My Grampy used to restore Model As and he wouldn't sell them just keep them till late in his life. He finally sold all but one, a 1931 Sport coupe, before he died in 1992. I remember it being in his shed half finished and him working on it. I used to ride in the rumble seat of that car in many parades. I was between 8-10 years old at that time. My Granny kept it till she died last year. In August I'm going to drive back to my childhood hometown and pick it up. I get chocked up thinking about it and just typing this. Your video's are getting me ready because I was too young to remember all these important things that my Grampy no doubt told me way back then.
Thanks for showing all of these grease and lube spots! Some of which I wouldn't have even thought to add a couple drops to! I was debating using modern 10w-30 syn in my Model A, and now seeing you doing it, I will certainly do it on my next change! Really enjoying your videos on Model As!
Paul - just came across your channel -watched your concours video from a few days back. Enjoyed it - now I see you have one on lube and maintenance, I put together a tutorial on the same thing for a couple new Model A owners just a couple years back, using Les Andrews’ book for reference. AND I see your garage has a sport coupe and a sedan, like my garage does. (Except our coupe is a ‘29 Standard Coupe). Still driving every week in the ‘30 Town Sedan I bought 60 years ago (age 14, and for $10 in Minnesota.). Now the same car travels the streets of Silicon Valley every few days. I have eight or ten videos on my channel - but mostly from long ago, and not nearly as well done as these. Keep up the good work!
Man, I wish you weren't so far away! I could spend hours in your shop soaking up knowledge about Model As!! I have a 31 Coupe that belonged to my late father. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can properly care for it.
great video Paul !!! Im getting ready to purchase a Model A. Currently looking at a 29 pickup. I need the pickup for grocery shopping and Home Depot. Just started watching your videos and I get more motivated every time to make the purchase.
Tom and Paul I’m trying to get a 1930 started it’s in really good shape I was wondering if you guys could help me please call 386-333-2085. Maybe just talking through it I can compensate you
Mr Shinn would you ever consider doing a video about Model A windshield wipers? The different types like a Wiper 101? I finally got a Model A thanks to your encouragement with this channel!
Dear Paulshinn, I'd be very interested in seeing the Tudor's under side. My '30 pickup took a 2nd place at the World Meet back in 1986. I've driven it a fair amount since then though. It was newly restored back then. However, I like to keep the under side as clean as possible. Just some "fodder" for another video.....Thank you for your post on lubrication....I went through and did all of the major lubricating, (bumper to bumper), last year on both my truck and my dad's '30 Deluxe Roadster.
I don't have a Model A but always change the oil in my regulars cars when the engine is hot. And, put a little NEW oil on the rubber gasket of the filter.
That's what I was taught too. Makes sense as more of the 'garbage' is in suspension in the oil, not settled to the the bottom of the sump etc. My 540,000km/335,000mi (Nissan RB30) still has an untouched bottom end. I do the same with my Model A - get it nice & hot then drain the oil(s).
I really like these maintenence videos 😊. Always interesting to see how much easier it is on older cars. Question, how come you change the oil so frequently when you use fully synthetic? Does the engine wear more than modern engines? Thanks.
Hey Paul, I'm a new model A owner and somehow hit the jackpot of having a well maintained '31 for a reasonable price. They did put a grease fitting on the steering box though. How would you clear out the old grease? Thank you for the great informative videos. As a millennial with little mechanical experience your videos are a life saver
That happened a lot back in the day. Just start filling it with gear oil and try to get the oil and grease to mix for now. Keep it topped off with oil. Eventually, when you do a rebuild on it, clean the grease out with brake cleaner and only put thick oil in it after that.
Would have loved to see filter vertical so you could fill it up with oil, no oil starvation upon start. Also I have never seen syn oil ruin seals, they were bad already...
My goal is still a 30-31 restored 2 door sedan, just have to get rid of my 3 projects. Maybe next summer I'll achieve nervana. Sometimes you don't know what you've got til it's gone.
Thank you for all of this great content Paul! Just bought my first Model A. Question for ya?! I watched the check & change fluids video and the lubricate underneath video.. At the end of that second video you mention doing a follow on video from the inside (throw out bearing, steering column, hinges etc.). Did that video ever get completed? If so, what is the title of it? Really eager to see the next part. As always, keep'em coming. Thank you Paul!
Fixing a model A for a sweet old lady. Hasn’t ran in a few years but should just need gas and an oil change. Doing the normal starting for the first time in a while stuff like a little oil in the cylinders to get oil on the rings, and charging/ replacing the battery.
hey Paul would you mind listing the lubes you use again from tarns and rear end, I tried the links and they did seem like the same stuff you said you use I could just be not smart and reading it wrong. you rock! great ep!
Great video. Re oil I’ve read you need more zinc in older flat tappet cam engines. Popular brands are conventional Shell Rotella, Valvoline VR-1, Brad Penn. Zinc supplements such as STP Oil Treatment can also be added. What’s your take?
Great videos, you are so helpful keep up the great videos. I have a few questions if its not too much trouble. I noticed your radiator cap does not have a temp gauge, how do you know if its running hot , can you show how the other gauge works, how does the driver see the temp getting hot ? Does the A models have a over flow from the radiator? Is your oil filter housing a modern modification or was it offered originally? Why do people change from a generator to a alternator, what's the difference and benefits. Thanks again.
Wow, LOTS of great questions! The coupe has a temp gauge mounted I side just under the instrument panel. I talk about it in this video: th-cam.com/video/z0imK2TaNUk/w-d-xo.html Yes, the Model A has a radiator overflow. No reservoir tank though. The oil filter is an aftermarket kit that all the major Model A suppliers sell. If you drive your Model A at night, in today's traffic, an alternator is a must! I still run 6 volt positive ground systems in my cars, so I use 6V alternators. All the major Model A suppliers sell them Just bolly on. No modifications required.
