MTFCA Forum

Can you or how do you lube the bearings in the hub of a '26-'27 fan?
Not seeing the screw to lube earlier ones on "improved" T.
Thanks in advance.

Unscrew the fan hub set screw just behind the fan and fill the reservoir with engine oil. The oil flows through a tunnel through the center of the shaft and comes out into the void between the front and rear bushings. Jim Patrick

Have found heavy oil like 600w gear oil better as less can sling past the felt seal, clings well to the brass bushing surface too.

Chain bar oil is rather clingy too.
Allan from down under.

As everyone has already stated, oil. But for oil to stay in the hub you need a good felt seal at the back and a good sealing paper gasket at the fan blade, and your bushings cannot be all worn out and sloppy.

jiminbartow wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 09, 2022 11:09 pm

Unscrew the fan hub set screw just behind the fan and fill the reservoir with engine oil. The oil flows through a tunnel through the center of the shaft and comes out into the void between the front and rear bushings. Jim Patrick


27D6127C-923A-41A8-90B5-DA6E21D423EC.jpeg

That’s a nice drawing Jim! Very detailed

Thank you!
-Dan

My earlier post on this subject disappeared for some reason... but I agree with all of the above responses except you may have
a modern sealed bearing upgraded Fan Hub? I would remove and service your Fan / Hub. Make sure the oil feed holes are clear
and all parts are serviceable. It will give you peace if mind to know the style you have and that it’s well lubed, serviceable
and give you trouble free service for many years!
Cheers Alan
Western Australia

Thank you Bryant. I drew it ten years ago when I had my fan assembly apart installing new bushings and seals. Regarding the oil viscosity, the most important thing is to find a happy medium. The oil needs to be thin enough to flow through the shaft tube but thick enough to not be slung out. Too thick and it will not be able to find its’ way through the shaft to the void between the bushings. Jim Patrick.

I looked fort the oil screw and couldn't find it. Might be under some paint.

Is it a problem to lube the bearings with grease ? Toon

Grease is not a good lube for a bushing turning at a high speed. The fan pulley is a little smaller than the crankshaft pulley, so the fan is turning faster than the crankshaft, that's too fast for grease as a lube for a bushing in my opinion.

Dan - here is photo of oil screw on my ‘26.

I haven't seen any documentation from Ford, on what they used back then, but I am using SAE 140 in mine, and it works. It's a good idea to check it from time to time, and it does leak out over a period of time. Putting in a modern bearing is a waste of time. Be sure to use the proper felt seal and retainer like Ford says, and you will have no regrets.

Thank you for the picture. I'll check later today, but I think the brass screw on mine is under some paint. Might have to clean things up a bit.

But thanks again.
--Dan

Chuck Regan wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 11, 2022 11:45 am

Dan - here is photo of oil screw on my ‘26.

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 11, 2022 12:10 pm

Be sure to use the proper felt seal and retainer like Ford says, and you will have no regrets.

After owning my T for nearly 20yrs, I had no idea there was such a seal. There wasn't one there when I got the car. Just goes to show there's still more to learn. Sure enough, the felt does exist https://www.modeltford.com/item/3983.aspx
Until now I just accepted the fan hub was a 'total loss' oiling system and put up with the mess. And, I was about to order a modern sealed bearing to stop the oil leaking...
Thanks for mentioning this!

Thanks for that pic Chuck.
I had to do a little exploring thru multiple layers of paint and gunk to find mine on my '26 project.
Road testing of car weeks away now..... can't wait.
I built it from a very clean frame, a rusty rolling chassis, and a pile of parts.
I've had a great time just getting to this point. Fun!!!

Dan - glad the picture helped - holler if you need anything else. Post a pic of your ‘26 when she’s on the road.

Half windshield and hood to be installed shortly. Speedster style! No fenders 4 me......

Can't wait to go running with the pack in '22!