Q: I was able to buy a rebuilt engine a while back and since my pickup is an early 28 I wanted to change the oil pan to the early type with the oil pump service opening. Oil pan removed, I found the spring under the oil pump broken and the timing gear converted to alloy.
The spring is replaced but after seeing your Q+A video on timing gear, I want to change now to the fiber one. My question: Can I replace the metal gear on the camshaft with a fiber one without changing the gear on the crankshaft? Would the metal one be the standard size?
-Peter
A: If the gear is working fine, you have the option of keeping it as-is, of course. The drive gear on the crankshaft is the same for either the fiber gear or the metal one, unless the gear is an oversize one to take up wear on the crank drive gear. My suggestion, if it’s working all right, just say good night.
-Paul
Q: I have a 1930 pickup truck. When I bought it there were no fuel filters/strainers installed. The truck had not been run more than 10 miles in the last 10 years. I drove it home, to the insurance office, and to the DMV. Maybe another 10 miles. The fuel system fouled in the fuel shut off valve, and the carburetor. I drained the tank, cleaned the shut off valve, rebuilt the carburetor, installed a filter in the tank at the shut off valve and installed the strainer in the carburetor. I also want to put either a WIX filter or a brass screen in the sediment bowl. However when I put either of them in the bowl, it leaks. I’ve tried both rubber and cork gaskets. Any suggestions?
-Jason
A: If using the 3039 type fuel filter in a glass bowl, the filter element rim needs to be against the glass and the rubber or cork gasket on top. Having the filter in the fuel bowl won’t save the fuel shutoff from getting fouled by junk, only cleaning the tank and/or using the “pencil” type filter in the shutoff input will help prevent that.
-Paul
Q: I am getting ready to replace the tires on my 31 Victoria. Any thoughts on radials over regular bias ply tires?
-Douglas
A: On a Model A that is well maintained with nothing worn out and with properly functioning shock absorbers, there is almost no difference in ride or handling between radials and bias ply tires. With that said, a lot of people praise the radial tires and the improvement on cars with less than ideal suspension or other issues.
-Paul
Q: I have 2 Model As which can be difficult to start. Checked the gap between the rotor and the cap, I found the gap is .060″. Ordered a new one and the gap is .080″. I understand the gap should be .025 to .035. What is the best way to fix this?
-Jim
A: The rotor tab can be bent up or down, closing the gap as you bend it upward. The tab itself is pretty thick, so make sure you have hold of it and use a couple set of pliers to hold and band at the same time. You don’t want to put the stress on the plastic part, just the metal.
-Paul