Time to assemble the engine for our Model A Ford | Redline Update #20

[@Hagerty]

Our rebuild is complete! Check out the full Redline Rebuild time-lapse video now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXjRXmiMpLhgo5o

[@arlingtonhynes]

Hagerty Love this video, but the cameraman needs to sober up and settle down.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

The antiquated technology to determine clearance and bearing assembly is astounding. I cannot imagine the amount of engines that were trashed because of insufficient knowledge or clearance during remanufacture or rebuild. This information is the stuff of dreams. Being able to hold a conversation with a 90 year old man at a car show and seeing him look at you in awe because you know about this process - it's priceless.

[@n5vgq1]

My dad who was a old school mechanic in the early days, I am 72 now. He would tell me stories of how things were done back then. One of his stories was from a shop he worked in that had a stand that had stand for wearing in the bearings that used another engine that would rotate the engine you were wearing in. He said that they would turn it for a while then tighten the rods little at a time tell they were seated in to where they wanted them. He also told me a story about that once in the shop they were working on a model T . They had installed the rear end up side down . When they went to test drive it out, they drove it into the back wall of the shop instead of out the door. I could just picture that in my mind. I love to listen to all the old stories he told about the old day's.

[@ronalddaub7965]

The process was called burnishing the Babbitt and they smoked but only with oil

[@leonardohernandez1871]

Me imagino que ha de haber sido una muy bonita experiencia la que viviste con tu padre, que días tan gloriosos, si señor!!

[@beboboymann3823]

I never will own a Model A nor have any association with an engine that is this old. But in watching this video you taught me a lot about the history and build of these engines that I did not know. My experience with engines dates back to the 60's and no earlier. So this is an eye opener for sure. I thank you for your teaching effort. That's what you do....you teach us fascinating things. Way to go.

[@renatoigmed]

this must be by far YT's most exquisite motoring channel. He is the mechanical version of a chef in French haute cuisine. a gourmet machine shop.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Wut

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

Congratulations, you have written one of the most pretentious KZbin comments of all time.

[@P1Gman]

I could not agree more. This is the Iron Chef of car shows. But, @ViceGripGarage is the Bob's Burgers of car shows, which to me, is exactly what I need after I watch all this smart-guy, matching numbers stuff. Hmmm, sparkilators 😎

[@frankbob4043]

Never thought I needed to see a Ford model A engine rebuild, glad I did.

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Watched your vid with tears in my eyes...my dad's first car was a Ford Model A. I have 1 pic of it probably taken in the 1940's. He passed in 2008 at age 81.

[@ejot2]

Lietuva?

[@gregb7595]

I like how organized you are. It's easier to follow when your work area is free of clutter and junk.

[@jackmoorehead2036]

Just watching this makes the memories come running back. I and my friends rebuilt I don't know how many 4 cyl Fords in the late 50s, JC Whitney had tons of parts on the shelf. We built 2 Model A's. The old Flat Heads were easy to work on once you understood they were like no other motors out there.

[@d13cab]

I live in the UK and have to say these redline rebuild videos with Davin are by far the best videos on KZbin, I like his explanation of each part and enjoy watching the strip down and rebuild. Fantastic keep it up 👍

[@alex-vc8lq]

good you keep old tresures like model a fords still alive they are just so beautifull cars 🚗 😀

[@jameswalton9062]

Enjoy the videos I am 70 now mechanic and worked in many shops.

[@pipercdefgabc2005]

They need to sell this as a kit. Looks like fun. 🚘 🤣 you're a perfectionist and I like that. 👍

[@Recklesshade]

Something about watching these old engines getting put back together makes me want to start a project or something. This series is going to lead me into rebuilding an engine myself and oh the horrors I will probably commit with out watching every single one of these videos and listening to all of Davin's advice. Great video as always.

