How to Do a Lube Job on a Model A Ford

[@mnrebel4ever]

Just to clarify, 600w is NOT 600 weight. It is just a brand name. It is steam cylinder oil. It is thick enough to slow the gears down for shifting. If I remember right, it is comparable to 240 weight. Love your car, nice to see younger guys driving and taking care of these fabulous cars! Enjoy!

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks! I have learned that I was wrong and the 600w oil after posting the video, and I appreciate you helping clear that up for everyone

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

Note that Mark's car has replacement style Zerk lubrication fittings, not the original fittings that came on Model A's. Thus, he uses a grease gun that locks on to those Zerks. If your car still has the original fittings, you can get an adapter for the modern grease guns from any Model A part store.

[@theguythatcouldfly]

This was a cool video. You should have made more of them! It's not too late. Paul Shinn is crushing it with his content.

[@MarkHayward]

I'm still planning on making more, I just have to get to it. I've got a wheel bearing replacement in my near future

[@elosogonzalez8739]

Christine is a keeper! Pretty, smart and she likes old cars. Great traveling companion.

[@MarkHayward]

She's the best!

[@shawnn6926]

Great video. I just bought a '30 Model A closed cab pickup a month ago. I've been watching so many videos and reading I think I know more now than some of the local club members.

[@garyvolpe3594]

Great video! It has some humorous parts and you didn't take out video mistakes which made it more interesting. Very informative for someone who does not work on the car often--like me.

[@MarkHayward]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I think it's really important to show humility, humanity, and the reality that all of us make mistakes. My model A is the first car I've ever worked on, and I'm learning as a go just, like anybody.

[@Nord3202]

That STP instead of 600w oil is one I was thinking about but using the Lucas product instead.

[@deeplivin]

I'm restoring a 1930 Fordor Sedan, Excellent video! Thank you very much.

[@MarkHayward]

Excellent! We need more Fordors in the world for sure. I love my Sport Coupe, but it's not so fun to ride outside the cab on cold days. I'm glad you liked the video.

[@deeplivin]

@@MarkHayward Thanks Mark

[@goodboybuddy1]

We have a beautiful 1930 A and you are our service guru. Thanks for taking the trouble to make this invaluable video!

[@MarkHayward]

Oh great! I'm so glad the video was helpful to you! I plan to make more, I just have to find the time.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Mark, look at 1:44. Appears your front spring clamp has slid down your spring into the spring perch.

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks for the heads up! I'll check it out!

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

@@MarkHayward You are most welcome. But, I did not catch it. There are a lot of Model A people watching it. In my opinion, unlike responses I see on FaceBook all have been most positive. The two things they commented on were the front spring clamp and that one of the shackles might be loose. In my opinion, it is rare to get this many Model A veterns to watch a video and not express a lot of comments on how things were done wrong. Many people are sharing your video. A typical comment is 'Thanks, good for a first timer"

[@mlackey9812]

Nice Vid. I come from a 'place' where we used to know most of what you shoot but I still think your video was a AAA+++ reomended. Good Job!!

[@MarkHayward]

Thank you!

[@filipponseele7346]

Very nice and what a great team you are.I was learned that it's better to jack up the car to grease it A grand car Lots of happy outings for you and your wife(a model t 1915 owner from Belgium)

[@MarkHayward]

Thank you! Yes, you're right, it's easier to work under there if you jack the car up first. I don't have a good reason that I usually don't do it.

[@filipponseele7346]

@@MarkHayward But that's not the only reason. Jacked it release the strain onthe joints and the new grease come in more easily

[@MarkHayward]

@@filipponseele7346 Oh, very interesting! I never thought of that!

[@jayoneill1533]

Way back in the sixties my high school car was a ‘29 Tudor on which I never did any of the lube jobs that you just showed. Looking back I’m amazed it ran as well as it did.

