Serving the Model A Restorer Since 1976
Serving the Model A Restorer Since 1976
| Camshaft bearing clearance | .001 to .003 |
| Cooling system | 3 gal. |
| Connecting rod to crankshaft clearnace | .001 to .00336 |
| Crank rod pins | 1.500 less 1 to 2 thousands for oil (1.498/1.499) |
| Crankshaft bearing size | 1.625 less 1 to 2 thousands for oil (1.623/1.624, subtract .010 or .020 or .030 for rods) |
| Crankshaft end play | .004 |
| Distributor point gap | .018 to .022 |
| End play of water pump shaft | .006 to .010 |
| Engine compression | 76 PSI at sea level; at 5,000 ft. deduct 20 |
| Flywheel depth | 1.123 distance from 12 hold surface to refinish surface |
| Gas tank 1928-29 | 10 gal. |
| Gas tank 1930-31 | 11 gal |
| Oil | 5 qts. But only 4 1/2 will come out with an oil change. |
| Oil Pressure | 2 - 3 lbs. depending on the weight of the oil |
| Piston to cylinders | .002 |
| Piston ring gap - lower ring | .008 to .010 |
| Piston ring gap - center ring | .010 to .012 |
| Piston ring gap - upper ring | .012 to .015 |
| Main bearing clearance | .001 to .0015 |
| Rear axle | 1 1/2 pint |
| Rod wrist pin bushing - Machine shop must expand ID of bushing in rod before honing to .0003 or 4 | |
| Spark plug gap | .035 |
| Steering gear | 7 3/4 ox. for 7 tooth, 4 1/2 oz. for 2 tooth box |
| Transmission | 1 pint |
| Timing gear backlash | .004 |
| Tire pressure | 35 PSI |
| Valves in valve guides | .001 to .0015 |
| Valve to tappet clearance | .010 to .012 for all valves |
The following is a guide for torquing the different fasteners. Remember, if original fasteners are used, their tension loss is unknown due to the number or times they have been reused. Therefore, the torque measurement might need to be adjusted. It is recommended to use all new fasteners. See Nuts and Bolts article in How to Restore Your Model A, Volume 3.
| Axle housing to differential | 35 |
| Camshaft nut | 100 |
| Connecting rods | 35 |
| Crankshaft Pulley Nut | 80 |
| Cylinder Compression on NEW engine - The cylinders should not vary more than 7 pounds between cylinders | 64 |
| Flywheel | 55 |
| Head - Torque up in three stages using correct sequence with final torque after engine is hot. | 50 - 55 |
| Main bearing cap bolts | 70 - 80 |
| Mainfold - exhaust | 25 - 30 |
| Oil pan | 5 - 6 |
| Pressure plate - use grade 5 bolts | 25 |
| Rear axle shaft nut | 100 |
| Timing cover | 25 |
| Torque tube to differential | 35 |
| Valve cover | 15 - 25 |
| Water inlet | 40 |
| Water neck - torque with caution | 50 |
| Wheel lug nuts | 50 - 55 |
What is Raven Finish? This is a dark dye mixed with oil. This is a temporary finish and will begin to rust within a few months after installing, unless it is sealed by spraying with a clear coat or painting black.
2021