1927 FRANKLIN ENGINE TEAR DOWN. BAD PARTS!!!!

[@davidtappe5337]

Man, where else do we have the privilege to learn so much about our past in cars? Probably will never see many of the cars and trucks you have edumacated me on, but If I did I’d be the smartest man in the room. Thanks. Coming after you mr. most interesting man.

[@davidplumm5394]

Great that you kicked the habit Jonathan. I quit many years ago. Once you are over the hump, you will find out that you will hate the smell. If I smell one now it pissed me off. Instant headache. Those things will kill you. Thank you for your videos. Love them. Keep the faith brother.

[@OcotilloTom]

I just subscribed to your channel. I'm a 73 year old man who remembers having to work on my own cars in the late 50s and 60. That was when you could buy a 55 Studebaker Champion which was first car for $125.00 and a 58 Chevy Bel Aire with a 283 and power glide for $500.00, my 2nd car. I spent many a hot or cold Louisiana day laying in a ditch with my car straddling it so I could get under it to replace a starter or install a set of glass packs. The sweat running into your eyes, the grass and bugs tickling your neck and skinning your greasy, oily knuckles. That was what you had to do if you wanted to go anywhere! Fix it your self or walk. I can't do that much anymore but I still enjoy working on my old Harley and appreciating the old technology that changed the world.Thanks for the memories.

[@JacobsDad]

Love the series Jonathan and was especially pleased to hear that u stopped smoking. The 'reward' for doing so will go much further than enjoying and admiring your fine work --- indeed it will include family member's love and caring for you as well as enjoying your fine work. It's been 20 years since i smoked and I can honestly say it's the best thing I ever did not only for me but for my whole family. A big pat on the back my friend.. hang on to and enjoy all those 'rewards' ,,,,

[@xltranger98]

I’m pretty sure if you lived in the early days of the automobile industry you would’ve been a very important part of it. You seem to have the kind of mind that just works to come up with fixes for engines most have never seen before. Nice work, I’m enjoying the education you’re giving me and lots of other people.

[@RatdogDRB]

Perspective. This car was 2yrs old at the start of the Great Depression, and was 12yrs old at the end of it. How long did it take the average Joe to recover after that? It's no wonder there may be some iffy parts/conditions inside this rig. The fact that it's a survivor is amazing. Inktristink old rig.

[@Onehellofaguy]

Your reward for quitting smoking is when you watch your grandson walk across the stage at graduation.

[@JT-un7dc]

I'm J T.

[@jusb1066]

aim for higher, your reward is watching your grandson get to retirement

[@rockettcustoms6266]

@@jusb1066 Dumbest comment of the day.

[@kentoakley9486]

J T @

[@Chris-yy7qc]

@Youll Never Know Not much better. People die from that, too.

[@lanceuppercut2483]

The world needs more people like Jonathan. Always amazed.

[@michaelkirkwood3316]

I hope he find some one to teach all he can to all knowledge that he has I know its impossible to know all we can learn his expertise is amazing

[@nickc7494]

You should have 500k to million subscribers, excellent well instructional videos. I was a auto mechanic for a long time since 5 years old helping my father, I deeply admire your patience with the craft

[@brianjones4026]

and do i see a willing apprentice at the side of the Wizard !

[@jimaagenes8445]

Unbelievable how much I learn from you ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This video included measuring the piston and clock was genius! Also respect your statement that you fix cars, not restore them!

[@dougcooper2051]

i was a engine builder for 20 years i have seen plenty of mistakes people make.the weak rings are from over heating.keep up with the good work.

[@thephilpott2194]

In the UK where it's chilly and miserable for 7 months of the year, it seems to be the case that old straight sixes show most wear at the front of the engine, down to cylinders 1 and 2 taking longer to reach working temperature as they do not benefit quite so much from heat transferred from adjacent cylinders.. also the draft caused by forward motion chills No.1 cylinder considerably. I agree with your choice not to pay out for steel exh.valve seats (although with no water galleries at least you wouldn't end up accidentally perforating them..) I'm not too sure about leaving the bottom end as it is- at the very least i would certainly get those external copper oil feeds blown out and flushed. Great video! Keep up the good work.