[@royvanzant5811]

My Dad was born in 1904. He was driving grandpa's T when he was 8 yrs old. Grandpa was 6'6" and a logger in kings Ferry Fla, near Fernandina. He was tall and rode in back seat. My Dad ran it low on oil, and a rod was knocking and on the way home took off rod cap and cut a piece off his belt for a bearing and drove home. When the spokes were loose and rattling he would drive it across a spring to tighten the spokes. When he was older he raced model T"s on the beach and outran larger more powerful cars. I would love to hear from someone who has history of the races at Fernandina Beach, cause I never had a picture of his car. He went to Church with his cousin Lacy who's sons Ronnie, Donnie, and Johnny became Southern Rockers. Most youngster's probably never heard of Skynyrd!

[@cwiggy34]

Its crazy awesome to see how far the auto industry has come...Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing this project being completed and seeing what's next.

[@markbrinton6790]

Man, this guy and his team are simply awesome.

[@asarand]

I never knew the old 4-cylinders were so different. Watching this with a fresh perspective now.

[@Shane-Singleton]

Oh yes. And every manufacturer had its own little quirks. the valve in head engines are much easier to work on than the old flatheads. .

[@asarand]

@@burn1962ride or, they just never had an opportunity to be around those older cars to learn how they were different. The oldest car I have ever worked on is a 1964 Ford.

[@fixedguitar47]

I work at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant. On the motor line! It’s crazy cause you see stuff written on stuff... Like “Earl was here 9/16/31” Those engines were assembles FAST! Real fast! 24 hours a day 6 days a week for the Model A.

[@asarand]

@@fixedguitar47 I have read stories in the past about the "signatures" left behind at the Ford assembly plant. Lots of history there.

[@fixedguitar47]

Wayne Campbell - It’s the oldest continually operating Ford plant. I know because there’s a HUGE sign that reads “Welcome to Fords oldest continually operates assembly plant” It’s crazy cause you look up vintage pictures of guys standing next to the old cars that were built there, and you can find where it was taken and stand in the exact spot. It’s so cool getting to work in a piece of history. You can hear the echoes of the past

[@keithwarkentin]

Wow I will probably have forgot most of what I learned from your last two videos but for right now I learned so much I have always wanted to learn about the model A rods & main bearings thanks for making these videos and learning that only the middle main bearing is pressurized! We had a Model A growing up and I always wondered about the engine and you have given me some closure but don’t worry I will keep watching until you get the old girl running!

[@SteveCole73]

That was a very well explained process. If I knew zero about engines, it would have been enjoyable to watch. People who are passionate about their craft are great to watch.

[@ifeelfear]

Shame.every man should know how engine is working!

[@E5Bobby]

So much to learn. I didn't know how much I didn't know. Comforting to see that even you learned a thing or two. Excellent video as always, Davin! Thank You for making it and posting it!

[@davidson2004fatboy]

Davin !!! Is there ANYTHING YOU HAVEN'T DONE ??? FREAKING GENIUS

[@williampankratz600]

Never heard of the Time Saver method of babbit bearing clearance ? It really is a more gentle way to start a new engine . And I thought that Hagerty knew everything

[@zapwatt]

I really enjoy all of the music. Please keep that up.

[@bhumiriady]

That looks so cool and awesome! I never knew 4 cylinder engines of the past are considerably different compared to modern 4 cylinders! Can't wait for the Redline Rebuild...

[@Wooley689]

I am thoroughly enjoying this. So much great information for my hopefully Modal A purchase.

[@ddcraun]

Just got the alert! Watching after a saturday bar shift with a cold beer. WIN!

[@gregh7457]

wow those cotter pins on the rods blow my mind

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Doesn't anyone make a crank that is drilled for pressurized bearings? I know NOTHING about these, but with all of the aftermarket everything today, I am shocked they haven't come up with drop in bearings and pressurized oiling of everything! Glad you are doing this build and talking us through it. This is the first time I have ever seen the guts of one of these engines. My grandfather use to tell me about having to rebuild those engines in no time at all and how they use to drain the water out of them for the winter. Back in the early 70's he was telling me how easy we have it... Hahahahahahaha... If he were just alive today to see gas engines turning 400 thousand miles.....

