1927 FRANKLIN VALVE WORK & RAMBLER ENGINE

[@patcarbone1753]

Hi Jonathan, that Franklin was build in the Liverpool suburb of my home town of Syracuse New York. Great work saving this old classic!

[@thefordmaniac]

It's a good night when you hear hey folks Jonathan here. Hope your weeks goes well

[@hamjohn8737]

I looked through all your posted vids and haven't seen a Franklin update in a while.

[@heyoldman2003]

Ramble on ! Those rambler sixes were great . I ran many of them . Find a 63 ,64 wagon with the three speed over drive and you have a good machine. 25 mpg easy . They were the workin mans car . The only problem we had was... the oil tube to the rocker arms would plug up . We made a cleaning rod to clean it out . Worked great till it busted off 😲. And plugged it solid .. they actually sold aftermarket kits to run a line into the top and through of the valve cover .. it worked 👍🏼 great show . Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@gregwise5324]

Good stuff Jonathan. I've been using that same Black& Decker valve seating equipment for almost 50 years. I've always used a small coil spring under the stone to lift it off of the seat, so that when I'm grinding the seat I life off of the seat every few seconds. The old timer that showed me how to do this said it was to keep too much heat from building up. I'm not sure about that, but I've always done it that way. He taught me how to do valves & seats when I was about 13. I bought his equipment from him later on when he slowed down, I'm 62 going on 63 now. Thanks for the update!!

[@ralphgoings2120]

I also learned to use the spring under the stone 60 years ago. This allowed the stone to be at grinding speed before touching the seat and also coming off seat.

[@DennisMurphey]

My first car was a 47 Chevy and it had torque. I fried the clutch and it was a chore to replace the clutch. I rode my bike to get the clutch plate and then replaced the burnt out clutch. The Shift linkage was all out of adjustment too. It only had Low and reverse. But i found out how to adjust it and I was flying down the country road shifted into 2nd gear and was Laughing out loud all the way to 50 MPH. So rewarding. Just like your work here. I am sure when you get that engine to purr like a kitten, there is a big grin on your face.

[@69Dartman]

It's amazing it ran at all or as well as it did. We used to dig up old military Dodge power wagons and usually with a tiny bit of gas and a good battery they'd start and run after sitting in a field somewhere for 20 years or more. Things were simpler then and less picky. I like that your doing the valves the way they were originally so it's still a example of how they were made back in the day and how they run and sound. I'll never forget the noise those old flathead sixes made and the way they pulled when doing what they were made for. You don't get that experience with a total update and repower. Doubt anyone would repower a antique like that but at one point it was just a weird old car that was outdated and scrapped because it wasn't worth anything to most people and not much good to drive.

[@nickjervis8123]

Understand your reasoning 100%. Never realized AMC used torque tubes that late. My 1940 and 1952 Buicks have torque tubes. All the best from Nick Jervis UK 🇬🇧 Ask the man who owns one

[@TUMBLINJEST]

Every day I look forwards to hearing Jonathan's voice explaining how he`s doing things or how stuff works, yet I basically know how most things work myself, but its Jonathon`s calm, careful voice coming thousands of miles to my coastal North Essex Home in the UK.. Its almost like a family member talking to just me, but knowing he is talking to thousands of "like me`s" all over the world.... The Banter between himself and Noah makes me smile, as did yesterdays off camera a young voice calling - HI GRANDPA, and grandpa calling but with so much love in his voice......... God bless you all..

[@zenphamy8596]

I can still remember using one of those seat grinding tool sets at 16 yrs old, as well as the valve grinding tool alot like yours. Good memories from the older mechanic that put up with a 'stupid kid'.

[@roygunter3244]

Every person who served an apprenticeship probably realizes they were a "stupid kid" and thought they knew everything when they first started and had to have a great journeyman to put up with them. Not long before I retired I was teaching a young man, just out of his apprenticeship, a bunch of the tricks I had learned that made it easier and faster. He said something about how smart I was, I told him everything I knew I learned from someone, not most things but everything. Boy the older I get the more I respect the first journeymen who put up with me when I first started.

[@lutemule]

It is neat to see how that old air cooled engine can be brought back to life. Quite rare indeed!

[@toosavvy3504]

Yup... Checkout air cooled Sherman Tank engine!

[@robis40]

My weekend is going out on a positive note with a new JW video.

