modifications are made to the cooling systems. This could be anything from using larger radiators, to cooling with seawater, etc.

If I were to come across such an engine and wanted to use it in an auto, I think my major task would be to clean the internal water passages very thoroughly, and carefully check journals, babbits, etc. for unusual wear. Finding no problems, and making sure no other modifications were made, I'd push ahead with some degree of confidence.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Katy, Texas on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 08:57 pm:

I agree with all the above. The freshly rebuilt block in my 27 coupe came from Montana and according to the seller, had been used as a stationary engine, most, if not all of its life. Everything looked good when it was checked prior to machining, except it was found that the cylinders were worn to over .080! It was sleeve time, then.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian Holcomb, Watertown WI on Saturday, November 09, 2013 - 10:26 pm:

On a positive note, the transmission should be in great shape!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Katy, Texas on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 12:39 am:

Maybe, but in at least one case that I know of, the trans was modified because reverse and low gears were not needed. Other than removing those bands, I can't remember what else was modified.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 03:27 am:

One of the first model T engines I had, had previously run as a stationary power. It was so wore out. Original standard pistons, cylinders worn to more than .030 inch oversize. I had it bored to .040 and new pistons. I put oversize stem valves in it. The intakes reamed nicely, the exhausts were worn almost oversize enough already. I have never, ever, before or since, seen rod and main bearings that loose! I don't know how it stayed together. The crank had to be ground to .020 under. Then, there were the timing gears. The teeth were worn down to razor sharp. I still have the gears. Sometimes, if I can lay my hands on them, I like to show them to people.
When rebuilt (back in the days I thought I was broke, but actually had a lot more money to spend than I do now), the engine turned out to be really good. As mentioned previously, the transmission apparently didn't do much while the engine ran seemingly endlessly. The transmission didn't need anything and was one of the best T transmissions I have ever had.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donald Conklin on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 12:17 pm:

A neighbor acquired a T engine that was used as a stationary engine. I don't know what the application was but the parking brake handle was rigged to hold it in low. The engine was in very good condition but the transmission and thrust surface on the rear main were extremely worn.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tony Bowker on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 11:55 pm:

I had the opposite experience to Wayne. Most of the transmission on the one I bought was missing. I changed the pistons, ground the valve and added the necessary transmission bits and it runs great


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Barker, Somerset, England on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 04:41 am:

Just make sure that the transmission has not had the marine mod which makes reverse -0.96:1 ratio, and eliminates low gear!
If the low and reverse drums are not joined, you're OK.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Killecut on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 08:51 am:

I bought 26-27 engine at an auction that came off of a buzz saw. I paid 35.00 for it. I took it apart, measured it, it had very little wear on it. I put it back together and put it in my 26 Touring. That was in 1989. I have driven it on many National Tours, and put a lot of trouble free miles on it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Lyon, PDX, OR. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 12:15 am:

Why would you put a stationary engine in something that you will want to drive? LOL!!! Don.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Adam Doleshal on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 12:36 pm:

A stationary engine will work fine in a car, but you have to get under the car to hook up the belt and the car is harder to move around!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Matthew Atchinson on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 12:59 pm:

The 1926 engine I am using for my Model T put together from parts was used as the main power source for a saw for years. My grandfather found this one along with a dozen or so more during the 60's and picked them up cheap. He would open them up and "freshen them up." He never had any problems with the ones he ran in his cars, nor did he ever hear any complaints from the people he sold them to for their cars. My guess is that, just like all other original Model t parts, you just have to look for wear and decide if it's worth using. My on a nearly no budget T's engine was taken apart and freshened up using all the original parts apart from new one piece valves and rings. I put it back together and right now it's too tight for my to turn over. My guess is once I get it broken in it shall be a fine motor to run in my T until I can afford to have it rebuilt with new parts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Val Soupios on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 01:13 pm:

I had a '52 CJ2A that had less than 6,000 miles on it because it spent 45 years in a filed running a irrigation pump off the PTO. God only knows how many hours the engine has on it but the little Jeep ran just fine and plowed my driveway from 1997 until I sold it when we moved to Florida. I would check out the engine and use it without a second thought!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 03:14 pm:

I'm with Don on this one -

By definition -- If you put a stationary engine in a car it will not move :-)


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