[@MarkHayward]

That method of maintenance sounds way more fun to me 😄

[@edgardospagna8738]

Thanks .im doing mi first greasse lube job afler a long time(ford e83w pickup )...y worked on her but y didn.t clean it so much..so y pick off bearings many times to repare brakes and to changue front and rear axle but y asembled it with only a peace off greasse throw my fingers.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Thanks for posting this. Nice video.

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

@@MarkHayward Have posted it on 4 different Model A Facebook pages. Have receive a lot of likes. Scroll down. Have posted a link to 600W website. 600W is an Exxon Website for 600W oil. Have original grease fittings, my grease gun does not click onto the fittings.

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks Michael!

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

@@MarkHayward You are most welcome. Go onto the Model A Ford Club or Model A Restorer's Club Facebook site. You will see your posted video. Feel you and Christine should post more great videos. One of the best I have seen.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Loved this so much subscribed to your channel.

[@MrJeep75]

Gorgeous car

[@MarkHayward]

Thank you!

[@chrishazelwood9548]

Your Grease Gun Looks old and well made (steel?) - What is a good gun that will work well in today's market? Some look cheap and breakable to me at the stores. What was your grease gun maker / model?

[@facumilano3576]

cool video!! thanks

[@robertbennett5619]

Great video! Looking forward to the oil change video

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to making it!

[@Dog.soldier1950]

Zerk fitting=grease fitting FYI. Absolutely beautiful A

[@MarkHayward]

Thanks!

[@dougb9680]

can you tell me what weight oil you used in the distributor? do you have more videos on the work you have done on your model A?

[@MarkHayward]

I used straight 40 weight oil in the distributor. I don't think it much matters since you're using so little. So far this is the only model a video I've made, but I plan to make a rear wheel bearing replacement video next. Anything else you'd like to see?

[@dougb9680]

@@MarkHayward anything you guys want to share it would be great. I could give you a list of things I would like to see but there's not enough space on this blog for me to list them all but brakes would be one of them. I bought the Les Andrews book because of you guys and it has helped a lot but it is so much easier to watch your videos because you two are very detailed in your deception's you give and are very entertaining as well so its not like I am seating in a boring class with some teacher that is putting me to sleep. if you post it I'll watch it. "So if you build it they will come". lol

[@jackdernorsek5310]

That's odd, I did not notice when you greased the Wolf Whistle...... Good job.

[@MarkHayward]

Haha, I totally forgot to grease it! That's ok, it's not something I have to do annually, but it would've been nice to include it. And it's just a nice shot of WD-40 right down the gullet.

[@JackBahmlll]

What video editing software do you use?

[@MarkHayward]

I just use imovie, and make some graphics in Photoshop

[@heidiingels1458]

thanks for the motivation

[@MarkHayward]

My pleasure!

[@williamhthompson3502]

Wouldn't it be better to jack up the front axle before trying to turn the steering so as not to strain the steering box?

[@MarkHayward]

Apparently so, since I keep hearing that. It didn't occur to me at the time, but yes, that's a better idea.

[@billmezz]

I use a pump type oil can. To fill my steering box but I have a 7 tooth that only has the 1/8 plug. What are your color combinations. I have a 28 Sport coup, painted Washington Blue and Black with cream wheels. I'm considering a repaint in original Ford colors but the 28 Sport Coupe colors are so lame.

[@MarkHayward]

Haha! I think my car is Brewster Green (body & wheels) with a lighter candy apple type green pinstripe, and black fenders. I found out when I was getting the pinstripe done that it's not a standard Sport Couple color scheme, so I have to assume that my grandfather felt the same way that you did when he got it painted back in 1985. I go back and forth with whether it's better to have an original paint color, or to be happy with what you've got. I think it's fine if you want to be original-ish, and just stick to the Ford colors and pick the ones that will make you the happiest. For most of it's life my entire car was painted flat army green because my grandpa did it himself. So the way it is now is a big step up.