[@ericjohnson8482]

Engines back then went that far too sometimes, just not Ford engines. Packard had one with half a million on it in the 30's. Notice the 5/16's rings, and cast to boot, you won't see that today because cast rings suck for mileage and that thick isn't needed anymore with the tolerances of todays stuff.

[@mikecorleone6797]

I was always taught to put the bushing end of the rods in warm oil mixed with zinc and let them sit for about an hour before installing the pin. Not sure if it makes a difference but I’ve been doing it for years and never had an issue

[@tylerhensley2312]

As your explaining the break in of the babbitt bearings it made me think of Ford's old model A plant video in black and white at the end where they run the car on what I thought was a Dyno just before they exited the building but I would venture to guess it was actually starting the engine against the babbitt if the starter can't start it.

[@funkyzero]

That's pretty cool. I remember grandpa telling me when they overhauled an engine, they had to "build them so tight, you had to drag it down the road to get it started", I thought maybe he was yanking my chain. Now I know why. Pretty cool stuff

[@daveness8236]

This guy is a damn genius. Damon love.

[@kentuckyfriedjoe7370]

Wild how they did things back in the day! I salute you for trying old school method sir! 🇺🇸

[@9traktor]

What a fine engine! It was godparent to the rare "Skymotor 70 A" made in Milwaukee in the thirties but couldn`t prevail...

[@nadronnocojr]

So much information O drama Well done well done , this is true entertainment with great real world Knowledge, thank you

[@deeremeyer1749]

Yep. Shim beaing clearance to "spec" during a rebuild/overhaul - especially using plastigage - and it's going to knock when you start it.

[@garywinters2282]

Am really enjoying watching this build!

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

I have rebuilt several of the Model A's . Takes me some time because of not being as familiar with them . Back in the day when they were common a rebuilder could fix one in a hurry . Funny how we tend to forget older ways of doing things . Going to be doing a straight 8 Buick in a couple of weeks at my shop . It has babbit rod bearings but inserts on the mains . The new main bearing inserts still come with shims . You have to plastigage them .

[@garyroberts8428]

The soundtrack was fantastic. Thanks for another great video.

[@kieranmann9761]

Great video!! So interesting to see all the differences from a more "modern" motor. Keep up the excellent work !!

[@joeysandoval3260]

Man brother I AM so proud of you if I was a machinist I'd be just like you your cool

[@Sandler23]

Can't wait to hear this thing roar when its all done.

[@ftby59mikeD]

"...and Davin's heart grew 10 times". ..how else would he have gotten that Model A to turn over! Thx Hagerty & Redline.

[@ethics3]

I much prefer the calm sounding music on this video over the hard rock attitude noise on some of his other videos

[@paladin0654]

This has been an interesting series; unlike the normal, vanilla build.

[@BerlinghoffRasmussen]

Ford really built these things to last. Murica!!!

[@renatoigmed]

this workshop is cleaner than my kitchen after I prepared some snack xD

[@paulstan9828]

Best car channel on KZbin.

[@kennethbrown5784]

Awesome job guys keep saving that vintage iron

[@heathwoodlee520]

Awesome build, definitely a different era of motor building! Loving this series!

[@SecondWindMechanical]

I think the engines were broke in on stands with electric motors at the FORD plant when they were new.

[@pappabob29]

Sorry, just added that "reply" on a comment above. That's also what I read.

[@ronalddaub7965]

And it was called burnishing

[@quinnlesley10]

I love it I love it so cool watching this old old engine be made new I have learned a lot love to videos keep up the good work

[@stephensowell9578]

How cool, back into time.

[@johnb332]

You sure know what your doing. American know how!

[@gregory891]

Very interesting. You could simply modify your Model T rotating flange / tool but machining it short (as mentioned) and then machine a hex (3/4") on the shaft end. No welding needed.

[@randomfaz3867]

Wow I'm 4 mins in and I feel thoroughly educate... top vid

[@kwik440]

love you videos ! really love the fast motion ones, they are extremely entertaining

[@ronalddaub7965]

It's called burnishing the model T engine was said to put on the burnishing machine which is turned by an electric motor oil the bearings freely and let them smoke freely. The model A is the same way

[@mrbarr1961]

you do wonderful work on them engines you do.