@@ModelA on your other cars that have the temp sensor on the lid, does that Act like a modern thermometer in that you can see a mark or something rising up a tube that the driver can see ? How did drivers originally know if their car was getting hot , just till it started steaming out ?
One thing i like to do with any oil filter is to put some in it to saturate the pleats to get as much air out of them as possible. Makes the first start easier on the bearing surfaces and elsewhere when you go a few seconds of no oil because it's trying to force it all through a bone dry filter first. Just an idea to consider :-)
That is an excellent idea! However, in a Model A, it won't matter. The Model A used splash lubrication and relies on gravity to get oil into the dipper trays and bearings. If your engine relies on oil pressure to force oil into bearings, like a modern motor, then priming the oil filter (as it is called) is very beneficial.
All the oil pump does on a stock Model A motor is pump oil up from the bottom of the oil pan into the valve gallery (the area behind the valve cover). Oil fills the tray in there with some of it falling by gravity down through passages to the main bearings, and the rest spilling into the crank area and over the cam gear and keeping that area wet. The excess falls into the dipper trays and eventually into the pan. When you install an oil filter on a Model A, in particular, the type I have, oil is pumped into the filter and what comes out the filter fills the valve gallery tray. The valve gallery has quite a bit of oil in it just sitting there. The oil from the pump through a new unprimed oil filter only takes a couple seconds to begin spilling into the valve gallery.
Great videos - I inherited dad's Model A in '17 and it has not moved since '13 when he started his battle with cancer. I will be going through checking all fluids and get the old girl back running soon. I noticed that you didn't briefly run the car to fill the new oil filter, then re-check the oil? I'm not sure if dad's car has one of these filters on it, but curious why you didn't fill the filter then re-check the oil?
The Model A has oil in the valve galley that drips into holes to the bearings. The crank rods gets lubed by dippers splashing through the dipper trays. Plenty of oil there to keep it lubed until the pump fills the filter. But if using a pressurized system, I wouldn't do that.
Hi Paul!! Thank you for the video. My steering column the prior mechanic that worked on the vehicle put grease in it. Is there a way to flush it out? Thanks!
Unfortunately, it will have to be removed and disassembled to get all the grease out properly. However, for now, shove as much 90 wt. in there as you can and start mixing.
I would question the use of Mobil 1 oil for the motor especially since the car was designed way before synthetic oil and should run fine on regular oil.
The fact is, you can run whatever oil you want. Today's worst oil is better than 1930's best oil. Right? I run the Mobil 1 High Mileage oil because it has a higher zinc content and it makes me feel better. You should run whichever oil makes you feel better.
@@ModelA Exactly Paul. My buddies and I mess with restoring and re-building antique motorcycles, almost all of them pre -World War..... ONE! Most have "total loss lubrication" systems, meaning the oil comes out of the left-side tank, runs into the engine (and you add some as you cruise with the hand pump) then runs onto the road. Those engines, like WWI aero engines require CASTER BEAN oil from Burma . The original "Burma-Castrol "C". Ride behind an engine running with "bean oil" for very long, and you spend the night in the bathroom...
Great video as always! I was surprised to see your Model A had a spin on oil filter. Your narrative said that not all Model As had oil filters. Was this an add on installed after manufacture of the car?
Transmission and diff, I use the 600W oil that Bert's Model A center sells. It's thicker than the 600W the other vendors sell and much closer to the original 600W recommended by Ford.
So, genuine curiosity, is there a reason you don't torque the drain plug? I can see the oil filter being hand tight, but wouldn't you risk damaging the pan's threads? Super cool video by the way!
Hey Paul, I appreciate all the info and videos you post! Do you have any recommendations/videos on flushing out the coolant? I've noticed a little junk when I take off the radiator cap in my 30' Sedan. Thanks
Interesting to note that a crescent wrench [ metric or english :-) ] may be necessary b/c US bolts weren't exactly the same size today as they were in 1930. I think the 'modern' standard for US fasteners came about as late as 1960 or so. Is this generally true? Will 'modern' wrenches and sockets fit older bolts/nuts? How about thread forms? Do you need to make your own replacement fasteners? Amazing how well these cars (including model T's) were built. We can credit Mr. Ford being an Engineer first and a Businessman second for this...
@@Dennis-lx9mo not exactly. Interesting story about how Henry Ford bought the Johanssen gage block company to make standard gages for his factories. Even as late as WW2, Canadian, US, and British inches were not the same.
Is there a way, other than fill and dumping 600w oil in my trans and rear end, to flush it out. My inherited'29 coupe wasfilled with such dark sludge that I don't want to waste my 600w if its just going to trash it on the first wash. I was able to completely clean out and change gaskets on the oil pan so I didnt have the same issue there. Thank you your videos have been incredibly informative and appreciated. Julian
Also, your 600w oil looks clear and mine is more an amber color... is that a normal difference or should I look to return my product. I am using MACs/Ecklers brand
For very short durations, you can flush using diesel fuel. works great! smells terrible. Don't use that bio diesel stuff, you want the stuff that came right out of the ground and is clear. 600W oil should have a little color to it
Great video! I have a 31 roadster. I just replaced the head gasket but now I have leakage around the head bolts. What would you recommend? Thank-you, Sir!
@@ModelA what pumps it through the filter? I always thought the A engines just pumped into the cam and tappet area the rest was splash oiled in the crank case. I like the idea of filtering the oil.
Hey Paul on the steering wheel portion somebody did insert a grease fitting. If that area is already filled with grease should I try to remove the fitting and put in oil or should I just continue to fill it with grease?