[@rogerclark3162]

You forgot to grease the two fittings on each rear backing plate for the brake lever & emergency lever including the brake cross shaft and the brake pins. Why not put the car up on jack stands? It makes a lot easier to work underneath.

[@MarkHayward]

Ah, bummer! I was trying so hard to not leave anything out! I do sometimes put the car up on jackstands, but this time I knew I was going to have to roll it around a bit to get the lighting where I wanted it to be, so I decided not to. You're right though, it makes it so much easier to have more space underneath.

[@MrTrucker1952]

@@MarkHayward hi mark great video thanks what fuel do you use premium or unleaded thanks

[@MarkHayward]

@@MrTrucker1952 Sorry for the slow response, I missed your comment when you posted it. I use the lowest octane, just because it's cheaper. My understanding is that when these cars were built the octane of gasoline was much lower, so they're actually built to deal with gas that is way lower quality than what we get now. If that's true, then premium doesn't really make any difference for Model A's. I may be wrong about this though.

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@MarkHayward The value of high octane gasoline, of course is that it is designed to resist detonation or pre-ignition on engines with a much much higher compression ratio than your Ford 4-banger. Most people think high-octane gas is "rocket fuel" but It doesn't provide more power output than low octane gasoline in and of itself. Low octane gasoline is easier to ignite though, for sure.

[@dougb9680]

Okay Mark it's spring and everything is thawed out when are you guys going to put out a new video?

[@MarkHayward]

Good point! I'll try to get on it ASAP

[@tomdelinger7206]

I suggest a hose and quick connect for straight and 90 degree tips. Easier on the tough spots. Also, clean before as well as after. Grease collects dirt.

[@robdoe2420]

thumbs up mark

[@tomdelinger7206]

I liked this video

[@williamback6354]

i am glad cars no longer require this, what is the pink wire holding on? on the right front

[@MarkHayward]

That wire is for the turn signals I installed. It has that crazy path because I was trying to avoid using zip ties if I could, to retain the period look of the car as much as possible.

[@crazeguy26]

pickups still have a few.

[@NewEnglandBeachDetecting]

What kind of oil did you use in that can I didn’t want to just throw any old oil in there @Mark Hayward also what kind of oil for the rear differential

[@MarkHayward]

The little oil can has 40 weight engine oil in it, and the differential is 600W, but you can use STP as well. The Mechanic's Handbook has a list in the back with all the different lubricants and where to put them.

[@NewEnglandBeachDetecting]

Mark Hayward thank you sir just ordered a handbook looking forward to your other model a videos

[@toodle171]

Thank you!!!!

[@bitraeger1481]

Love it , have a 28 Tudor now having an engine overhaul Babbitt bearings anyone? Bill

[@MarkHayward]

Yeah, I have one of those in my future too 🙄

[@ゅお]

勉強になります。😊

[@troyadamson8618]

Forget the gloves dude, they sell really good hand cleaners at auto parts stores, GOOP is a good one.

[@MarkHayward]

It's super easy to take gloves off, and then your hands are already clean! It's like magic! You're right, GOOP is great, and so is Lava. I personally find it easier to use gloves, and they keep my hands cleaner, which is important for when I'm on stage for my job as a comedy yo-yo man.

[@MrConradF]

600W is a product name, not an oil 'weight' as we think of it today.

[@MarkHayward]

Oh, that's interesting, I've only heard it referred to as "600 weight". It never occurred to me that it might not be literal.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

@@MarkHayward lubricants.mobil.com/en/industrial/lubricants/products/mobil-600-w-super-cylinder-oil

[@facundoalonso1075]

Hi, can you take photos of the book and send it to me?

[@MarkHayward]

Complete instructions for doing a lube job on Model A Ford, to go along with the Model A Ford Mechanic's Handbook by Les Andrews. www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ProductDetail/BM-2_MODEL-A-MECHANICS-HANDBOOK-VOLUME-1-BOOK?fromCategory=Products/books/model-a-books

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Ugh.. NEVER turn the wheel of any car with the full weight on the car and the car is not moving...