[@fixedguitar47]

Should recreate the assemble line that it was built on. That’s how it’s done!

[@mynameis9057]

I just can't resist, if Abbott and Costello worked in a machine shop, you know every once in awhile you'd hear,heyyy Babbitttt!!!!! Lol! Oh yeeeaaah.▪☆☆☆▪

[@gtr161]

14.08 And as I rotate it I can feel it freeing up already (grabs shoulder in pain)... hahhaa..

[@Maz_Man]

Good work!! Hello from Ukraine!!

[@flyonbyya]

Dave....My Fellow Michigander ! I’m from Perry ( near Lansing)

[@MotoEsh]

So much fun to watch!

[@whatchacookin1096]

I enjoy this series.

[@shartne]

Very interesting have never seen this type rebuild before.

[@robertfeller1672]

I watch with fascination and awe as the rebuild continues as well as the learning; where does the knowledge base come from since this is not your everyday rebuild?

[@rockcrawler3119]

Ever seen the video of how Henry burned in the bearings at the factory? The new engines were hooked to a huge electric motor and ran a bit. I recall seeing smoke just pour out of them during that process. If I ca find the video again I share the link...great video though sir!

[@michaelnelson9140]

Learned about Babbitt in tech school. I was wondering if actual bearing inserts, or shells are available for this engine? Would make life much easier!

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Hey, do my Buick straight eight next, will ya...

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

I'd like to see that.

[@zuestoots5176]

Nearly forgot the I-8s existed.

[@skylinefever]

It will be especially exciting if the crank bearings need to be align honed. Very few shops could do that job, I think they might have to source that out to a heavy diesel specialist.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

@@skylinefever Agreed, then the straight eight project rebuild is a go....

[@RobertNES816]

It's like a big Briggs and Stratton engine except it's built much better!

[@Drinksalotobeer]

Excellent! Always enjoy these vids.

[@blackhat2385]

Love your work. Engine brake in period would have been quite noticeable back then, unlike finely machined components of today.

[@AshishKumar-om2fv]

Woooooow.... can't wait to see it roaring

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Always waiting for the updates with anticipation!

[@wileecoyote5749]

That 18 HP monster will twist the chassis

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

Great work!

[@ALBA-yt1jp]

Mecânica clássica...é show!!🇧🇷

[@ianwilliams487]

G'Day,,,,Have seen similar fitting in heavy industry,,But if me would have scraped the bearing in, that would depend on Babbitt mix,,more white metal,, It is amazing what weight a Babbitt will hold,These huge gearbox's built before my time and many others,still going strong today with fresh scrapping every now and then,,they are soft and do distort,,but for the work they have done and will do, I noticed an oil groove,,have you included wedges as well,???? thats the secret to getting it to last the oil wedge,and of course the oil,

[@SpiralDiving]

I would worry that the Babbit bearing are just too tight. In the original Ford factory the engines did not have to be spun to free them up I think. The danger is that the Babbit bearings will overheat and melt before proper clearances have been established -recalling that the oil has to have a clearance to work.

[@donellmuniz590]

It would be cool if H&H or someone developed insert bearings and a pressurized oil system for this engine. Then bring back the HAL or Cragar head, a stronger crank and rods....and on and on.

[@herpderp1662]

Boost it! Worlds first 500hp model A

[@car-man]

I run the car maintenance KZbin channel in Korea. I'm always learning such a great ideas on your channel. I hope we have a chance to be together. Thank you.

[@vincentheller2689]

all videos are so good

[@skylinefever]

5:25 It is unusual to have that kind of oil ring on an American gasoline engine, but many German gasoline engines use that kind of ring. I think many Russian gasoline engines also use that kind of oil ring. No matter who makes a diesel, that kind of piston ring is what is usually used. 6:32 This is also because some piston rings are non-directional. Diesels often used wider piston rings than gasoline engines. I wouldn't be surprised if some modern diesel rings are used in place of old gasoline rings.