[@sbf_fox2434]

For grinding the valve seats, I saw on Cold War Motors a portable valve grinding tool from the 1950s. It had a set of stones and mandrels and an electric motor. Also had a valve resurfacing machine. Seems like a handy thing to have for working on ancient engines. The machine was in the episode entitled "Will they Run? Straight-8 Showdown! Packard vs Buick, Part 4..."

[@tenaxxband]

they are handy! i have a Black and Decker Valve Shop set from the 40's and all the parts. i've done several valve/seat jobs with it so far and it REALLY cuts down the time on a valve job, and minimizes the need for lapping in. best part is the price. $180 for the valve grinder and seat grinder with extra tools, mandrels and lot of stones as well as two stone dressing stations.

[@eurocarman]

@@tenaxxband used something similar in a service station I worked at back in the late 60's

[@jesseowens2864]

Be careful about RTV under the base of the cylinder. I had the unfortunate job of telling an aircraft owner he needed a new crankcase because the RTV that someone put under the hold down nut had cracked the case. It allowed movement/stress. Might have no trouble on the car engine, especially since there are no through bolts on the cylinders; but would hate to have it crack the case over time. Loving this series BTW!!!

[@jasonbuck1776]

The clock idea is great! I never would have thought of that.

[@gsallison1]

I agree on that. The "new" clock is gonna run like a champ.

[@craignehring]

The 1921 Franklin my Dad and I had, the engine had sleeves over the cylinder fins that looked just like aluminum stove pipe. A thick "carpet pad" was used to create new rocker arm oilers. I am sure, in retrospect, the valve covers must have needed to be supplied with fresh gaskets often, what with the pad needing to be oiled. Thanks for taking us along on this Franklin adventure

[@brownranchcustoms1651]

Good for you for quitting smoking, Mr. W

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

Now this is where Jonathan shines... when he combines knowledge, experience and skill to repair a 92 year old piece of machinery. With a lack of instructions, and no replacement parts, it takes more than a mechanical aptitude - it takes a genuine raw talent. Then you add in the mystery of the old Franklin running on one good cylinder, and watch Jonathan holding an oily piston in his bare hands while sliding worn out rings over the surface. And you just know he will get this old beast running again. 👍

[@caesarillion]

I'm loving this. I had a series 10 with a rod knock and busted frame. My rod fix didn't work. Should have set up the bad rod tighter cuz it's a big job getting that pan off and on. I sold the project to a guy in Orange County Los Angeles California about the time I found a replacement frame for it. Probably running fine now. That was about 15 years ago. Thanks for the show. Paul in Thailand

[@ldean-du5im]

Very interesting engine! There is some advantages over the water cooled engines. I like that clock,. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work!

[@WidowUK]

Too many adverts spoilt the watching of your videos and costs too much data usages on people’s phones

[@jasonsparshott7208]

WidowUK that's why you get premium... commercials are what pays him to continue doing these videos . So if you don't like the commercials pay 5 bucks a month for premium and he gets a dollar and you don't have to deal with commercials

[@codycriss6719]

She'll be fine Johnathan, she's in capable hands! I'm looking forward to watching the progress.

[@peterh4761]

That is a very brave project. Lovely to see someone working on it rather than it sitting in a museum. Well done guys...from the uk

[@brucestmartin777]

Haha...!! O my gosh that was a great fun video to watch ! It is so much fun getting inside the Franklin!! Thanks Jonathan.. the clock on the roadster topped it off! 👍

[@jimh309]

The clock is awesome! Well done! I restored a 1965 Caddy Convertible many moons ago and my number one priority was the big clock! Loved it!

[@kevintucker3354]

From a guy that still smokes although in moderation, congratulations Jonathan! It’s a man that continues growing that gives up the pass-times of his youth. I’m ready to do the same thing.

[@217daryl]

That clock is an original idea! Hope the Franklin gets the new parts it needs to get it to run soon and back on the road! Awesome job Jonathan with you quitting smoking you just need to keep doing what your doing and not think about them. You sir have some awesomely great will power!