[@MarkHayward]

Other than it being difficult, tell me why you say that.

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

@@MarkHayward You place extra stress on all parts.. esp on older cars. But hey ask any profesional mechanic.. or google it...

[@bondyebeniw9183]

Don't fret too much about turning those wheels on a Model A. The car is very light and the steering gear is all heavy duty.

[@James-xo4uv]

Back then cars had a LOT of grease fittings, today cars don't even have one grease fitting

[@masonzayas8401]

It would be nice if they would add them to permanent ball joints just to be able to add grease when they get old and worn out.

[@bondyebeniw9183]

With enough grease fittings a 90 yr old car rolls right along. I've had my '30 coupe for 50 yrs.

[@robc8468]

@@masonzayas8401 Problem is that "permanent" ball joints tie rod ends are not permanent you will likely be replacing them between 60k to 120k miles on modern cars depending on how you drive and how good or bad your roads are.

[@masonzayas8401]

@@robc8468 lol I understand that thats why I wish they could at least be serviceable to increase their lifetime.

[@dominiquethomas2054]

coucou de bretagne super la video merci pour tous cet comseil petit video sur you tub claude leymarie

[@johnr8476]

If you ever drive it in cold weather, temps down around 0, you will be taking honey bear out of the steering box and putting thinner oil in, unless you are super strong.

[@MarkHayward]

Good to know! Plus, now I have an excuse to not drive it in zero degree weather!

[@myredute]

All basic commonsense. Don't use rag to gather old grease,just paper towel is all that's required. Grease often or every set period like 6 months or so. Like greasing your Zero Turn Kubota lawn mower.

[@MarkHayward]

I like to use rags for the old grease because they are durable, and I have a continuous influx of old cloth, so it's not a big deal to throw them out when I'm done. They were going in the trash anyway. Plus no trees were felled. Not a big deal either way though.

[@myredute]

@@MarkHayward No, it's no big deal. I still use rags when I have them but I spray them with WD40 to clean the area around the fitting. I have a show car,so when you win the big shows like I do, it matters to keep things looking new. The reason paper towel is good,is because you can burn them rather than throw them in the rubbish bin.Seeya!

[@MarkHayward]

@@myredute Good point. Burning greasy paper towels is great!

[@myredute]

@@MarkHayward It might be great but I have to pay for a bundle of rags & I get paper towel by the roll from Costco for bugger all. Only use flannelette rags for polishing & dust removal.

[@MarkHayward]

@@myredute I tear up old worn out t-shirts, sheets, etc for rags. They build up faster than I use them.

[@dondesnoo1771]

If you paid more than 10k for the model A you already got a lube job with out the gun.had a 60caddy had about 40fittings had to supervise at the station 😁

[@MarkHayward]

My grandfather bought it new in 1930

[@bondyebeniw9183]

I admire the caddy with 40 fittings- it was designed to last forever.

[@1marcelfilms]

Wife not bad?

[@jlgoins64]

seems like if you were smart, you would have bought a flexible hose for that grease gun, instead of fighting the steering wheel

[@MarkHayward]

Yeah, that's not a bad idea, but I inherited it from my grandfather and I get great pleasure from using his tools the way he used them. Also, sometimes it's nice to remember how things used to be much harder in the past. I'll keep that in mind when I buy the next one though, thanks.

[@kittykat999a]

Love Peace and Bacon Grease. Keep using Grandpa’s old grease gun. That’s a pleasure. But just go buy another grease gun with a flexible hose, use both.

[@karaDee2363]

The problem with the flexible hoses you need one hand to hold the hose end to press against the zerk fitting and the other hand to squeeze the gun pump lever.... But with the gun he's using, you only need one hand, so he is smart..