MTFCA Forum

Hi,
Recently, dug this out of the shed.
Included are the markings on a counterbalance crankshaft. Does anyone have an idea who made this?

thanks
Kevin

Shermike. They made 3 versions. Not enough seen to determine which one.

Sure break crank. Hang it on the wall.

Erik Barrett wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 25, 2023 1:13 pm

Sure break crank. Hang it on the wall.

Amen.........

Been there and done that Tom

Got 2 around here been running them for over 30 years no problems.

I'm sure there is another SureBreak crank that has been running for nearly a hundred years BUT unfortunately one of our club members recently rebuilt his engine not knowing the reputation with a SureBreak crankshaft that had been checked out.
It broke in a very short time of driving! Was a sad learning experience that he didn't know before so he could have made an informed choice.

What about this dandy?

Looks a might short John !!!

Now that one looks pretty nice. it's got some scarring near the front seal and pulley but looks a little short on the back end??
I have a couple of cranks here in the shop with the same problem!

Yep that one left a mark. Approximately How much JB WELD will I need to repair it properly? Jim the 4 attributes should be:
More power
More Speed
More POP
More engine pulls

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:39 pm

Shermike. They made 3 versions. Not enough seen to determine which one.

John, How can a person tell them apart? I have two, one in a running engine and a spare. I'd like to know if the spare is one of the better ones.

years back I checked the metallurgy of them and they where high Cromium in them like the Dodge Bros. cranks.

ModelTWoods wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:35 pm

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:39 pm

Shermike. They made 3 versions. Not enough seen to determine which one.

John, How can a person tell them apart? I have two, one in a running engine and a spare. I'd like to know if the spare is one of the better ones.

The difference is the size of the counter weights. I believe the "short" one shown is the best #3. #2 are a smaller dog bone shape. #1 has very little counter weight. This is from research basically looking @ aftermarket adds long ago.

Any ideas on the make of these two? At this time they are wall hangers, so if anyone can shed light on whether or not they are worth the $$ and time to finish them I would appreciate the info.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 28, 2023 8:25 am

ModelTWoods wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:35 pm

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:39 pm

Shermike. They made 3 versions. Not enough seen to determine which one.

John, How can a person tell them apart? I have two, one in a running engine and a spare. I'd like to know if the spare is one of the better ones.

The difference is the size of the counter weights. I believe the "short" one shown is the best #3. #2 are a smaller dog bone shape. #1 has very little counter weight. This is from research basically looking @ aftermarket adds long ago.

John, Where are the pictures (#1, #2, #3) that you mentioned?

I think From various accessory books. Its been a while. Past vintage fords likely. Also in various accessory compilation books.

My understanding from old timers, is that there are 2 different counterbalanced cranks. 1 that is prone to break, and 1 that (can't) be broke.
I have no idea how you tell the difference. Wished I knew.
I have 1 that I got used that has 5,000 miles at 60 MPH and still going.