The dirt funnel

[Doug Keppler]

Has anyone ever figured out why HF would design his engine with a funnel so every time the sparkplug is removed dirt goes down into the cylinder. Now come on Farmers didn't have compressed air

[Rich Eagle]

The obvious answer is to get the plug closer to the combustion chamber. It collects water if the hood hinge has worn and lets the threads rust. I suppose you could leave the plugs a bit loose to blow it clean. It is aesthetically more pleasing than a flat surface to my eyes. FWIW
Rich

[Peter, Memphis TN]

The more learn about the origin of the Model T, the more I wonder just how much of its design was done by Henry, and how much was done by the Dodge Brothers. Of course Henry approved what they did, but did he have a hand in the design of details like this?

[Norman Kling]

Yes it is to get the plug closer to the combustion chamber and also to allow a larger water jacket above the cylinder. Rags are easy to come by and almost everyone had a tire pump, so not so hard to clean up and anything small enough to miss a rag or tire pump air, would go right out the exhaust anyway.
Norm

[Rich Bingham]

FWIW, most "L" heads are like that. I've never noted a worrisome amount of "stuff" in plug wells. If they fill with water usually the plugs short out and you stall.

[BobD]

I wonder how the engineers got around this on the Model A head? No recess or well around the plugs there.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Also for what it is worth. The Metz which used a motor so similar in some details as to be able to use Ford T model parts for repairs, does not have that funnel top. The spark plugs for them are about an inch and a half longer on the bottom end. I wouldn't mind getting a few more of them if someone has some and been wondering "What the (??) are THESE for?" I do have a Metz project pile I may never get around to restoring, and am short good plugs for it.

The worst thing about that "funnel" on a T model's head is that if left sitting outside for a year or ten, water collects in those dips. If the threads are all very good, and the plugs tight, it may be okay. However, I have opened up a few engines that had sat for years, and found one of the cylinders didn't seal well enough around the threads of the plug, leaving three cylinders in good condition, with the other one nasty inside.

[RichardG]

my grand mother had a bellows hanging by the fire place, bet that would work, YOU NEVER WANT TO CRITICISE A farmer with your mouth full, and the definition of a farmer IS A MAN OUTSTANDING IN HIS FIELD. GOD BLESS OUR FARMERS ! I am next door to one,he is 55 and looks way older, seven days a week sick or not .a job not for the weak.

[Doug Keppler]

Richard I was in no way criticizing farmers, back in the days of Model Ts they seemed to be the ones mostly buying them

[RichardG]

DOUG, did not mean it that way ,growing up my mom would say, when we said any thing about the food. just thought i would pass it on ,ive used it many times . one of those neat sayings.to express gratatude to the farmer.

[Duey_C]

Temperature extremes will put water in the funnel too. Cold engine-warmer environment. Seen this many times here. Part of the reason I kicked 2 T's out of the cozy little shop. Darned ice in the funnels.
If the threads aren't perfect, the water runs down like the dirt.

[Wayne Sheldon]

My wonderful grandfather was a farmer, for most of his life. And, I have his old air compressor. I don't know just how old it is, or how long he had it. But he replaced the electric motor I think in the '50s. The tank, steel wheels, and wood sub frame he built all look like something from a hundred years ago.
One of my most cherished possessions.

[RichardG]

WAYNE this forum is the best thing sence roasted peanuts,you get to visit with folks from around the world that u would never other wise speak with, we could pass each other some where in our travels never to know they have the same love. im not much for some of the modern junque, but this cobfuzer is something !

[Wayne Sheldon]

Richard G, Yes it is! I do think the "back porch", thread drifts, and friendly banter, all help build relationships and make this forum a busy place where serious questions often get answered quickly. It is funny how friendships are on the interweb, about a year after we moved to Califunny, Terry Horlick and I ran into each other in the local DMV. He saw me reading my "Horseless Carriage Gazette", introduced himself, and then we found we knew each other from this forum!

[Wayne Sheldon]

Why did I type "moved to Califunny"? I have been in Califunny since I was five months old (Proud to NOT be a state native!) . I meant to say "moved to Grass Valley".
Can we edit mistakes on this new forum?

[RichardG]

THE WORD IS YOU CAN, BUT DON'T YOU ALWAYS SAY WHAT YOU MEAN? been to that state twice, glad both times to get back to the mountains.there realy is NO PLACE LIKE HOME !nice visiting with you, have a super day. RICH--G

[Bob in Texas]

When working around an engine with plug or plugs out I like to screw 1/2 inch pipe nipple(s) in the plug hole. Mine are 4 inches long. Otherwise anything you drop that will fit will find a way to go right down the funnel hole.

[RichardG]

BOB, YOUR A SMART MAN, THAT'S A SWELL IDEA,OLD PLUGS WOULD WORK TOO. THERE HAS BEEN A FEW TIMES WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THAT SMART, LIKE WHEN YOU HAVE THE TOP END OF A ENGINE TORE DOWN AND ALL THE BOLTS N JUNK IS PILED ON AND AROUND ANY PLACE THAT'S FLAT, AND WHEN YOUR ABOUT BUTTON;D UP THERE IS SOMETHING MISSING,AND AFTER SWEEPING THE FLOOR YOU BEGIN TO SWEAT, YOU GO GRAB A CUP OF JAVA AND CALM DOWN GO BACK AND FIND IT BEHIND THE BATTERY OR HIDING ON THE SHOCK TOWER, NOT WHERE YOU PUT IT. I PICKED UP SOME OF THOSE LITTLE ROUND TRAYS WITH MAGNETS ON THE BOTTOM, MUCH SAFER PLACE FOR THINGS. AND YOU CANT DISLODGE THINGS BECAUSE THE MAGNET HOLDS EVERY THING IN THEM TO,IF YOUR GOING TO USE THEM ON GOOD PAINT PUT A SHOP RAG DOWN SET THE TRAY ON IT.