[@duncanfrere2656]

Engine forensics on the Franklin is prime viewing. Can't wait to see the piston/rings solution. The dash in the roadster is going to be stunning. Thanks...

[@1963-Ford-Galaxie]

Very nice work Jonathan W.!!!!!! Thank You immensely for sharing your infinite knowledge with you audience!!! Best of luck to you on your venture to kick the Nicotine habit. I am currently attempting the same, 30 year smoker here. I have been diagnosed with the start of Emphysema, therefore I have got to get rid of the smoke, so I have been told.... And I do admit, it is a BATTLE!!! There is NOTHING better then to celebrate the completion of a job well done then to smoke a cigarette!!! So I have to change my thinking!!! Best wishes to you on ALL of your Health battles!!!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Thanks for the video! I'll always sit and listen to you tell a story! Fun to learn about what you know!

[@lelandrogers1078]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to explain how this engine is put together and how it works. The oldest engine I've ever rebuilt was a flathead Mercury V-8 in a '41 Ford back in the '60s. I learned a lot from this video.

[@CXensation]

O.M.G. this is interesting stuff! I would love to tear this engine down completely and shine up every single bit of it. Its such a nice piece of old forgotten techniques and ideas on how to build an engine. Thank you for letting me hanging out with you, much appreciated 😋

[@gryfandjane]

What a fascinating engine. I’ve seen numerous Franklins at classic car shows, but had never seen their engine internals until now.

[@jackforester1412]

Jon u talk to mutch. Hie jac

[@slawkowegrzyn2115]

JOHNATHON, you are doing a fantastic job with this project. Your reward is everyone is enjoying the show. THUMBS UP!!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROJECT.

[@heyoldman2003]

Thank you for taking us us along .. good job 👍🏼. Hang on . Kicking cigs is HARD . I like what you said “ I don’t restore cars...I just fix em “. No truer words said 😎

[@tedbownas2748]

A guy I worked with tried three times to quit smoking, and finally in desperation answered an ad for a guaranteed-or-money-back hypnosis session. He said it was the damnedest thing he'd ever seen: they did it in a big auditorium at a conference center. The guy told the audience that they had to believe that they were ready to quit, and that the smell of cigarettes would be physically unpleasant after the session, and then went through a hypnosis that took half an hour, and he didn't remember any of it. He walked out to his car, got in, and nearly threw up, it smelled so bad. He had to go to a convenience store and get Febreeze and air fresheners in order to sit in his car long enough to drive home. He said it was years before he could smell cigarettes without gagging, and he never smoked again.

[@derrickrees8895]

For me the Franklin is the most interesting motor on KZbin at the moment ! We know Jonathan is the right man to get it running properly again . The clock looks excellent too .

[@david0858too]

I have a suspicion the relaxed rings are from overheating, probably from the stopped up fins. It might be worth keeping track of the head temps with one of the IR thermometers.

[@henryszubielski8601]

Jonathan, I find it amazing how fast you have solutions to what most would see as a problem. Between your video's, Cold War Motors and junkerup video's, I am constantly seeing how well older vehicles are brought back to life. Yours are enjoyable because you like to see the old stuff run again without doing complete restorations. Thanks!

[@shaggydogg3786]

I think those rings are “ Scarf “ cut. We used a lot of scarf cut Teflon rings in automatic transmissions. Good video btw. Glad to see someone taking an interest in the old cars.

[@stevem3413]

Thanks Jonathan for the update very interesting engine thanks for the education never seen it engine like that before

[@jimmymckinness1939]

I always enjoy your videos and always learn something about these old cars. The reward of you not smoking is adding years to your life and the money you're saving by not having to buy cigarettes.

[@daleolson3506]

We used to cut piston groves to take up the ring groove play. Hastings made spacers

[@phooesnax]

Fantastic! Thank You for letting us watch. Jim

[@DennisMurphey]

Another great video and project. Aircraft technology how cool is that. 1927 Aluminum block, valves are huge, strong is like a foot long. I think you are doing a wonderful job. As i hear you speak to your experience about antique tractors. Yeap. Engines are engines. I thoroughly enjoy your efforts. Go Baby Go.