[@andrewjohnston8043]

My dad was a Machinist back in the day we had to clean all the parts the way we did babbit bearing to fit right we put the fly wheel on with bearings in place sung them up some about 10 lb turn the flywheel if it was easy to turn we would tighten it up say 20 lb if that was still and had legs as you turned it you took the bearing caps off look for the shiny spots that would break out his pocket knife grape the shiny spots smooth put it back together do it until there was no more shiny spots turn the flywheel if there is light resistance you would torque that down do it again until there was a light drag on the flywheel and if it was good the engine was good we had no torque wrenches at that time I'm 75 now my dad would if he lives he would be 106 have a good day

[@skullcruncher76]

Hey Hagerty, How much would you charge for a full, long block motor rebuild? Because I have a 1999 454 that seriously needs some rebuilding. Because I'd LOVE to have y'all rebuild my classic Suburbans motor and it would be even cooler if yall made a video for it.

[@jiveturkey9993]

I think a 454 would be cool for them to do.

[@skullcruncher76]

@@jiveturkey9993 I think it would too. I need some professionals to do my rebuild, they've never done a 454 from what I've seen and I can offer cash in a few months. It all works out. 😂

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@skullcruncher76 how close are you to Traverse City Michigan?

[@skullcruncher76]

@@jiveturkey9993 not at all. Probably the furthest distance away in the US. South Texas but no one and I mean NO ONE down here rebuilds motors its complete bull. Im not desperate, I'd just rather my motor rebuilt by professionals rather than some junked up car shop.

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@skullcruncher76 oh that's too bad. I figured Texas would be kind of a Gearhead Mecca. What year truck is it going into?

[@TedSchoenling]

you can say that new fangled 1950s tech is backwards!

[@Bbbuddy]

I think the factory had fixtures to “break in” the bearings by turning the engines for a certain length of time.

[@beboboymann3823]

Fascinating.

[@rodmorris9690]

If you torque one side of those rod bearing castle nuts tighter.. Always do the other side the very same as well....

[@ronwade5433]

I really enjoyed this!

[@pappabob29]

I'm going to be assembling one of these soon. You told us all about the babbitt shims but didn't show us setting any of them. Did your machinist set/machine all of your "initial" clearances in the babbitts?? As I understand, "adjusting" your clearances as the engine/babbitt wears, you remove a shim from one side of one bearing at a time. Try to turn the crank. When you remove one shim and it locks up the crank, you re-install that last shim and you're set on that bearing. So, from the "second" time on, your engine will have "oil clearance" at the bearings. ;o)

[@BWGPEI]

Oh, so glad I subscribed!

[@cootersgarage4408]

With all the technical advances today, is anyone making upgraded rods, cranks, and modern rod and main bearings to rebuild a model A engine? If so, could that be discussed on the next episode? 73s from Hillsboro Texas!

[@pappabob29]

I know one guy (with a machine shop) for sure makes cams and other Model A parts far superior to the originals. Most shops doing the Model A engine rebuilds will ask if you want to stay with the babbitt type bearings or "update" to the modern (insert) style that also requires modifying the oiling system to positive pressure. Still lots and lots of "hop-up" parts available for the Model A motor. Including "overhead valve" conversions. I believe those, however, are all "vintage" systems.

[@dgiorgi1725]

Great job on this Ol Gal. How do you know when to remove some of the shims?

[@paulkolazinski2109]

I never heard of babbitt bearings before. after breaking them in, does babbitt material float around in the engine oil?

[@paulzumpf3612]

No. It is just like soft metal bearings used in cars until recently when they went to aluminum bearings.

[@ronalddaub7965]

the power plant i work at still uses Babbitt bearings on their fan motors and other things it's called a pour and bore, and you need to have a lot of borax to make the Babbitt stick To the rod and block ,Used as a flux

[@adrianvasile8711]

You never put the gap of a piston ring, actually any ring, in the plane of the pin. Otherwise the engine will/may consume oil. Also if you have the engine "so tight" you have a good chance of seizing it and start all over again. The Babbitt has a low melting point and a bad thermal conductivity.