Model A head bolts

[Bob1942]

Nice to see a MODEL A FORD FORUM on here MY THANKS to AF Administrator IGOR ? My Model A is a 1929 Phaeton "Lulabelle"...The Engine "Blew" about a month ago and I am waiting for a rebuilt engine to arrive... I was wondering about " BREAK IN " Should I do anything special ? and for how long ? I have coming what they call a "Touring engine " With counterbalanced crankshaft , Touring grind camshaft , Lightened flywheel and insert bearings ...I am keeping the standard Head . THANKS! BOB

[Mike V. Florida]

Wow, you go through all the time, trouble and expense of a "touring" engine and you keep the original head?

Anyway any good rebuilder will give you instructions on how to break in and seat everything. I would (and have) run the engine for just a few miles to bring the engine up to temp and then change the oil. This, while it might seem like a waste, will help insure that all the debris that might be left after the machining will be flushed out since the Model A does not have a filter.

Next, just run the engine at various speeds never staying at one speed too long so the pistons will seat properly (about 500 to 750 miles).

[Bob1942]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Wow, you go through all the time, trouble and expense of a "touring" engine and you keep the original head?

Anyway any good rebuilder will give you instructions on how to break in and seat everything. I would (and have) run the engine for just a few miles to bring the engine up to temp and then change the oil. This, while it might seem like a waste, will help insure that all the debris that might be left after the machining will be flushed out since the Model A does not have a filter.

Next, just run the engine at various speeds never staying at one speed too long so the pistons will seat properly (about 500 to 750 miles).

THANKS Mike : Just the info I need ...I find the stock engine to have plenty of power for me and my kind of driving so I am not changing the head and its another (almost) $300.00 ... I am after long engine life and smooth operation ...The rebuilder says he should ship the engine to me within two days ...BOB

[Mike V. Florida]

A high compression engine will lower the operating temp and increase MPG about 10 to 15% (at least it did with mine) I went from about 18 to about 21 MPG.