[@jlletaw1954]

I like it...l like the way it intakes on 1 side & exhausts on the other...& has a main bearing between each rod...& the vertical cooling fins for vertical air flow may have even helped with the cylinder's rigidity...hard to believe the best compression came from the worst piston...& to a point - you had it running & driving...these hand built engines from the past really are in their own class

[@grizzlybozak]

Interesting fact: The H.H. Franklin Co. still exist to this day as the Polish Aircraft Engine manufacturer PZL-F where the “F” stands for Franklin.🤔

[@chrispiazza7487]

Really interesting video pulling apart that Franklin!!

[@michaelvanvleet998]

A suggestion for the clock. Solder a couple of wires to the battery leads and run them to a double A battery holder (from an old head lamp or something) that can be conveniently mounted and accessed under the dash. No need to remove the clock for battery replacement.

[@xozindustries7451]

Great video, very informative. I was just in Washington DC at the national air and space museum and I was looking at those old aircraft engines, just amazing how they worked

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Love seeing that old engine dissassembly. Great work Jonathan. Thanks!

[@jeffsnyder2051]

Iearned alot today,Thanks Jonathan! really like what youve done with the clock!

[@diaspo]

Interesting fact: According to the Franklin Club registry, only about 114 cars from the 1927 model year remain, so she's a pretty rare old girl.

[@callmenortnortin467]

Here in Nova Scotia there is a gent that has a collection of antique Franklins,at least I believe they are Franklins anyway. I was fortunate enough to view his cars some years back. He had about half a dozen of them if memory serves. Most beautifully restored

[@AndyMarsh]

I quite surprised there is as many as that. I have a Riley Elf. 31,000 were made from 1961 through to 1970. Only 720 left total and only 38 of my year '67 left.

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

How many 1927 Franklins were produced? Prewar cars rarely lasted beyond 10 years before being scrapped...due to deteriorating structural wood, insufficient corrosion projection, low quality motor oils, punishing unpaved roads, and significant upgrades in performance and comfort from year to year. Car collecting as a hobby did not really begin in America until the early 1950s. WWII scrap drives cleared out almost all cars more than 8 years old.

[@adrielrowley]

Wonder if she survived in part because when the War broke out still in great nick and since vehicals no longer being made, kept on being used. Then when production came back and desire for a modern vehical, parked and forgotten. My Great Uncles had a '27 Dodge, bought during the War, as what was available. Great Uncle who had her last had passed early in the 2000s, think his son brought up to his place, wish knew what happened to her. I would sell all my classic vehicals in order to be her custodian, mean, she been in the family for over 70 something years so more special by far.

[@m00nscaping76]

Hi Jonathan, and greetings from the UK. Love the Video's , thank you for making them. Love the clock conversion too, my immediate thought though, was to Solder a couple of extension wires to the the battery terminals of the clock, and tuck the battery out of sight using one of those plastic holders, ... it'll save having to remove the clock to change the battery. Unless of course you can easily reach up behind the dash to change it without having to remove the whole clock pod!

[@jamesdearman814]

Really impressed with your skills Jonathan - amazing wrench - thanks for the cool cars and startups - enjoying them very well. I live in a dry area - lots of old cars - and not very rusty - dusty yes- rusty no. Thanks for the great videos and commentary

[@WhataTry]

you are a joy to listen to ,calm and knowledgable, thanks

[@wilkuyf1559]

Your repair of the clock is very clever love your videos keep em coming , regards from Holland !!!!

[@andrewmantle7627]

Thanks for the show and the effort Jonathan.

[@fava7753]

You have amazing knowledge and ingenuity , there arent many people out ther today with this gift . Excellent channel to view . Keep saving the old iron jonathon . Top man

[@stevehetrick2676]

Thank you for providing detailed information on the engine teardown....

[@ronaldkotecki9592]

Steve Hetrick 8

[@CubCadetMan71]

I’ve made clocks kind of like that before. It’s a fun mini project.