[@tenaxxband]

best part is no pamphlets...oh, wait, you meant the other JW

[@rustyaxelrod]

Man, back in the ‘80’s I used one of those seat grinders every day for a couple of years. I could crank out 7 pairs of V8 heads in a 10hr day vatted, surfaced, valves ground and bronze guide liners installed. We had two sets of seat grinders. One had the hex drive like yours and the other had a clover shape drive. The boss got mad at me for getting too aggressive with that stone dressing tool and flipping the diamond tip out of it. He paid for the first one and I paid for the second one, lol.

[@tomthumb1941]

I think what you are doing with the valves and using the retaining pin is spot on.

[@timothyharville6947]

Jonathan I shure enjoy your videos. On the valve grinding cut a milk jug to protect the cylinder wall from the spining grinder and bolt should any thing slip, those cylinder walls look mighty nice no nicks. your friend Tim

[@brucestmartin777]

That’s a good one ... really good job covering that with the camera ... we get to see the insides a 27 Franklin

[@PorscheRacer14]

I'm smiling that that old used valve-seat grinder set. That's what I learned to use rebuilding my first couple of engines in auto class in high-school. I had already been messing with engines and stuff early on as a kid and teen on the farm. The shop teacher let me rebuild engines and transmissions while the class learned how lawn mower engines worked. Made a few bucks for the shop and learned some useful skills on solid equipment. Nice to see those old tools being useful again. That Franklin is getting a lot of good love and attention again. Such a unique vehicle and you're doing some great work making the best of what you have and being clever about it. This is where I might normally say I can't wait to see that Franklin fire up again, but in this case I can wait and let you do things right so it can go on for another century :) P.S. I used an old sewing machine pedal to help modulate the speed with the drill. The trigger seemed like slow, a bit faster and then full bore.

[@garywheeler27]

Snap ! I haven't seen one of them there valve seat tools since 1970 when I was an apprentice mechanic at the Bristol Omnibus Co here in the UK ! Even remember the old fellas name that used it ! Albert Jordan !!! The Leyland 500 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine had a Monoblock, similar idea as this and to lap the valves in we used to put the rubber sucker on the end of a bamboo cane !

[@dadsvespa]

Jonathan you brought me back to the first garage I worked in, when I was 20 years old. The owner and his 1 mechanic both served in WW2 ! The were very old school. The garage was on a side street in town. We even had an old coke machine, that worked and I paid only one dime for a coke in a bottle whenever I wanted one. It was a great old town garage. The only thing we were missing was a dog ! haha ! Anyway I used the exact same setup when I refurbished cyl heads. The drill, the stone guides and sharpener...exact ! Bill, my boss told me he had it since the late 1930's ! He was an honest man...grumpy, but fair .I miss the old man. So he showed me how to set it up and grind the seats. He also had a valve grinder that worked excellent . So I'd touch up valves and seats and lapped them in. I couldn't believe it when I saw your set up. Brought me back to when I was young, dumb, and full of c... as my boss used to say. haha ! (dirty old man) ! lol. Love that Franklin ! Have a great holiday ! Noah too ! peace

[@rickywhite7578]

Your my kind of guy.. I am impressed with this content.. the older vehicles are my preference.. keep up the good work

[@RatdogDRB]

Love seeing how some of those old engines worked. That's way cool that you're able to substitute some reasonably priced Chevy valves and a very minor mod to them. Nice. You need to find you a rag-top Nash Metropolitan without an engine... that Rambler engine would be a natural for it.

[@TERRY-td8lk]

I don't question anything you do JW. You have impressed me over and over that you know what you are doing, and doing it well...................

[@darrenfarr4890]

Some guys had an old 1960 Rambler wagon Gitmobile when I was in the navy stationed in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Seeing this sequence made me wish we had JW on the job back then. Maybe we could of got it running but never did!

[@frankcasatelli4078]

That Rambler 6 engine is the best. Had one in my 1965 rambler 770 convertible ran like a dream. Like a fool I sold her. Boy do l regret that stupid decision! Wish I had her back.

[@pippastone6018]

Hey aren’t you glad that you where shown the old school ways in life,so cool and awesome Jonathan,🇳🇿👍😎✌️🙏KIWIPIP🇳🇿👍😎✌️🙏

[@380.motorsports]

Drilling the valves to keep the valve spring assembly original made perfect sense to me for all the right reasons. Good explanation.

