Ford Manual
After removing the plug from the engine the points may be cleaned with an old tooth brush dipped in
gasoline. However, in order to do the work thoroughly, the plug should be taken apart by securing the
large hexagon steel shell in a vise and loosening the pack nut which holds the porcelain in place. The
carbon deposits can then be easily removed from the porcelain and shell with a small knife. Care should
be exercised not to scrape off the glazed surface of the porcelain, otherwise it will be apt to carbonize
quickly. The porcelain and other parts should finally be washed in gasoline and wiped dry with a cloth.
In assembling the plug care should be taken to see that the pack nut is not tightened too much so as to
crack the porcelain, and the distance between the sparking points should be 1/32", about the thickness of
a smooth dime.
How is the Power Plant removed from the Car?
Answer No. 32
(1) Drain the radiator; disconnect inlet and outlet water connections; disconnect radiator stay rod at dash;
remove stud nuts fastening radiator to frame, and remove radiator starting crank and radiator apron.
(2) Shut off gasoline at sediment bulb; disconnect feed pipe at carburetor; remove carburetor adjusting
rods, priming rods and pull rod.
(3) Disconnect steering gear arm and bracket; disconnect steering gear post at dash and instrument
board; disconnect commutator pull rod and horn wires and move steering gear back.
(4) Disconnect radius rod from crank case.
(5) Disconnect all wires and remove coil box and spark plugs.
(6) Remove engine pans and hood blocks.
(7) Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold.
(8) Remove four bolts at universal joint housing, two bolts from each crank case arm and two cap screws
at crank case front bearing.
(9) Pass a rope around the engine, placing the rope behind the two radius rod studs and between starting
motor and cylinder block, tying the ends of the rope securely at top of engine. Pass a 2" x 4" or a stout
iron pipe about ten feet long through the loop in the rope, and with a man at each end of the 2" x 4" or
pipe and another holding the starting crank handle, the engine can be lifted from the car.
Connecting Rod Bearings---how adjusted
Answer No. 33
Connecting rod bearings may be adjusted, without taking out the engine, by the following method: (1)
drain off the oil; (2) remove plate on bottom of crank case--- exposing connecting rods; (3) take off first
connecting rod cap, and draw---file the ends---a very little at a time; (4) replace cap, being careful to see
that file marks correspond, and tighten bolts until cap fits shaft snugly; (5) test tightness of bearing by
turning engine over by the starting handle. Experienced mechanics usually determine when the bearing is
properly fitted by lightly tapping each side of the cap with a hammer; (6) then loosen the bearing and
proceed to fit the other bearings in the same manner; (7) after each bearing has been properly fitted and
tested---then tighten the cap bolts and insert cotter pins and the work is finished.
Remember, there is a possibility of getting the bearings too tight, and under such conditions the babbitt is
apt to cut out quickly, unless precaution is taken to run the motor slowly at the start. It is a good plan
after adjusting the bearings to jack up the rear wheels and let the motor run slowly for about two hours
(keeping it well supplied with water and oil) before taking it out on the road. Whenever possible these
bearings should be fitted by an expert Ford mechanic.
Worn connecting rods may be returned, prepaid, to the nearest dealer for exchange at a price of $0.60
each to cover the cost of rebabbitting. It is not advisable for any owner or repair shop to attempt the
rebabbitting of connecting rods or main bearings, for without a special jig in which to form the bearings,
satisfactory results will not be obtained. The constant tapping of a loose connecting rod on the crank
shaft will eventually produce crystallization of the steel---result, broken crank shaft and possibly other
parts of the engine damaged.
Crank Shaft Main Bearings---How adjusted?
Answer No. 34