[@kenteeter8496]

your so smart thanks love the vidios! and your doing good on the no smoking,,,, keep it up!!

[@dwebster50]

Now that was one hell of a lesson. Fabulous 1927 air cooled auto engines 👍

[@morgansword]

I learned a lot from that video. I wasn't aware of using pistons from other makes/models and then using the pistons like you mentioned.I would think that with reassembly you put piston and rings in the cylinder then put the wrist pin in and shove it on down to base and gasket assembly. Doing the seats would also be easy as could use long rod that will travel through the seat/valve guide and then just tighten it down with allen wrench and run it in and out till seat will shine and using a bore light see if their cleaned up enough. Great video.I wanted to mention, that they probably never used a replaceable seat in those cylinder heads

[@ericjohnson8482]

Those spiral cuts on the pistons are for expansion and the same with the rings, straight cuts tend to bind more and put pressure out and crack ring lands. Since the Franklin is air cooled it will run hotter and will need more ring gap than water cooled. The old Copper Cooled GM engines were the same way.

[@sharpeidad1055]

Another great video Jonathan...thank you! There's a shit ton of rewards coming your way from giving up smokin...keep up the good work

[@ihrescue]

Good forensic breakdown of the cylinders Jonathan. This has been very interesting in getting to the root of the low compression problem.

[@RonLH]

And quitting smoking sets a much better example for your young apprentice.

[@RonLH]

@Repeat After Me: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be preachy.

[@danbryant4421]

Love the clock repair looks great

[@callmenortnortin467]

Enjoy watching you do things with old vehicles to make them live again. That little clock fix you did was an awesome way to revive and old clock. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you and yours.

[@jamespike7997]

I am totally enjoying the videos on the Franklin, please keep them coming!!

[@waynegouin939]

Thanks Jonathan. Nice video. Franklin engine is really unique!

[@davidcraddock7011]

what I always felt at the end of a portion of a job was a moment to sit and take a deep breath, relax and light one up. I did the battery cock thing about 30 years ago on a 57 chevy, but glued a fake stem in. Love the video and the education I received while watching.

[@sherrilee230]

Oh goodie got something new to watch. Keep up the good work, and congrats on no smoking, your reward is sharing your love for old cars and your babies. I to stop smoking last month. Got COPD.

[@todddenio3200]

For replacement parts such as pistons you can get them through EGGE MACHINE out of California. They have the blueprints on hand and will custom make them ad their prices really are not bad.

[@BobPegram]

A really good video about an interesting topic for me. Thank you for this Johnathan!

[@RichieCat4223]

Jonathan my personal opinion is to make the gaskets for the bottom of the cylinders. Just my two cents. Thanks.

[@johnapel2856]

Neat stuff! Really interesting to see how it works. Love the clock! Thanks.

[@davekauffman8727]

Very interesting engine, it will be worth fixing properly. I'd keep everything factory except for getting new rings, the pistons can be welded and machined. Sincere congratulations on quitting smoking bro, I know about the "reward cigarette", but it will pass, not coughing up a lung every morning has to be a pretty good reward. I'm sure you already know you are in better standing in many ways. Keep on keeping on!

[@johnpassmore8176]

Really interesting!! Learned alot in 30 min. Your a good teacher Johnathan. I'll never tear a Franklin apart but could if needed too.( So far ha ha). Thanks for taking me along. Go job on the no smoking. Need to quit myself. Now if you could make a video on that.but unfortunately that's completely up to me. Love the clock. Mostly love your videos

[@raybob49]

This is really interesting. What effort must have gone into design and production. A crossflow arrangement too. Thanks again for excelent video.

[@RedneckTaZ]

Hadn't had a chance to comment much but I've really enjoyed the Franklin since you started this series. That "airplane" style in--line motor is something I've never seen before and I'm shocked that wood frame made it through some of this NC humidity even in a barn after all these years. Just don't let one of them Hardy brothers drive around it if you're going through Cameron. ;-)

[@paulsthormes251]

Nicely done another great video you can't be scared Interesting engine you got there.