Hi, I need help. I inherited my grandfather’s 1929 Model A. It runs well. But I need to change all the fluids. I saw the oil you used for the oil change. What brand and type do you get for transmission oil? Steering fluid? Any other fluids I need? A book to reference? A reputable model A shop or mechanic you can refer in the Los angels area? Thanks for your time.
good night , i have a ford , year 29 i live in Campinas SP Brazil i have a problem , water passed into the engine through the inlet valve of the fourth cylinder , the gasket is not burnt , i can not know how this water passed i have already removed the valve and i didn't see any cracks, can you give me any tips
Great Video @Paul Shinn. So I've come home from a 'parade' (aka car rally, "Bay to Birdwood" in South Australia) and while the Model A is nice and hot I've drained engine/trans/diff lube. There always seems to be oil dripping from all of these drain plugs. The engine oil drain plug has a copper washer on it, so not much else can be done there (?). The transmission and diff seem to have tapered plugs and the transmission plug in particular *always* has an oil drip hanging from it. I love to show off our Model A but hate leaving oil drips on friends' driveways. Is there any way of sealing those tapered (trans+diff) plugs better? Do yours leak? Love your channel :) Cheers, Antony.
Hi Anthony! Well, those drips aren't necessarily coming from the drain plugs. for the trans and diff, you can use a little of the yellow teflon tape on the threads and see if they seal. Th yellow stuff is gas and oil resistant. Yes, mine drip. They are supposed to! Not kidding. But they don't leave giant puddles.
@@ModelA Many thanks for your reply! I was also considering using some non-hardening oil resistant sealant such as Permatex #2... unless you think that would be a bad idea? Cheers, Antony.
Paul , beautiful cars!!! Should I use non detergent oil for the engine? What kind of fluid or brand would you recommend for transmission and rear as well? Thank you!!
Any 30 wt. or 10-30 will do, They are not picky. Trans and rear end both use thick gear oil. Anything over 90 will do, but 140 is better. The Model A suppliers sell an oil they call 600W that is basically 90-140 oil.
I have a 1931 Coupe with a model b motor. It's always been run with non detergent oil. I'm considering switching to detergent oil and an oil filter. Is that a good idea or am I asking for trouble.
Paul. Finished fluid and lube on Sophie. 1930 Coupe. I accidentally overfilled radiator with 50/50 mix. It ran out the over fill tube. Should I drain it or let her run it out? I started her for a few minutes and she spit out more coolant from overfill tube.
Question sir, my model A (1928) started flooding gas into the oil tank, I drained the oil/gas and took apart the carburetor, it seems to be in good condition but I bought a rebuild kit and put it back together but there’s still gas in the oil tank. What should I do to get my baby running again?
You cheat on the oil filter! You're supposed to use a flathead V-8 Ford's loose canister and Purolator PF-1 CARTRIDGE filter. BTW, until the end of flathead V-8 production, an oil filter was an OPTIONAL, extra cost accessory! On a flathead V-8, changing oil is guaranteed to give you an oil bath. As a 15 year-old, I worked as a "pump jockey" and changed oil in cars, and hated to see a flathead Ford head for the rack! All flathead engines of any brand automatically got a jar of Motor Honey added too. It was a viscosity enhancer, like STP, and kept the oil from thinning out too much from the exhaust heat and making the valve stems "starve" for lubrication. It also had detergent in it when most motor oils didn't. All OHV GM's got a can of Marvel Mystery Oil to keep the lifters cleaned-out. I have pumped a supertanker full of 22.9 cent a gallon "regular" gas with "ethyl lead" in it, 12-18 gallons (on a fill-up!) at a time. If someone pulled in low on gas, they'd hand me a $5 bill...or if it was half-a-tank on the gauge, "Gimmee a coupla bucks worth....anna packa Camels." "That'll be $2.25 sir!" I remember pumping $10 worth of 34.9 "Premium" into a Lincoln ONCE!
After my day job I worked part time in a Clark station where they only sold 100 octane. Usually 29.9 but often 19.9. Lots of young kids pulled in for full service and 50 cents worth of gas.
They call it "600W", but it really just a thick gear oil. 140 is a little light, it's closer to ISO 460. See here- www.mobil.ca/en-ca/lubricants/industrial/lubricants/products/products/mobil-600-w-cylinder-oil
@@ModelA 24oz should fill it?Its never been changed to my knowledge.PS/ I put 85-140 gear oil in the rear endlike you said.Thank you for all the videos and advise!!!update....removed the 140 and put 600 in rearend and tranny
@@ModelA Oh Im glad I read the comments then. I guess you were just using a used bottle of 75W-140 then? What weight do I need for my transmission and diff?
@@ModelA do you work on others cars ? Looks like the Tudor I just bought has a bad rear main bearing and I’m just not physically able to pull motor and replace .
@@darrinwi Insurance and time limitations prohibit me from doing that. 60-80 hour work weeks, volunteering for the county, family, and church obligations first, then making Model A videos after all that. Members of the Sonora A's bring cars over here when we have seminars or garage days.
I found a model a with a brand new engine. (Rebuilt) but the color is so odd. Dark green top. Teal body. Red wheels. He wants 10k. Has all the documents like service work etc. Not sure what to do. Also found a more basic 2 door roadster A all black. Rumble seat for 7k. Decent condition. What tips could you give me.
The color blind guy probably slapped that together without much care, possibly to just flip it for a quick buck. RUN! (away). Unless he can produce receipts for the rebuild, and it was done by a reputable shop, I would pass on it.
Since modern fluids last so much longer than they did 90 years ago, why change the fluids so often? Modern transmission fluid usually is good for 100K miles. After 5000 miles, wouldn't the fluid still be new?
Modern fluids still get dirty at the same rate as old fluids. In stock form, Model As do not have oil filters, and they don't have sealed assemblies like modern cars, so fluids get dirty faster.
Athena, the "Operation Hooptie" red 31 coupe, the grey 30 coupe, the 30 fordor that's almost done, the 31 slant window that we never started on, and the basket case 30 pickup.
Find and buy an oil filter with some flutes on it at the 'dump' end to allow air to enter and she'll not burp. I see you use a Float-A-Motor ... the engine casting is designed to bolt 'tween the frame rails to stiffen the chassis. Castings don't bend and rubber allows movement. And a overdrive I see.
