MTFCA Forum

Came across a engine at a swap and from a distance thought it was a Model T.
Turns out it was a Metz very similar to a Model T

I have heard that a Metz head will bolt onto a Model T block and provide a compression ratio increase. One caveat is that the Metz head uses a very long reach spark plug, like a Champion 32.

Mark that’s a good point on the spark plugs. I’ve searched and need 4 but have not seen any for sale. So what do you do if you have a Metz engine?

There is one Metz compatible plug on Ebay right now, priced in accordance with its rarity (I have no connection to the ad or the seller):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175810480672?h ... R6qt4f7YYg

Splitdorf P141 is another Metz plug, as are some of the others shown in the pics. I have owned them all at one point, but sold them and I don't have any left.

Getting a matching set of four of any brand would be a big challenge, you'll likely have to mix & match.

Thanks for all the information.
That gives me something else to search for at Hershey.

They are pretty wonderful little cars. And the engines are so similar. We were lucky enough to make this one run a few years ago.
https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/5 ... 1471715926

In the short term; If a Metz head will bolt onto a T engine, could you bolt a T head on the Metz and use the shorter plugs?

Darn Mark that solution is so darn simple it plum escaped me.
Thanks I may have to try it if it’s a possibility. Any one actually do that ? Best John

A T head on a Metz engine will have lower than stock compression ratio, hopefully it would still run.

Champion 34s and some other plugs that were originally designed for Maytag washing machine engines might work, but their reach is still shorter than the correct Metz plug. I think the shorter reach plugs in the picture in my post are plugs for Maytag washing machines.

Question - what are the threads and reach on a Metz?

When I first saw the plug, I thought of 2 things - first was aircraft plugs, then those godawful but long reach Ford Triton plugs (that break when you remove them from Ford Tritons) but (like a Metz) went way way down into the cylinder head...

Maybe???.........

For plugs, try Smokestack.com gas engine site.

Threads are 1/2" pipe, like a Model T. The straight section below the threads is around an inch, I can't say exactly because I don't have any examples any more.

I am going to pull the Metz head tomorrow and will post photos side by side with a Model T head and corresponding gaskets.

Wonder what a hi compression model t head would do?

I have most of a Metz engine, and a fair amount of the car. I doubt I will ever get around to attempting a restoration. And I have never tried to actually fit either head to the wrong engine. I know that they are close, and most Metz owners do use a model T head gasket. However to use the T head gasket on a Metz engine, does require some modification of the head gasket. Therefore, I suspect the head would not directly fit from one to the other without some effort. I have heard of it being done, but usually along with a comment about not being worth the trouble. At least that is the rumor I have heard.

The Metz head is different on two bolt holes, the need sleeved and redrilled to make work, close friend has one on his car, he also counter sunk the plugs deeper so special plugs are no longer needed, it did up the compression a bunch, he said if he had to do it over again he would just run the Hi compression pistons instead!

Metz related threads always capture my attention.

I am surprised that the engine in the original post still retains its sheet metal valve covers as they are often long gone by now.

While the Metz engine has a superficial resemblance to the Model T engine, there are significant differences between the two.
The Model T engine is cast en bloc and the Metz has its cylinder casting separate from the upper crankcase.
The head and cylinders are secured to the upper crankcase with studs and nuts.
There is a dipper tray for the connecting rods, much like the Model A.
The connecting rod caps have cast in dippers.
There is a camshaft driven oil pump to fill that dipper tray.

The Metz engine is cooled by thermosyphon, like the Model T, but it does not use a belt driven fan; the spokes of the rear mounted flywheel are shaped like fan blades to draw air through the flat tube radiator.

The Metz engine is rated at 22 horsepower, hence the model number.


There are probably as many "loose" Metz engines around as there Metz automobiles because when the car itself wore out, the engine was salvaged as it is a really good little power plant and easily adapted to other uses.