[@LarryDeSilva64]

With that Franklin being an Air Cooled engine I guess anything you can do to improve air flow around it will help so pressure washing is a great first step for sure. That is really an interesting looking engine though. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulpollack9262]

Really interesting engine diagnosis and repair you have going there. I always learn a bunch watching you work your magic. My neighbor had a 1929 Franklin, it was a beautiful car and his had hydraulic brakes. Hey while you have the valve cover off would it be worthwhile to add a couple snap close type oil caps to each cover to allow you to oil the rocker assembly without removing the valve covers?

[@roberthinkle981]

This is therapy for me johnathan keep the videos coming

[@LoneRevD]

Thanks for sharing that, I guarantee I have never seen a air cooled franklins gutts before. Such a simple system, do a top end single piston or all of them from the top without cutting the pan loose? Shoot that's got my vote. On the side 10-10 till the next video thank you!

[@leonardaphillips]

Great step by step check of this old girl's private parts. I learned about the Franklin from this video. Well done!

[@stex1985]

That reward you mentioned is really a nasty damn habit. I kicked mine and the habit is the hardest to get around for me , after a while being around someone smoking made me want to puke from the smell, really!

[@michaelhurst3661]

Thanks for making your videos I feel like I learn something from every video. Or at least a different way to look at something.

[@jadney]

Thanks for showing how these go together. I had no idea that anything like this existed outside of the early VW cars. Another thing that can effect ring stiffness is the width, the OD-ID width. Those looked really narrow and that will have a large effect on their stiffness. Those rings, with the angle cut gap, could have been much wider, ID/OD wise, when they were new. You'll know about that when you clean out the ring grooves. Strong springy rings are probably less important in a low compression engine like this, besides, I've read that ring sealing is done by the force of the combustion pressure that gets inside the ring and pushes the rings outwards. Of course this depends on SOME spring force to get it started. You said the fins on the cylinders are copper and I assume the jugs are cast iron. How are the fins attached to the iron: soldered, brazed, cast? I wouldn't expect just wrapping them tightly to give good enough thermal contact. And good luck with quitting smoking. That's likely to be a lifesaver.

[@regsparkes6507]

Totally interesting video,..Thanks for taking the time to show all of this.

[@arussianasset3948]

I'm looking forward to hearing the Lincoln run again. No doubt she will purr like a kitten when you get done with her Jonathan. Congrats on not smoking too.

[@JAYHARRIS85]

Amazing engine design. I would love to poke around in there!!! Great work!

[@09071957]

Nice job! Very cool to see how they engineered the old hardware. Older engineering is more forgiving than the modern "nasa" designed cars. Keep up the good work. Your reward will be getting this bad boy running! :)

[@Rick-last1]

you probably noticed this but, when you removed the rocker box on #1 cylinder,, a washer dropped off . Just tryin to be helpful. Nice work on the engine so far,, to see it was still running,,, was a testament to ingenuity back then!

[@garyruark9506]

Looks like a lot of Franklin support out there. Should have no problem finding original parts. Question is how many $? The split skirt on piston is probably to eliminate piston slap. I have seen that before on old cars.

[@davidevans6528]

"I don't restore cars; I fix 'em." Thanks for the vindication. I've always operated on this principle, and it's saved me $$$Thousands.

[@genegarbis8746]

I took a 28 apart yrs ago they do have a seperate head. The finned cylinder barrel is frozen and the head is heated , then fitted over the cylinder barrel ,when the temperature, evens out it creates an air title gasketless seal , , the inside of the Aluminum crank case was painted. Interesting motor. Aircraft quality.

[@yukon4511]

I owned a 1947 Stinson airplane with a 6 cylinder Franklin. Wonderful engine.

[@mkgarage510]

How many people think Johnathan could cast his own pistons ? No doubt in my mind, do it. I'm a few days removed from chewing. It ain't easy

[@99thpeanut59]

+Mark Craft good luck man. Please don’t go back to chewing, be strong.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

I am sure he could cast those pistons and machine them could change the compression height add 10 or 20% more hp for modern day if he wanted to