Hi Craig. This is the only Model A I have with the float-a-motor mounts. I'm just experimenting with them. So far, I haven't seen any of the negative effects that people on the web forums complain and warn about. I'm not going to install them on any of my other Model A's, I just wanted to make my own conclusions about them rather than just repeat what everyone else says without research.
It would be better to show WHERE the transmission plug is...your camera just shows a closeup of it.......I'm watching this because I don't know anything on my new purchase of model a.
Original Model A drain plugs have a small dip in them, and sludge might be in there. Reproduction drain plugs have the option of a magnet in them, making them solid, not hollow. No place for sludge.
Ha ha! That wrench was my grandfathers and was used for Model A maintenance by him. Gotta keep the tradition! I have 2 full sets of original Model A tools, and the factory supplied wrench is a crescent. Just seemed right to use granddad's tools.
@@ModelA My friend's "AB" one-ton dually came with a real-old-fashioned "Monkey Wrench" from the Patterson Tool Co. with a wooden grip painted bright red.
My Grampy used to restore Model As and he wouldn't sell them just keep them till late in his life. He finally sold all but one, a 1931 Sport coupe, before he died in 1992.
I remember it being in his shed half finished and him working on it. I used to ride in the rumble seat of that car in many parades. I was between 8-10 years old at that time.
My Granny kept it till she died last year. In August I'm going to drive back to my childhood hometown and pick it up. I get chocked up thinking about it and just typing this.
Your video's are getting me ready because I was too young to remember all these important things that my Grampy no doubt told me way back then.
I gotta say...this is a lot simpler than I was expectin!
Thanks for showing all of these grease and lube spots! Some of which I wouldn't have even thought to add a couple drops to!
I was debating using modern 10w-30 syn in my Model A, and now seeing you doing it, I will certainly do it on my next change!
Really enjoying your videos on Model As!
10-30 or 10-40 work just fine. Thanks!
Very helpful. Of course my steering fluid reservoir has a grease zerk. SO glad I watched this before getting carried away.
Glad it helped!
Pull your dip stick out when refilling your oil to create a venting effect, no bubbling
Thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your how to videos as a brand new model A owner....
Glad you like them!
Paul - just came across your channel -watched your concours video from a few days back. Enjoyed it - now I see you have one on lube and maintenance, I put together a tutorial on the same thing for a couple new Model A owners just a couple years back, using Les Andrews’ book for reference. AND I see your garage has a sport coupe and a sedan, like my garage does. (Except our coupe is a ‘29 Standard Coupe). Still driving every week in the ‘30 Town Sedan I bought 60 years ago (age 14, and for $10 in Minnesota.). Now the same car travels the streets of Silicon Valley every few days. I have eight or ten videos on my channel - but mostly from long ago, and not nearly as well done as these. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Phil. I only do these to help people, and don't think there can be too many Model A help videos out there. Thanks for making videos!
Man, I wish you weren't so far away! I could spend hours in your shop soaking up knowledge about Model As!! I have a 31 Coupe that belonged to my late father. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can properly care for it.
Good for you, man!! Like your icon. I salute the flag and neal to the cross
great video Paul !!! Im getting ready to purchase a Model A. Currently looking at a 29 pickup. I need the pickup for grocery shopping and Home Depot. Just started watching your videos and I get more motivated every time to make the purchase.
Right on!
Thanks for a great video. I just picked up my first model a. Hopefully It’ll be on the road soon.
Good work, Tom! Let's get 'er on the road!
Tom and Paul I’m trying to get a 1930 started it’s in really good shape I was wondering if you guys could help me please call 386-333-2085. Maybe just talking through it I can compensate you
Mr Shinn would you ever consider doing a video about Model A windshield wipers? The different types like a Wiper 101? I finally got a Model A thanks to your encouragement with this channel!
Eventually, yes!!
Those blues wheels are beautiful
Thanks for sacrificing your garage floor! Informative video.
Dear Paulshinn, I'd be very interested in seeing the Tudor's under side. My '30 pickup took a 2nd place at the World Meet back in 1986. I've driven it a fair amount since then though. It was newly restored back then. However, I like to keep the under side as clean as possible. Just some "fodder" for another video.....Thank you for your post on lubrication....I went through and did all of the major lubricating, (bumper to bumper), last year on both my truck and my dad's '30 Deluxe Roadster.
Thanks Paul, good video!
I don't have a Model A but always change the oil in my regulars cars when the engine is hot. And, put a little NEW oil on the rubber gasket of the filter.
Good!
That's what I was taught too. Makes sense as more of the 'garbage' is in suspension in the oil, not settled to the the bottom of the sump etc. My 540,000km/335,000mi (Nissan RB30) still has an untouched bottom end. I do the same with my Model A - get it nice & hot then drain the oil(s).
I really like these maintenence videos 😊. Always interesting to see how much easier it is on older cars. Question, how come you change the oil so frequently when you use fully synthetic? Does the engine wear more than modern engines?
Thanks.
The Model A came from the factory with no oil filter. So the oil gets dirty fast. Lots of people add aftermarket oil filters to them now.
Hey Paul, I'm a new model A owner and somehow hit the jackpot of having a well maintained '31 for a reasonable price. They did put a grease fitting on the steering box though. How would you clear out the old grease? Thank you for the great informative videos. As a millennial with little mechanical experience your videos are a life saver
That happened a lot back in the day. Just start filling it with gear oil and try to get the oil and grease to mix for now. Keep it topped off with oil. Eventually, when you do a rebuild on it, clean the grease out with brake cleaner and only put thick oil in it after that.
After watching this on how simple it is for regular maintenance. I want a model A
Go for it!
Would have loved to see filter vertical so you could fill it up with oil, no oil starvation upon start. Also I have never seen syn oil ruin seals, they were bad already...
Nice cars, great video!
