Great that you kicked the habit Jonathan. I quit many years ago. Once you are over the hump, you will find out that you will hate the smell. If I smell one now it pissed me off. Instant headache. Those things will kill you. Thank you for your videos. Love them. Keep the faith brother.
Here in Nova Scotia there is a gent that has a collection of antique Franklins,at least I believe they are Franklins anyway. I was fortunate enough to view his cars some years back. He had about half a dozen of them if memory serves. Most beautifully restored
I quite surprised there is as many as that. I have a Riley Elf. 31,000 were made from 1961 through to 1970. Only 720 left total and only 38 of my year '67 left.
How many 1927 Franklins were produced? Prewar cars rarely lasted beyond 10 years before being scrapped...due to deteriorating structural wood, insufficient corrosion projection, low quality motor oils, punishing unpaved roads, and significant upgrades in performance and comfort from year to year. Car collecting as a hobby did not really begin in America until the early 1950s. WWII scrap drives cleared out almost all cars more than 8 years old.
Wonder if she survived in part because when the War broke out still in great nick and since vehicals no longer being made, kept on being used. Then when production came back and desire for a modern vehical, parked and forgotten. My Great Uncles had a '27 Dodge, bought during the War, as what was available. Great Uncle who had her last had passed early in the 2000s, think his son brought up to his place, wish knew what happened to her. I would sell all my classic vehicals in order to be her custodian, mean, she been in the family for over 70 something years so more special by far.
For grinding the valve seats, I saw on Cold War Motors a portable valve grinding tool from the 1950s. It had a set of stones and mandrels and an electric motor. Also had a valve resurfacing machine. Seems like a handy thing to have for working on ancient engines. The machine was in the episode entitled "Will they Run? Straight-8 Showdown! Packard vs Buick, Part 4..."
they are handy! i have a Black and Decker Valve Shop set from the 40's and all the parts. i've done several valve/seat jobs with it so far and it REALLY cuts down the time on a valve job, and minimizes the need for lapping in. best part is the price. $180 for the valve grinder and seat grinder with extra tools, mandrels and lot of stones as well as two stone dressing stations.
A guy I worked with tried three times to quit smoking, and finally in desperation answered an ad for a guaranteed-or-money-back hypnosis session. He said it was the damnedest thing he'd ever seen: they did it in a big auditorium at a conference center. The guy told the audience that they had to believe that they were ready to quit, and that the smell of cigarettes would be physically unpleasant after the session, and then went through a hypnosis that took half an hour, and he didn't remember any of it. He walked out to his car, got in, and nearly threw up, it smelled so bad. He had to go to a convenience store and get Febreeze and air fresheners in order to sit in his car long enough to drive home. He said it was years before he could smell cigarettes without gagging, and he never smoked again.
I’m pretty sure if you lived in the early days of the automobile industry you would’ve been a very important part of it. You seem to have the kind of mind that just works to come up with fixes for engines most have never seen before. Nice work, I’m enjoying the education you’re giving me and lots of other people.
I just subscribed to your channel. I'm a 73 year old man who remembers having to work on my own cars in the late 50s and 60. That was when you could buy a 55 Studebaker Champion which was first car for $125.00 and a 58 Chevy Bel Aire with a 283 and power glide for $500.00, my 2nd car. I spent many a hot or cold Louisiana day laying in a ditch with my car straddling it so I could get under it to replace a starter or install a set of glass packs. The sweat running into your eyes, the grass and bugs tickling your neck and skinning your greasy, oily knuckles. That was what you had to do if you wanted to go anywhere! Fix it your self or walk. I can't do that much anymore but I still enjoy working on my old Harley and appreciating the old technology that changed the world.Thanks for the memories.
Engine forensics on the Franklin is prime viewing. Can't wait to see the piston/rings solution. The dash in the roadster is going to be stunning. Thanks...
Perspective. This car was 2yrs old at the start of the Great Depression, and was 12yrs old at the end of it. How long did it take the average Joe to recover after that? It's no wonder there may be some iffy parts/conditions inside this rig. The fact that it's a survivor is amazing. Inktristink old rig.
Man, where else do we have the privilege to learn so much about our past in cars? Probably will never see many of the cars and trucks you have edumacated me on, but If I did I’d be the smartest man in the room. Thanks. Coming after you mr. most interesting man.
Be careful about RTV under the base of the cylinder. I had the unfortunate job of telling an aircraft owner he needed a new crankcase because the RTV that someone put under the hold down nut had cracked the case. It allowed movement/stress. Might have no trouble on the car engine, especially since there are no through bolts on the cylinders; but would hate to have it crack the case over time. Loving this series BTW!!!
Thanks for taking the time and effort to explain how this engine is put together and how it works. The oldest engine I've ever rebuilt was a flathead Mercury V-8 in a '41 Ford back in the '60s. I learned a lot from this video.