[@ronaldcounts4119]

That was a good explanation of your decision to use the old valve springs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@estpst]

Always enjoy watching these videos about the obscure engines, and making them work again.

[@joachimdartson7313]

I was needing a new episode. Takes me back down home to Arkansas. Nostalgia is a gift folks. Thanks again JW. This will be a source of history when you and i have gone brother.

[@chemxfan]

I think I understood the reasoning behind drilling a hole in the valve - now that you've demonstrated why, I'm reassured. Better to do this than try to source a piston for the Franklin after a valve drops. I've been going back through his videos, and you know what I've found? When Jonathan says, "It's not a problem", you can take him at his word. I'll be looking forward to what he builds around that Rambler engine.

[@LoneRevD]

Looks like it'll work out fine. Gonna be cool to see the old Gal fire up with real compression and not one or two and the rest taking a siesta. Thanks for sharing, appreciated!

[@davekauffman8727]

You made a very good call on the valve springs and keepers, Chevrolet designed their parts for their engines, just like Franklin did with their parts, keeping things as OEM as possible is the very best thing for longevity. I once used a Mopar ignition coil in a Ford once, but you can get away with things like that on non-moving parts.

[@duncanfrere2656]

I had a Rambler American station wagon I traded a 61 Cadillac hearse for. 3 speed manual on the column with an overdrive that looked like a parking brake under the dash you'd pull out when you'd get up to speed in 3rd gear. Had an engine like you bought. Smooth running rig. Looking forward to what you'll put it in. The Franklin engine is interesting. Been YouTubing Franklin cars. Fantastic machines!

[@johnapel2856]

Valve keeper decision makes sense to me. Interesting to see how you are doing the seat grinding. The Rambler drivetrain is neat! Thanks.

[@Bamaman14k]

It's looking good, those valve seats are definitely on their way. Can't wait to see the old girl fired up again. Jimmy

[@eurocarman]

Love that Rambler drive line - can't wait to see what that is going in.

[@billjunking_fool5549]

love the Rambler engine nice you could put that in anything

[@philiphartley8823]

Valves.. Definitely the right way to go with the pins

[@howardkoster4026]

Jonathan, you explained in great detail why, you need to drill holes in those valve stems...Looks like the right path to me..Way to go!!! Glad you saved that Rambler engine too!!! You'll have that Franklin engine singing like a song in no time!!!

[@lesosborne4518]

Absolute good judgement call on the valves Jonathan.

[@johnhansen4550]

Looks great! Excellent build- can't wait to hear it run when you are finished.. Find yourself a Rambler to put the 195.6 engine in...

[@jamesbergeron8356]

Missed the Jonathan videos this week! Glad you're okay.

[@junglejonny1000]

I know there can be great pride in doing what you can by yourself. But I get my heads done. They have all the cleaning and grinding equipment to do it right. Plus, it is a royal pain to do and do it well with all the checking and so forth. But it is cool to see yet another amazing skill that you have.

[@RobertFay]

*Your natural understanding of why the old spring caps and pin were the only choice shows your gift of instinctive mechanical engineering. Everything you pointed out is obvious now. I would guess/expect that old system of trapping the pin in the cup of the spring cover is actually a superior design approach/concept, now rejected probably because they are more bothersome to put in place over the new ways that are now the tradition.*

[@brianfoley4519]

to you that valve grinder set is a diamond in the ruff!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Thanks Jonathan. Excellent work.

[@jobseeker1612]

Great stuff. I do have a suggestion. You really need to find an ultrasonic tank large enough for those cylinders and the engine parts you normally work on. It would clean the cooling fins of those cylinders as well. Might make a lot of jobs easier. No more hydrocarbon cleaning tanks or sprays, everything cleaned with hot water and soap and spotless.

[@kirkprell4493]

Glad to see ya brother, I was getting worried....

[@paulorchard7960]

The time to watch one of your videos is anytime! Enjoy all of them!

[@chevyfan82]

I knew from the get go why you were going to drill the valves. Keeping it simple and not opening up a can of worms

[@Hjerte_Verke]

For real. I knew there was going to be other issues if he tried to do it Chevy style all the way and with the same valve retainer setup. Plus, he's sort of a purist.

[@Dwayne7834]

Good to see everything is coming together to get the engine up and running. . Thanks for sharing.