My goal is still a 30-31 restored 2 door sedan, just have to get rid of my 3 projects. Maybe next summer I'll achieve nervana. Sometimes you don't know what you've got til it's gone.
Capt you sure got that right.
Te felicito,tengo un tudors 1931 totalmente restaurado
Just came across your channel (thanks VGG) and gave you a solid sub!
Awesome, thank you!
Very thorough. Enjoyed this video. I really want a model A. I would love one in addition to my 62 galaxie 500.
Drop in and let's take the Model A for a spin!
@@ModelA u in michigan?
@@scortia22 No
Man I got a 56 all orginal but ill take that tan car or that daily driver anyday Great video thanks God bless 😍😍😍👍
Thank you for all of this great content Paul! Just bought my first Model A. Question for ya?! I watched the check & change fluids video and the lubricate underneath video.. At the end of that second video you mention doing a follow on video from the inside (throw out bearing, steering column, hinges etc.). Did that video ever get completed? If so, what is the title of it? Really eager to see the next part. As always, keep'em coming. Thank you Paul!
I did! Part of another video
Fixing a model A for a sweet old lady. Hasn’t ran in a few years but should just need gas and an oil change. Doing the normal starting for the first time in a while stuff like a little oil in the cylinders to get oil on the rings, and charging/ replacing the battery.
Can you help me do that to a 1930. Talk me through it and I can compensate you. Mike 3863332085
I learned how to do this By watching model t.
Excelente video Paul. Tank you por la explicación tan didáctica...Aguante FFFOOORRRDDD❤❤❤❤
Gracias,
hey Paul would you mind listing the lubes you use again from tarns and rear end, I tried the links and they did seem like the same stuff you said you use I could just be not smart and reading it wrong. you rock! great ep!
I just checked and corrected the links. All good now. Thank you!
Did you know that a 31 Model A can pull a wheelie on a slight incline? But have an extra shear pin when you try it!
Great video. Re oil I’ve read you need more zinc in older flat tappet cam engines. Popular brands are conventional Shell Rotella, Valvoline VR-1, Brad Penn. Zinc supplements such as STP Oil Treatment can also be added. What’s your take?
Read up on the oil I use in the video (link in description). That will more than answer your excellent question.
Great videos, you are so helpful keep up the great videos.
I have a few questions if its not too much trouble.
I noticed your radiator cap does not have a temp gauge, how do you know if its running hot , can you show how the other gauge works, how does the driver see the temp getting hot ?
Does the A models have a over flow from the radiator?
Is your oil filter housing a modern modification or was it offered originally?
Why do people change from a generator to a alternator, what's the difference and benefits.
Thanks again.
Wow, LOTS of great questions!
The coupe has a temp gauge mounted I side just under the instrument panel. I talk about it in this video: th-cam.com/video/z0imK2TaNUk/w-d-xo.html
Yes, the Model A has a radiator overflow. No reservoir tank though.
The oil filter is an aftermarket kit that all the major Model A suppliers sell.
If you drive your Model A at night, in today's traffic, an alternator is a must! I still run 6 volt positive ground systems in my cars, so I use 6V alternators. All the major Model A suppliers sell them Just bolly on. No modifications required.
@@ModelA on your other cars that have the temp sensor on the lid, does that Act like a modern thermometer in that you can see a mark or something rising up a tube that the driver can see ?
How did drivers originally know if their car was getting hot , just till it started steaming out ?
That's a motometer. It is a thermometer, but it isn't as accurate as a "real" temp gauge.
One thing i like to do with any oil filter is to put some in it to saturate the pleats to get as much air out of them as possible. Makes the first start easier on the bearing surfaces and elsewhere when you go a few seconds of no oil because it's trying to force it all through a bone dry filter first. Just an idea to consider :-)
That is an excellent idea! However, in a Model A, it won't matter. The Model A used splash lubrication and relies on gravity to get oil into the dipper trays and bearings. If your engine relies on oil pressure to force oil into bearings, like a modern motor, then priming the oil filter (as it is called) is very beneficial.
@@ModelA How does the oil get through the filter then if there's not a pump on the splash system?
All the oil pump does on a stock Model A motor is pump oil up from the bottom of the oil pan into the valve gallery (the area behind the valve cover). Oil fills the tray in there with some of it falling by gravity down through passages to the main bearings, and the rest spilling into the crank area and over the cam gear and keeping that area wet. The excess falls into the dipper trays and eventually into the pan.
When you install an oil filter on a Model A, in particular, the type I have, oil is pumped into the filter and what comes out the filter fills the valve gallery tray. The valve gallery has quite a bit of oil in it just sitting there. The oil from the pump through a new unprimed oil filter only takes a couple seconds to begin spilling into the valve gallery.
@@ModelA thanks for the lesson!
@@TommyboyGTP Glad to help!
Great videos - I inherited dad's Model A in '17 and it has not moved since '13 when he started his battle with cancer. I will be going through checking all fluids and get the old girl back running soon. I noticed that you didn't briefly run the car to fill the new oil filter, then re-check the oil? I'm not sure if dad's car has one of these filters on it, but curious why you didn't fill the filter then re-check the oil?
The Model A has oil in the valve galley that drips into holes to the bearings. The crank rods gets lubed by dippers splashing through the dipper trays. Plenty of oil there to keep it lubed until the pump fills the filter. But if using a pressurized system, I wouldn't do that.
Hi Paul!! Thank you for the video. My steering column the prior mechanic that worked on the vehicle put grease in it. Is there a way to flush it out? Thanks!
Unfortunately, it will have to be removed and disassembled to get all the grease out properly. However, for now, shove as much 90 wt. in there as you can and start mixing.
Hey Paul, what do you recommend for coolant? Regular universal green 50/50 antifreeze?
Yes
Love your videos. So informative. What brand of oil were you putting in the Transmission with the squeezy bottle. Thanks
Never mind. I found the answer further down. 600W.
