MTFCA Forum

I am new to the Model T community but not to early cars. I am in the process of reassembling my 1912 engine and looking for tips on reassembly for such info as torques, avoiding oil leaks etc. I can't find such info in the club restoration videos or the club utube channel. Am I missing something? I do have the "black book" which is helpful. Materials for sealing joints have changed a lot since the book was written, however, an example is what to use instead of candle wax! There are multiple private videos online but am surprised that the club does not officially cover details of rebuilding the engine proper. Suggestions?

I am not a professional engine rebuilder, but I was taught how to rebuild Model T engines by a man who was a professional engine rebuilder. The Model T engines he built for himself were used to win the Montana 500 several times, and when he didn’t win, he was always in contention. The techniques he taught me are also explained in the YouTube videos featuring Mike Bender published by the Flatland Ts of Kansas. They can be found by searching for the ModelT-Tips channel. I highly recommend them. Even if you do not go through all the steps described in those videos, they will add significantly to your understanding of how rebuilding a Model T engine and transmission should be done.

Respectfully submitted,

Trent Boggess

49willard wrote: ↑

Sat May 17, 2025 8:22 am

I am new to the Model T community but not to early cars. I am in the process of reassembling my 1912 engine and looking for tips on reassembly for such info as torques, avoiding oil leaks etc. I can't find such info in the club restoration videos or the club utube channel. Am I missing something? I do have the "black book" which is helpful. Materials for sealing joints have changed a lot since the book was written, however, an example is what to use instead of candle wax! There are multiple private videos online but am surprised that the club does not officially cover details of rebuilding the engine proper. Suggestions?

I;m not sure which "black book" that you are referring to, but do you have the engine assembly book, printed by the MTFCA?

Forget FB. Look up threads by Herm and read them. Then use your own judgement.
Lot of information on the old forums.

Link to Mike Benders videos:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCz9Cs_Ie ... uRQ/videos

The "Black Book" IS the Model T Bible !

I second Mike Bender’s videos on YouTube called Model T Tips. It’s what I used.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Sat May 17, 2025 2:45 pm

The "Black Book" IS the Model T Bible !

Steve, are you referring to the "Ford Service" manual, which Ford sold in hardback form? It has been reprinted with a black cover, but in softback form. Back in the 1960's, when I bought my first softback, it had a green cover.

Yes, my original "Bible" isn't black either !

Thanks all for your replies. I am into Mike Benders videos. My bible is the latest soft cover black version.

Understanding the Model T’s ignition system takes patience—each component plays a role. It’s like assembling research with online assignment expert: each detail matters for the whole to function. Trace your wiring and double-check grounding for consistent spark.

The MTFCA service manuals are good supplements to the Ford service manual.

Original Service Manuals were Blue Hardback books.
Special ones were Leather bound. Given to special people by Ford.

As I stated in the post titled Instruction book vs. Ford Manual the so called black book isn’t a motors or dykes manual meant to describe how to do a job from start to finish. It’s actually a time study used to give Ford mechanics hints on how to do the jobs faster. That’s why there’s times listed at every job shown. That’s also why some of the explanations given can be a little vague. That’s because the mechanics were familiar with the T. I realize to an extent it’s all that’s available but using it by itself isn’t a good idea if you’re new to T’s.

Sorry guys, but the above answers to a newcommer what the "Black Bible" is was quite internal and not very helpful.

The book nicknamed "The Black Bible" is the 2 inch thick book titled "Model T Ford: The Car That Changed the World" by Bruce McAlley: Bruce McAlley: (Taken 15 years ago at Chickasha right after I got my copy signed by Bruse )

Steve Jelf have made a good webpage with what every (new) Model T owner should own:

https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

Nope. Not the one you show. The smaller book that’s usually all black. I believe it says Ford Model T service on the cover though that might be the reprint version. OK maybe I’m wrong but I don’t like to think so. Fuzzy pictures. Vague descriptions and times for each job shown.

Ford Service Manual reprint is available from MTFCA Museum:
https://mtfca.square.site/product/model ... se&q=false
It's a reprint and while information is good, pictures are not as crisp as in the original. Vendors offer it for sale as well

Cimorelli has pdf downloads of many ford publications, but not the Service Manual
https://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/mtdl_year_title_list.htm