You should have 500k to million subscribers, excellent well instructional videos. I was a auto mechanic for a long time since 5 years old helping my father, I deeply admire your patience with the craft
Love the series Jonathan and was especially pleased to hear that u stopped smoking. The 'reward' for doing so will go much further than enjoying and admiring your fine work --- indeed it will include family member's love and caring for you as well as enjoying your fine work. It's been 20 years since i smoked and I can honestly say it's the best thing I ever did not only for me but for my whole family. A big pat on the back my friend.. hang on to and enjoy all those 'rewards' ,,,,
Unbelievable how much I learn from you ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This video included measuring the piston and clock was genius! Also respect your statement that you fix cars, not restore them!
Now this is where Jonathan shines... when he combines knowledge, experience and skill to repair a 92 year old piece of machinery. With a lack of instructions, and no replacement parts, it takes more than a mechanical aptitude - it takes a genuine raw talent. Then you add in the mystery of the old Franklin running on one good cylinder, and watch Jonathan holding an oily piston in his bare hands while sliding worn out rings over the surface. And you just know he will get this old beast running again. 👍
WidowUK that's why you get premium... commercials are what pays him to continue doing these videos . So if you don't like the commercials pay 5 bucks a month for premium and he gets a dollar and you don't have to deal with commercials
That clock is an original idea! Hope the Franklin gets the new parts it needs to get it to run soon and back on the road! Awesome job Jonathan with you quitting smoking you just need to keep doing what your doing and not think about them. You sir have some awesomely great will power!
For me the Franklin is the most interesting motor on CZcams at the moment ! We know Jonathan is the right man to get it running properly again . The clock looks excellent too .
Jonathan, I find it amazing how fast you have solutions to what most would see as a problem. Between your video's, Cold War Motors and junkerup video's, I am constantly seeing how well older vehicles are brought back to life. Yours are enjoyable because you like to see the old stuff run again without doing complete restorations. Thanks!
O.M.G. this is interesting stuff! I would love to tear this engine down completely and shine up every single bit of it. Its such a nice piece of old forgotten techniques and ideas on how to build an engine. Thank you for letting me hanging out with you, much appreciated 😋
Very nice work Jonathan W.!!!!!! Thank You immensely for sharing your infinite knowledge with you audience!!! Best of luck to you on your venture to kick the Nicotine habit. I am currently attempting the same, 30 year smoker here. I have been diagnosed with the start of Emphysema, therefore I have got to get rid of the smoke, so I have been told.... And I do admit, it is a BATTLE!!! There is NOTHING better then to celebrate the completion of a job well done then to smoke a cigarette!!! So I have to change my thinking!!! Best wishes to you on ALL of your Health battles!!!
Haha...!! O my gosh that was a great fun video to watch ! It is so much fun getting inside the Franklin!! Thanks Jonathan.. the clock on the roadster topped it off! 👍
I have a suspicion the relaxed rings are from overheating, probably from the stopped up fins. It might be worth keeping track of the head temps with one of the IR thermometers.
Thank you for taking us us along .. good job 👍🏼. Hang on . Kicking cigs is HARD . I like what you said “ I don’t restore cars...I just fix em “. No truer words said 😎
I'm loving this. I had a series 10 with a rod knock and busted frame. My rod fix didn't work. Should have set up the bad rod tighter cuz it's a big job getting that pan off and on. I sold the project to a guy in Orange County Los Angeles California about the time I found a replacement frame for it. Probably running fine now. That was about 15 years ago. Thanks for the show. Paul in Thailand
In the UK where it's chilly and miserable for 7 months of the year, it seems to be the case that old straight sixes show most wear at the front of the engine, down to cylinders 1 and 2 taking longer to reach working temperature as they do not benefit quite so much from heat transferred from adjacent cylinders.. also the draft caused by forward motion chills No.1 cylinder considerably. I agree with your choice not to pay out for steel exh.valve seats (although with no water galleries at least you wouldn't end up accidentally perforating them..) I'm not too sure about leaving the bottom end as it is- at the very least i would certainly get those external copper oil feeds blown out and flushed. Great video! Keep up the good work.
From a guy that still smokes although in moderation, congratulations Jonathan! It’s a man that continues growing that gives up the pass-times of his youth. I’m ready to do the same thing.
First thing you got to do (concerning quit smoking) is to stop thinking about it. Put it out of your mind, like you never have smoked. Don’t concern yourself with it .
A suggestion for the clock. Solder a couple of wires to the battery leads and run them to a double A battery holder (from an old head lamp or something) that can be conveniently mounted and accessed under the dash. No need to remove the clock for battery replacement.
The 1921 Franklin my Dad and I had, the engine had sleeves over the cylinder fins that looked just like aluminum stove pipe. A thick "carpet pad" was used to create new rocker arm oilers. I am sure, in retrospect, the valve covers must have needed to be supplied with fresh gaskets often, what with the pad needing to be oiled. Thanks for taking us along on this Franklin adventure
JOHNATHON, you are doing a fantastic job with this project. Your reward is everyone is enjoying the show. THUMBS UP!!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROJECT.
Another great video and project. Aircraft technology how cool is that. 1927 Aluminum block, valves are huge, strong is like a foot long. I think you are doing a wonderful job. As i hear you speak to your experience about antique tractors. Yeap. Engines are engines. I thoroughly enjoy your efforts. Go Baby Go.