TadaA!!
I would question the use of Mobil 1 oil for the motor especially since the car was designed way before synthetic oil and should run fine on regular oil.
The fact is, you can run whatever oil you want. Today's worst oil is better than 1930's best oil. Right? I run the Mobil 1 High Mileage oil because it has a higher zinc content and it makes me feel better. You should run whichever oil makes you feel better.
@@ModelA Exactly Paul. My buddies and I mess with restoring and re-building antique motorcycles, almost all of them pre -World War..... ONE! Most have "total loss lubrication" systems, meaning the oil comes out of the left-side tank, runs into the engine (and you add some as you cruise with the hand pump) then runs onto the road. Those engines, like WWI aero engines require CASTER BEAN oil from Burma . The original "Burma-Castrol "C". Ride behind an engine running with "bean oil" for very long, and you spend the night in the bathroom...
Great video as always! I was surprised to see your Model A had a spin on oil filter. Your narrative said that not all Model As had oil filters. Was this an add on installed after manufacture of the car?
Yes. It's aftermarket.
Thanks for the great video. I hope you create more. What gear oil are you using in the transmission and differential?
Transmission and diff, I use the 600W oil that Bert's Model A center sells. It's thicker than the 600W the other vendors sell and much closer to the original 600W recommended by Ford.
So, genuine curiosity, is there a reason you don't torque the drain plug? I can see the oil filter being hand tight, but wouldn't you risk damaging the pan's threads?
Super cool video by the way!
I just get it snug and then one more grunt tighter, that's all it needs.
Great video thanks
Hey Paul, I appreciate all the info and videos you post! Do you have any recommendations/videos on flushing out the coolant? I've noticed a little junk when I take off the radiator cap in my 30' Sedan. Thanks
Thanks! Not really any specific videos. But I am working on one right now about swapping a radiator, that will contain some info about flushing.
Great video. Nice
Interesting to note that a crescent wrench [ metric or english :-) ] may be necessary b/c US bolts weren't exactly the same size today as they were in 1930.
I think the 'modern' standard for US fasteners came about as late as 1960 or so. Is this generally true? Will 'modern' wrenches and sockets fit older bolts/nuts? How about thread forms? Do you need to make your own replacement fasteners?
Amazing how well these cars (including model T's) were built. We can credit Mr. Ford being an Engineer first and a Businessman second for this...
All my MAC and Craftsmen US made tools fit the original nuts and bolts on the Model A's perfectly.
I would assume a ½" in 1930 is the same ½" in 2020...
@@Dennis-lx9mo not exactly. Interesting story about how Henry Ford bought the Johanssen gage block company to make standard gages for his factories. Even as late as WW2, Canadian, US, and British inches were not the same.
May I suggest to check your Mitchell O/D while you are under there?
I did, just didn't film it.
@@ModelA You're the Man, man...
You mention in your videos about merchandise and owner manual “look below for a link”. I can,t find it down below
Paul. Where did you get the paint to spray your oil filter Ford Green? Is it in a spray or do you brush it on? Thank you
It's available in spray can and brush on form from most of the Model A parts suppliers. It's called "Ford green"
@@ModelA Thank you very much.
Is there a way, other than fill and dumping 600w oil in my trans and rear end, to flush it out. My inherited'29 coupe wasfilled with such dark sludge that I don't want to waste my 600w if its just going to trash it on the first wash. I was able to completely clean out and change gaskets on the oil pan so I didnt have the same issue there.
Thank you
your videos have been incredibly informative and appreciated.
Julian
Also, your 600w oil looks clear and mine is more an amber color... is that a normal difference or should I look to return my product. I am using MACs/Ecklers brand
For very short durations, you can flush using diesel fuel. works great! smells terrible. Don't use that bio diesel stuff, you want the stuff that came right out of the ground and is clear. 600W oil should have a little color to it
I use DELO SAE 30 in everything I own
@@canufi6my yes it's made buy Chevron but it's DELO grade of oil is SAE 30
@@canufi6my yes it is, Chevron had DELLO 400 in SAE 30, 15w/40 also see it in SAE 40 at my local Napa
Would you happen to have a link to that 600w oil?
All the Model A parts suppliers carry it.
Great video! I have a 31 roadster. I just replaced the head gasket but now I have leakage around the head bolts. What would you recommend? Thank-you, Sir!
Not uncommon. As you re-torque the head, that should stop. If not, carry a rag.
Hi Paul, Where did you find that oil filter kit that fits on the timing gear? Thanks for all the good videos.
Swap meet about 5 years ago. I think Bert's still sells them.
Question about when you said recycled oil. Do you bring it somewhere to be recycled or do you recycle it yourself then reuse it for other purposes?
Both.
Hi Paul.
What do you know about Vintage Green Gear Oil 140 GL1 for transmission and rear end? Thanks
Now I want to see how clean the underside is of the tan one.
Clean enough to eat off of, if it were upside down.
is that oil filter a kit you can get somewhere?
Yes. Most of the Model A parts suppliers sell them.
So what kind of fluid you use for the transmission and rear end?? I have a 1928 Model A coupe
600W gear oil
@@ModelA thanks Paul love your videos and cars.
Thanks Johnny!
Paul could I ask you is there a lot of leg room difference between the 29 and the 30 model A I tried to get in a 29 couldn't do it ,I'm 6'
Yes. Especially When it comes to pickups, coupes, roadsters, etc.
these had a spin on filter? i was not aware they even had a filter for the engine oil. Looks like a motorcraft FL1A
Lol please note i comment as im still watching
It's an aftermarket add on
@@ModelA what pumps it through the filter? I always thought the A engines just pumped into the cam and tappet area the rest was splash oiled in the crank case. I like the idea of filtering the oil.
The oil pump. All A's have a pump that pumps oil into the valve galley. Then, it flows downhill through passages into bearings, etc.
