Engine Mounting Bolts
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Topic author - Posts: 2245
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
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Engine Mounting Bolts
It's clear from what I've read that the bolts that go horizontally thru the frame and wood block are not to be tightened beyond the point where they don't rattle but what about the top bolts? Same thing? Snug? Tight? I've been researching but the answer isn't clear. Thanks!
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
Tim
The frame top rail to pan bracket short bolts are tight! No wiggle, drawn down tight and insert cotter in the castle nut on top.
The top ones are fastened first, before you place the wood blocks into the frame rail.
The longer side bolts, placed into the wood blocks, are drawn up snug, not loose, but don't pull them so tight as the top ones. Like to finger tight, then wrench only enough to align the cotters for inserting. With the snug, you should be able to turn the head of the long bolt against the frame rail, and the castle nut with cotter should gently twist with it.
The frame top rail to pan bracket short bolts are tight! No wiggle, drawn down tight and insert cotter in the castle nut on top.
The top ones are fastened first, before you place the wood blocks into the frame rail.
The longer side bolts, placed into the wood blocks, are drawn up snug, not loose, but don't pull them so tight as the top ones. Like to finger tight, then wrench only enough to align the cotters for inserting. With the snug, you should be able to turn the head of the long bolt against the frame rail, and the castle nut with cotter should gently twist with it.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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Topic author - Posts: 2245
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
Thanks Dan 
As someone who taught high school science for 34 years, I got used to answering the same questions over and over. It requires patience and a smile..... I appreciate your patience and that of other forum members when the same questions keep coming up. Please know that we newbies appreciate it!

As someone who taught high school science for 34 years, I got used to answering the same questions over and over. It requires patience and a smile..... I appreciate your patience and that of other forum members when the same questions keep coming up. Please know that we newbies appreciate it!
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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- First Name: Don
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
I'm about to install an accessory engine support (aka belly-band) that came with a parts chassis.
It's secured to the frame via the horizontal bolts. Do the same procedures about tightening apply with the belly-band added?
It's secured to the frame via the horizontal bolts. Do the same procedures about tightening apply with the belly-band added?
1924 Touring
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
Tim
You are welcome, that little detail is also noted in Ford Service, paragraph 100.
The belly bands are just added support for the engine crankcase already mounted. So yes, install the T engine factory way, wood block motor mount at pan, with both bolts, and be sure the wood block inside the frame to the inside of pan arm is tight, you want to have to knock that block in place.
Takes strain off the arm, as the whole engine will twist in the chassis with braking and low pedal acceleration.
Note the marks of the arm on the inside of an original wood block, was fitted very snug to get this impression.
Have those belly bands also, can't hurt and may help keep me out of the 2-piece crank club
You are welcome, that little detail is also noted in Ford Service, paragraph 100.
The belly bands are just added support for the engine crankcase already mounted. So yes, install the T engine factory way, wood block motor mount at pan, with both bolts, and be sure the wood block inside the frame to the inside of pan arm is tight, you want to have to knock that block in place.
Takes strain off the arm, as the whole engine will twist in the chassis with braking and low pedal acceleration.
Note the marks of the arm on the inside of an original wood block, was fitted very snug to get this impression.
Have those belly bands also, can't hurt and may help keep me out of the 2-piece crank club

The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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- First Name: Bill
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
This newbie sure appreciates the info! I will be pulling and replacing my engine this Fall, and I had no idea about the different tightening specs. I guess I should read the instructions...
Maybe the guys who have been at this for a while and know these details could put together a book called something like "The Fine Points". I would buy it!
Cheers, Bill
Maybe the guys who have been at this for a while and know these details could put together a book called something like "The Fine Points". I would buy it!
Cheers, Bill
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
Dan-
If the top bolts are taken up tight before installing the wood blocks why is the top of the block cut to hold the bolt head while tightening?
If the top bolts are taken up tight before installing the wood blocks why is the top of the block cut to hold the bolt head while tightening?
"Those who fail to plan, plan to fail"
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
Not sure but I thought that was for a space to run wiring.
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
The top of the wood block is notched so it will clear the bolt head when you insert the block. The bevel at the bottom of the block creates a space where the gas line runs.
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Re: Engine Mounting Bolts
As belly bands were brought up, I think it’s a good idea to apply a thin rubber surface between the pan and band. The ones we manufacture have a thin neoprene pad glued on.