[@PapiDoesIt]

Those Rambler engines EAT head gaskets because of a factory flaw. The thermostat only opens from convection through the head, causing steam hammering inside the head. An easy cure is to remove the thermostat, drill and tap the bottom of the housing (it's part of the head) and add a fitting to hook a heater hose to the suction side of the water pump. Your head gaskets will not fail after that.

[@copiedoffme]

I can attest to that. I had a 65 196 cu in that had a blown head gasket.

[@oldschoolcars3318]

You and I disagree. I work on them daily. Tom jennings did a hell of a job in engineering the rambler in his WPS website and if you follow the info fully it becomes clear the head gasket issue is related to the mass of the head and the use of overlong bolts and that it is resolved by using an ARP stud kit. It is true that Tom recommends drilling the thermostat, but most of the head gasket engines on Ramblers was related to head bolts backing out and they usually begin that dance starting on the rear driver's sid bolt working right on down the line.

[@joycegoff720]

My husband's a good mechanic and he loves watching your videos, he says put more up. Good video tyvm

[@caroliner6234]

Good Job Jonathan W.

[@regsparkes6507]

Explanation on the valve retainers,..got it! The Rambler Classic I owned back in the 1960's came with a 232 cubic inch six with 3-speed automatic trans..they were good and reliable engine too. Loved that car!

[@greghudson3503]

I learn something everytime I watch one of your videos! TY

[@9cGFNRH]

First time watcher...Your experience and knowledge holds my interest. Especially the adjustments made to the Franklin springs...Well done sir. I'm going to watch every video you made or make...Thank you...

[@johnpassmore8176]

You my friend are just so knowledgeable!!!!! DAMN. You taught me so much in this video. I'll probably never use it but found it very clear and interesting.the rambler motor definitely a good motor for some projects.you said you didn't have your glasses to really see your valve grind but I was wearing mine and your putting a good seat.once lapping is done gonna make a big difference. On the Franklin

[@oldschoolcars3318]

I am your friendly neighborhood Rambler geek and happened upon this. Your engine is pre -1963 (crankcase Breather gives it away) 196 cubic inch OHV with a 1 bbl: likely a holley 1904 or a Carter AS. The transamission is a Borg Warner, and I think its a cast case M35 with a 14 bolt pan. Rear end in the automatic cars was usually a 2.87:1 AMC 20 rear. The same engine was used in the americans but they had the open driveline with the AMC 15 rear which was a Dana 44 Knockoff. Holler if you need parts or some manual pages.

[@LarryYaw]

The first clutch I ever change was in a 65 or 66 Rambler. 3 on the tree. OMG. I was so green. But I got it done. Loving the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@frankdeegan8974]

Great opportunity for you and us to see how an engine like this is remanufactured with parts and practices that are available today.

[@davidcraddock7011]

so good to hear your voice again, you started my day off on a high note. thanks

[@rogercamp6071]

Don't remember now what brand single cylinder engine it was now but seems to me that I remember Dad doing valve jobs on ones that also used the pin through them as a retainer, maybe old Clinton or Lauson/Tecumseh, the Rambler automatic transmission is more than likely a Borg Warner unit.

[@grantw.whitwam9948]

We had a Snappin Turtle mower with a Clinton, I believe your right about the pin. Took it to small engine class to work on.

[@rogercamp6071]

@@grantw.whitwam9948 I'm pretty sure it was a Clinton I was thinking of,Dad had those for many years and I built one from spare parts around forty years ago, one of the sweetest running engines I ever had.

[@jimmyk584]

Another great video. Every time I watch one of yours I do learn something.

[@cmsracing]

Thanks for the bolt extension idea, solves a problem with my seat grinder!

[@ronaldcamp6757]

Keep up the no smoking.! I just had triple bypass on 12 Dec and believe me you do not want to go thru that. Keep up the good work! I really enjoy your channel!

[@ervingoertzen7233]

This is the way to end a video , with one of your great videos! Totally enjoyable Jonathan, thank you !

[@retireddriver16]

Nice job guys getting all ready to put back together 👍👍👍👍

[@ldean-du5im]

Thanks for the update, always like a Johnathon W. Video. That rambler engine looks nice! Easy to work on too. Plenty of room .

[@davidcampbell264]

I hope everything goes well.. I'm looking forward to see this car running smooth. What a great find!!

[@yukon4511]

Excellent Jonathan!

[@fastcar1957]

Thats a solid plan for fixing those valves. Its a low rpm engine anyway so it will be fine.