Hey Paul on the steering wheel portion somebody did insert a grease fitting. If that area is already filled with grease should I try to remove the fitting and put in oil or should I just continue to fill it with grease?
Start seeing if you can get some oil in there and get the grease to mix with it
Hi, I need help. I inherited my grandfather’s 1929 Model A. It runs well. But I need to change all the fluids. I saw the oil you used for the oil change. What brand and type do you get for transmission oil? Steering fluid? Any other fluids I need? A book to reference? A reputable model A shop or mechanic you can refer in the Los angels area? Thanks for your time.
Check out the video I did called how to check and change fluids in a ford model a. I cover it completely.
Thanks for the info... if some pervious owner put the wrong Trans Fluid in, how do you drain that out?
Remove the transmission drain plug.
@@ModelAhmm…seems to check out as true lol
Hey Paul, to confirm you use hyper lube for steering, transmission and rear end?
Just steering.
I may have missed it, but what gear lube are you using in the transmission and rear end?
600W
good night , i have a ford , year 29 i live in Campinas SP Brazil i have a problem , water passed into the engine through the inlet valve of the fourth cylinder , the gasket is not burnt , i can not know how this water passed i have already removed the valve and i didn't see any cracks, can you give me any tips
If there are bo cracks, it only could have come in from the head or the gasket.
Would you recommend adding zinc additives or using high zinc oils?
Doesn't matter in a Model A
Do use an off the shelf spray paint to paint your oil filters? If so, what brand/color? Thank you.
I use the rattle can Ford green sold by the Model A parts suppliers.
Great Video @Paul Shinn. So I've come home from a 'parade' (aka car rally, "Bay to Birdwood" in South Australia) and while the Model A is nice and hot I've drained engine/trans/diff lube. There always seems to be oil dripping from all of these drain plugs. The engine oil drain plug has a copper washer on it, so not much else can be done there (?). The transmission and diff seem to have tapered plugs and the transmission plug in particular *always* has an oil drip hanging from it. I love to show off our Model A but hate leaving oil drips on friends' driveways. Is there any way of sealing those tapered (trans+diff) plugs better? Do yours leak? Love your channel :) Cheers, Antony.
Hi Anthony! Well, those drips aren't necessarily coming from the drain plugs. for the trans and diff, you can use a little of the yellow teflon tape on the threads and see if they seal. Th yellow stuff is gas and oil resistant. Yes, mine drip. They are supposed to! Not kidding. But they don't leave giant puddles.
@@ModelA Many thanks for your reply! I was also considering using some non-hardening oil resistant sealant such as Permatex #2... unless you think that would be a bad idea? Cheers, Antony.
I wouldn't.
Paul , beautiful cars!!!
Should I use non detergent oil for the engine?
What kind of fluid or brand would you recommend for transmission and rear as well?
Thank you!!
Any 30 wt. or 10-30 will do, They are not picky. Trans and rear end both use thick gear oil. Anything over 90 will do, but 140 is better. The Model A suppliers sell an oil they call 600W that is basically 90-140 oil.
@@ModelA Thank you so much!!
@@ModelA thank you for this information!. I was wondering where would I get 600w.... I have 85w140 in stock.
What oil can I use in the transmission? I can't find 600w anywhere. This is our first Model A, we have had it for almost an month.
Mobilgear W600. You can get it on Amazon
I have a 1931 Coupe with a model b motor. It's always been run with non detergent oil. I'm considering switching to detergent oil and an oil filter. Is that a good idea or am I asking for trouble.
If you clean out the pan first, no problem.
Senor Paul what kind of transmission oil should use the model A
The gear lube called "600W".
Paul. Finished fluid and lube on Sophie. 1930 Coupe. I accidentally overfilled radiator with 50/50 mix. It ran out the over fill tube. Should I drain it or let her run it out? I started her for a few minutes and she spit out more coolant from overfill tube.
Just leave it alone.
Paul. Sorry bout the silly question. But thanks so much. God bless
Not silly at all! That's a legitimate question Greg
How did you access the transmission filler? Take out the floor boards? Or can get at it from underneath?
Just scoot underneath and there it is!
Thanks! The muffler blocked my view so I took out the floor boards to see it was right there. Ha. Live and learn.
What adaptations have
Been made to the engine lube system
Since it is a splash
Lube how did you get
The oil to flow through
The filter? Dwight.
Using one of the oil filter kits available from the Model A parts suppliers. Very easy.
Question, what kind of transmission oil do you use?
The 600W oil from Bert's Model A center.
Question sir, my model A (1928) started flooding gas into the oil tank, I drained the oil/gas and took apart the carburetor, it seems to be in good condition but I bought a rebuild kit and put it back together but there’s still gas in the oil tank. What should I do to get my baby running again?
Are you using a downdraft carburetor? Or the stock Zenith updraft?
@@ModelA It’s the stock updraft sir
OK. First step is to do a compression check.
¡Quiero un Ford A!
Senor Paul Shinn, l have another question:
Why my 1930 Ford model A get vibration when lm driving, please thanks for your support
How bad is it? I mean, all Model As vibrate at certain RPMs. Some more than others.
@@ModelA well the vibration start when is running 15 mile begun to vibration the back mirror the windshield
Thanks senor Paul, but what other oil transmission oil substitute l can use
In an emergency, 140 wt. gear oil will get you home.
@@ModelA thank you senor Paul.
De nada, amigo!
What manual do you highly recommend?
"The Red Book" as we always call it. The Model A Mechanic's Handbook written by Les Andrews
What spark plugs do you use on the daily driver?
Champion 3X
@@ModelA Yes. I use the Champion 3X as well. Thanks.
