Installing Pistons

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BarnesvilleT
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Installing Pistons

Post by BarnesvilleT » Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:03 am

New to Model T engine assembly. I have rebuilt other engines in the past and had to align timing marks on the cam and crank gears.
I am in the process of doing a valve job and putting new rings on the pistons for my '26 Coupe. Have read and watched
some videos and it seems that after the valves were installed they just put the pistons in. Did I miss
something where possibly number one valves have to be in a certain position to get the piston at TDC.
I have a Model T service manual and did not find an explanation in there either.
Any help would be appreciated.


Scott_Conger
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by Scott_Conger » Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:20 am

align timing marks on crank/cam and you're done

in-line 4 engines are pretty straight forward
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

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John kuehn
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by John kuehn » Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:36 am

Yes it’s pretty straight forward. When the timing marks on the cam gear and the crankshaft gear are in line it works itself out whether you have the valves or pistons installed or not. Always worked for me.


Lil Teezy
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by Lil Teezy » Thu Feb 02, 2023 11:27 am

Perhaps worth mentioning here- it does not relate to valve timing but the pistons/pins and connecting rods do have a specific orientation when mounted in the bores and on the crank, in relation to “front and back” or “cam side/not cam side” of the engine.
Some day I will learn to include a link to another thread, in the meantime search “piston orientation, mtfca” for several threads if you are not already aware. -Chris, in Boulder


noelchico
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by noelchico » Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:05 pm

William,
FYI, if your connecting rod bolts are questionable after dozens of removals in the past 100 years, they may be replaced with small block Chevy rod bolts. The knurling needs to be filed or ground down but that's easy in a drill press or lathe. Make sure you replace all of them as they weigh 9 grams less (or more, I don't remember) than a stock T nut-bolt-cotter combination. They also don't need the cotters and torque at about 45 ft/lbs. Depending on how many shims are left, the additional torque may take up 1-2 thousandths of your clearance at the crank. Good luck.

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Mopar_man
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by Mopar_man » Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:22 pm

True the rods have to be pointing to the cam shaft on the power stroke? Someone please chime in


Scott_Conger
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by Scott_Conger » Thu Feb 02, 2023 8:29 pm

wrist pin bolts are on the camshaft side on the power stroke...(and all other strokes as well ;) )
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured


ModelTWoods
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by ModelTWoods » Fri Feb 03, 2023 11:39 am

Expansion slot in aluminum piston goes toward camshaft side; am I correct, or do I have it backwards.


Kerry
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Re: Installing Pistons

Post by Kerry » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:51 pm

Slot go's on the other side of the cam on a T engine, some get confused on which side of the bore is the power thrust, which is the cam side. There is an arrow on the top that should point to the front of an engine.

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