[@joedyer8824]

One man's junk a nother man's treasure. Motor looks like new good deal Jonathan

[@gregorymalchuk272]

I can't wait to see this thing run again. She's gonna purr like a kitten.

[@mikejohnson5837]

Great idea with the valves. This baby is gonna be really sweet. These are very interesting engines.

[@karlelliott9254]

I wish I had my old 1952 Willys Overland 4x4 pick up truck with the five bar grill to build around that Rambler engine. It has a similar look to the 1953 Willys Aero F-Head we ran in it for years. If wishes were horses, there would be a lot of horses. Oh well. Almost no one back then had 4x4.

[@lionreb]

Gorgeous Rambler engine and transmission. I am sure that you will find good use for it.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

looking great Jonathan ! she will run like a clock when yur done .. ENJOYED

[@austindouglas3842]

Hey, I work at that shop where the motor came from! I remember walking to the back and talking to my boss about it. It was a really clean straight six

[@sherrilee230]

Would like to wish you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year along with all your friends who make these videos with you. And dont forget Noah. Thank you for sharing with us. Sherri

[@rkt88403]

Had a few '63 Rambler Classics running that driveline. Trans is a Borg Warner unit. Studebakers used Borg Warner automatics too.

[@robertmccuistion9218]

Smart move Jonathan on the valves.

[@tenaxxband]

i have that same setup. the 'ol Black and Decker valve shop. paid $100 for the valve shop with an original rolling storage cart spare stones and the stone dresser and found the seat grinder kit with everything for $80! i couldn't believe the luck. they work really well, i wish i'd have bought them years ago. if you need a copy of the manual let me know, its got some info on how the drill works, etc.

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

Thanks for sharing Jonathan! Love the videos!

[@jimh309]

I was a missing you guys! Merry Christmas to you all!

[@gijoe4jc]

Love you show! Look forward to then .

[@jomomma8291]

Best channel on KZbin! Not positive, but I believe early Ramblers used Borg Warner auto transmissions.

[@MrHevyshevy]

I had to abuse a starter this weekend. I thought of you while I was doing it. Haha. Franklin will be cool when it’s done.

[@superduty4556]

Just who are you?

[@buckeyejim2989]

I call it stress testing the starting system 👊😎

[@buckeyejim2989]

MrHevyshevy didn't you get a seat refacing tool at an auction, or something?😀 When ya have to have one you just have to have one.😀.

[@79tazman]

You should of made a video of it so people could complain about you abusing it LOL!!

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

@@superduty4556 MrHevyshevy is a gearhead just like the the rest of us setting on utube watching other gearheads play with their passion/hobby/addiction lol

[@doorguru168888]

So what ever happened to this project? We need an update!

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Jonathan might say "bye", but if the hammer don't come down it ain't the end of the video !!!

[@bemorecarefullrespect6864]

Lol.. 🤣🤣🤗🔨🔨

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Extremely well done again and as always. This time especially the explanation why you have to use the original pin to hold the valve springs in place. I already learned so much, you're definitely a good teacher. I would bet that Clints hands are small enough to get into those cylinders. Glad that you bought this Rambler stuff. Seems to be useful because of its versatility (looking good too). Best regards luck and health.

[@thefordmaniac]

Every video I learn something new thanks boss

[@KellyMurphy]

Nice, can't wait to hear how it runs once its all back together.

[@deathcar]

Forget about LS swaps, you can start the new trend of Rambler 195.6 swaps!

[@mackbruce7545]

Just wishing you and your family and Noah . A very MERRY XMAS/HAPPY NEW YEAR. Keep up the good work on quiting smoking. Cars looking great. Seasons Greatings.

[@jlletaw1954]

I can't find any link for the man doing the piston repair...l think l once had an AMC with a Borg Warner "shift command" automatic transmission - that might be the 1 you have

[@kooldoozer]

Doozer's Shop

[@jimmytillery3717]

Good to see you young man

[@focus82grothm]

Great video Jonathan 😀👍

[@jmccracken491]

Jonathan, I can see that you are doing things the way they should be. I agree with whole you heartily. I think your idea is the best. That way you do not have to say I should have done it the other way. Merry Christmas.

[@larryschweitzer4904]

Nice. I couldn't see how well the guide held the stone to get a good grind. Still don't understand what the slits in the pistons do. Be interested to see what you do with the AMC engine.

[@thxman1968]

Oh yeah big difference in them seats already, definitely got a handle on it.