You cheat on the oil filter! You're supposed to use a flathead V-8 Ford's loose canister and Purolator PF-1 CARTRIDGE filter. BTW, until the end of flathead V-8 production, an oil filter was an OPTIONAL, extra cost accessory! On a flathead V-8, changing oil is guaranteed to give you an oil bath. As a 15 year-old, I worked as a "pump jockey" and changed oil in cars, and hated to see a flathead Ford head for the rack! All flathead engines of any brand automatically got a jar of Motor Honey added too. It was a viscosity enhancer, like STP, and kept the oil from thinning out too much from the exhaust heat and making the valve stems "starve" for lubrication. It also had detergent in it when most motor oils didn't. All OHV GM's got a can of Marvel Mystery Oil to keep the lifters cleaned-out. I have pumped a supertanker full of 22.9 cent a gallon "regular" gas with "ethyl lead" in it, 12-18 gallons (on a fill-up!) at a time. If someone pulled in low on gas, they'd hand me a $5 bill...or if it was half-a-tank on the gauge, "Gimmee a coupla bucks worth....anna packa Camels." "That'll be $2.25 sir!" I remember pumping $10 worth of 34.9 "Premium" into a Lincoln ONCE!
Can you help me get a 1930 model A started? I can compensate you. Mike 3863332085
After my day job I worked part time in a Clark station where they only sold 100 octane. Usually 29.9 but often 19.9. Lots of young kids pulled in for full service and 50 cents worth of gas.
Is that 140 wht or 600
They call it "600W", but it really just a thick gear oil. 140 is a little light, it's closer to ISO 460. See here- www.mobil.ca/en-ca/lubricants/industrial/lubricants/products/products/mobil-600-w-cylinder-oil
@@ModelA 24oz should fill it?Its never been changed to my knowledge.PS/ I put 85-140 gear oil in the rear endlike you said.Thank you for all the videos and advise!!!update....removed the 140 and put 600 in rearend and tranny
Its a 1930 model a coupe with 4 banger.
Is valvoline 75W-90 conventional gear oil suitable for the standard 3 speed transmission and rear end in my 29 Tudor ? thanks Paul
No. It is way too thin.
@@ModelA Back to the 600w I suppose. anything better ? thanks for working on your day off, great videos. Greg
@@ModelA Oh Im glad I read the comments then. I guess you were just using a used bottle of 75W-140 then? What weight do I need for my transmission and diff?
@@ModelA I read further. I see you answer 600w elsewhere. Thanks for the videos.
I think I saw some dirt on that car. It needs cleaning, totally filthy.
Do you use a left hand or right handed crescent wrench?
metric
@@ModelA do you work on others cars ? Looks like the Tudor I just bought has a bad rear main bearing and I’m just not physically able to pull motor and replace .
@@darrinwi Insurance and time limitations prohibit me from doing that. 60-80 hour work weeks, volunteering for the county, family, and church obligations first, then making Model A videos after all that. Members of the Sonora A's bring cars over here when we have seminars or garage days.
@@ModelA I completely understand, I wasn’t sure . Any suggestions?
@@darrinwi Where are you? I bet if we get you hooked up with a local club, we can get you all the help you need.
I found a model a with a brand new engine. (Rebuilt) but the color is so odd. Dark green top. Teal body. Red wheels. He wants 10k. Has all the documents like service work etc. Not sure what to do. Also found a more basic 2 door roadster A all black. Rumble seat for 7k. Decent condition. What tips could you give me.
The color blind guy probably slapped that together without much care, possibly to just flip it for a quick buck. RUN! (away). Unless he can produce receipts for the rebuild, and it was done by a reputable shop, I would pass on it.
Preferiblemente la berlina de cuatro puertas...
Since modern fluids last so much longer than they did 90 years ago, why change the fluids so often? Modern transmission fluid usually is good for 100K miles. After 5000 miles, wouldn't the fluid still be new?
Modern fluids still get dirty at the same rate as old fluids. In stock form, Model As do not have oil filters, and they don't have sealed assemblies like modern cars, so fluids get dirty faster.
And seals, piston rings etc that were produced 90 years ago and were not that well made compared to now , make the oil get lot more dirt in it.
what car did you have for sale now??
Athena, the "Operation Hooptie" red 31 coupe, the grey 30 coupe, the 30 fordor that's almost done, the 31 slant window that we never started on, and the basket case 30 pickup.
Hello again how much you asking for the hoopie
@@ModelA what did you all do to it I can not remember that word you used on your vidos
14k I believe.
I don't understand. If you want to see what all has been done to it, there are a whole series of videos!
Find and buy an oil filter with some flutes on it at the 'dump' end to allow air to enter and she'll not burp. I see you use a Float-A-Motor ... the engine casting is designed to bolt 'tween the frame rails to stiffen the chassis. Castings don't bend and rubber allows movement. And a overdrive I see.
Hi Craig. This is the only Model A I have with the float-a-motor mounts. I'm just experimenting with them. So far, I haven't seen any of the negative effects that people on the web forums complain and warn about. I'm not going to install them on any of my other Model A's, I just wanted to make my own conclusions about them rather than just repeat what everyone else says without research.
It would be better to show WHERE the transmission plug is...your camera just shows a closeup of it.......I'm watching this because I don't know anything on my new purchase of model a.
It's on the transmission. Kinda obvious. But if not, I will gladly show it next time.
You didn't clean out the drain plug
Maybe it didn't need it?
@@ModelA the plugs are hollow, it might be full of sludge?
Original Model A drain plugs have a small dip in them, and sludge might be in there. Reproduction drain plugs have the option of a magnet in them, making them solid, not hollow. No place for sludge.
Fine job, but ditch that adjustable wrench.
Ha ha! That wrench was my grandfathers and was used for Model A maintenance by him. Gotta keep the tradition! I have 2 full sets of original Model A tools, and the factory supplied wrench is a crescent. Just seemed right to use granddad's tools.
Then please at least turn it in correct direction.
@@dboboc Copy that. Will do! Thanks.
@@ModelA My friend's "AB" one-ton dually came with a real-old-fashioned "Monkey Wrench" from the Patterson Tool Co. with a wooden grip painted bright red.