FRONT SEAT NEWS

MODEL T FORD CLUB OF NORTHWEST OHIO

Officers: Bob Torbet, Pres.; Bob Hollister, V-Pres.; Dave Benny, Treas; Jim Cook, Sec/Editor

February 2002

NEXT MEETING: February 6th, 2002 7:30 at Jack Putnam's Shop 1215 Hancock Rd. 28, Bluffton (4th house east of Anderson Tractor Supply), Phone (419) 358-663

The February meeting was held at Jack Putnam's garage near Bluffton.  Dave Benny led the meeting with 14 members in attendance.  The meeting was divided into two parts, the election of this year's officers and the updates on the upcoming Ohio Jamboree.  Bob Torbet agreed to fill the office of president with Bob Hollister continuing on as vice-president.  Jim Cook will continue on as secretary/editor and Dave Benny will continue his service to the club as treasurer.  The size of the club's web page was discussed and the problems of shutdowns by the server because of overuse.  It was decided to look into buying space on the internet to provide for more dependable service for the club.  Jim has already looked into other alternatives and will report further at the next meeting. Melvin Gierhart presented his materials to the group about the tour and asked for any further information from the other members.  The T-shirts have been priced out and the design has been discussed. Jack and Jim will develop the routes for the tours.  Bob and Dave are seeking donations and sponsors.

Wants, Needs, For Sales

Paul Walzak is selling an Auto Dolly that is just the right size for a Model T or A.  Call Paul at 740-657-8719 or contact him on the web autodolly@columbus.rr.com His website is www.autodolly.net

Jack Putnam is selling a three point rolling engine stand that far exceeds the one commercially available.  Call Jack at (419) 358-6313

Melvin Gierhart has a 1927 roadster and matching covered trailer for sale.  It is an older restoration, but is ready for the tour.  It has many additions.  Melvin is asking $11,500.00 as a set.  Call at (937) 497-0457.

1916 Engine. Fully rebuilt/restored. Has been test run. Low head, narrow nose pan, over size valves, weight matched rods, all new babbitt, aluminum pistons .060.  Ready to drop in and drive. Very quiet running T engine.

Contact T-100 engine builder, Jack Putnam at (419) 358-6313

Solving the Oil Leak Problem at the Starter Motor

As soon as the bushing on the starter motor shaft is run in, it will begin to leak oil back into the motor housing.  Once this occurs, there is a perpetual oil spot on the garage floor.  I have a picture of a Model T showroom from 1916 and the cars all had full pans under them to catch the expected oil.  I guess this oil leak would have been OK in the old days.  But, today we like to seal up the cars a little better than the stock model.

The first step in correcting the oil problem is the removal of the bushing.  The bushing is then cut on the lathe to create a gap for a neoprene seal.  The cut is made below the base lip of the bushing by at least 0.125" so that the top cap can still be pressed into the housing and have some bite

This shot shows the seal placed in between the two sections of the bushing.  There is nothing other than friction holding the sections together (that and a pencil pushed in from the other end of the housing).  The idea of the shot is to show the configuration of the three parts that are going into the starter motor housing

The first step in the reassembly of the shaft housing is to press in the straight section of the bushing.  The bushing is first pressed in flat, so as to distribute the pressure evenly across the brass bushing.  Once it is flush with the housing, a steel rod is used to press the bushing down the housing further to a distance of the seal and the end cap.

This photo shows the first section of the bushing in place and the neoprene seal placed in on top of it.  The cap will now be pressed into place.  This operation is made easier by putting a slight radius on the outside dimension of the cap.  By cleaning up the outside of the bushing, the job of getting it to slide squarely into the hole is made a great deal easier.

The final fit is accomplished by gently working the shaft housing onto the shaft.  In this case the fit was a little bit less than perfect.  It appeared as if the brass bushing had distorted a little when it was either pressed out initially or possibly on the reassembly.  The seal was removed and a reamer was used to clean up the inside dimension so that the shaft could once again fit snuggly in place.  The motor now turns freely and will not provide an escape route for the engine oil.

Preparations are Underway for the 2002 Ohio Model T Jamboree

This is a sample of the artwork that we are working with for the upcoming Jamboree.  We are looking for an old time gas station somewhere that will really pump gas for us.  Wouldn't it be great if we could make this picture come to life?  It has already been pointed out that the gauge on the fuel pump would have come at a later date than the car.

Upcoming Tours

Colorado/Wyoming Model T Tour - June 8th - 14th 2002. Keystone Cops Regional Tour - August 14th - 18th 2002. All Ohio Model T Jamboree - August 30th - September 1st 2002.

Become a more active member

As always, if someone has a project that they are working on and would like the club to help out, bring it up at the meeting for the members to discuss.  There is a great amount of knowledge in the group.  Every one of us can make a difference in the group.  We might even decide to have the next meeting in your garage for a little hands-on-experience.

Anyone that would like to write an article for the newsletter or present a project at one of our meetings is welcome to contact one of the officers.  We'd be glad to have the help.  Thanks!!!