Those spiral cuts on the pistons are for expansion and the same with the rings, straight cuts tend to bind more and put pressure out and crack ring lands. Since the Franklin is air cooled it will run hotter and will need more ring gap than water cooled. The old Copper Cooled GM engines were the same way.
I think those rings are “ Scarf “ cut. We used a lot of scarf cut Teflon rings in automatic transmissions. Good video btw. Glad to see someone taking an interest in the old cars.
Great video, very informative. I was just in Washington DC at the national air and space museum and I was looking at those old aircraft engines, just amazing how they worked
I'm looking forward to hearing the Lincoln run again. No doubt she will purr like a kitten when you get done with her Jonathan. Congrats on not smoking too.
I always enjoy your videos and always learn something about these old cars. The reward of you not smoking is adding years to your life and the money you're saving by not having to buy cigarettes.
Hi Jonathan, and greetings from the UK. Love the Video's , thank you for making them. Love the clock conversion too, my immediate thought though, was to Solder a couple of extension wires to the the battery terminals of the clock, and tuck the battery out of sight using one of those plastic holders, ... it'll save having to remove the clock to change the battery. Unless of course you can easily reach up behind the dash to change it without having to remove the whole clock pod!
That reward you mentioned is really a nasty damn habit. I kicked mine and the habit is the hardest to get around for me , after a while being around someone smoking made me want to puke from the smell, really!
For replacement parts such as pistons you can get them through EGGE MACHINE out of California. They have the blueprints on hand and will custom make them ad their prices really are not bad.
Really impressed with your skills Jonathan - amazing wrench - thanks for the cool cars and startups - enjoying them very well. I live in a dry area - lots of old cars - and not very rusty - dusty yes- rusty no. Thanks for the great videos and commentary
Hadn't had a chance to comment much but I've really enjoyed the Franklin since you started this series. That "airplane" style in--line motor is something I've never seen before and I'm shocked that wood frame made it through some of this NC humidity even in a barn after all these years. Just don't let one of them Hardy brothers drive around it if you're going through Cameron. ;-)
With that Franklin being an Air Cooled engine I guess anything you can do to improve air flow around it will help so pressure washing is a great first step for sure. That is really an interesting looking engine though. Thanks for sharing.
The pistons are slotted for heat expansion. The solid sided piston can expand and stick in the bore. How do I know? My brother in law has 9 restored Franklins. He found that Ford 302 pistons -IIRC- would work. Rebuilt the motor, made it 500 miles or so before it seized. Put correct slotted pistons in and it has been running great for over 10K miles. Pull that solid piston and put the right one in and save yourself a lot of grief.
I learned a lot from that video. I wasn't aware of using pistons from other makes/models and then using the pistons like you mentioned.I would think that with reassembly you put piston and rings in the cylinder then put the wrist pin in and shove it on down to base and gasket assembly. Doing the seats would also be easy as could use long rod that will travel through the seat/valve guide and then just tighten it down with allen wrench and run it in and out till seat will shine and using a bore light see if their cleaned up enough. Great video.I wanted to mention, that they probably never used a replaceable seat in those cylinder heads
I like it...l like the way it intakes on 1 side & exhausts on the other...& has a main bearing between each rod...& the vertical cooling fins for vertical air flow may have even helped with the cylinder's rigidity...hard to believe the best compression came from the worst piston...& to a point - you had it running & driving...these hand built engines from the past really are in their own class
I never made three comments on a video before, but this one seems to warrant it. The car is almost 100 years old, It has had a lot of lives. It is so easy to fix one cylinder on this car that it has been done, probably more than once. In 1927, the speed limit on the highway was nominally 25 MPH. This car is going to be driven at modern highway speed. It can do it, but! the engine will have to be rebuilt properly. I would love to see this car driven. However, It will have to keep up and stop. :)
It'd be nice to have those valve seats ground out and press hardened seats in to run regular unleaded gasoline in it. Then the valves could be ground to remove the rust and corrosion and lapped in properly. I realize that this is all easier said than done considering the fact that you cannot remove the heads from the cylinders, but I'm sure there are some specialists that can get it figured out and get it done. I would definitely also replace the rings and gap them properly. It might also be worth it to replace the pistons if you're really planning on keeping and using this engine. I know that you're really knowledgeable and you'll get it all done and running great again.
I didn't recall there being a lot of slop in the valve stems - I'm lazy and mean so I would just re-cut the valve seats and valves and reassemble... For the miles anyone is going to put on this, a lead substitute in the fuel makes more sense than hardened seats - especially given the lack of access to the seats !
what I always felt at the end of a portion of a job was a moment to sit and take a deep breath, relax and light one up. I did the battery cock thing about 30 years ago on a 57 chevy, but glued a fake stem in. Love the video and the education I received while watching.
I like you vids on the 1927 Franklin. My Father in Law showed me a car yesterday that looks much like yours. He's not sure what he is going to do with it. I believe it's even the same color as the one you are working on. I have a few photos if you would like to see it. Take care!
You have amazing knowledge and ingenuity , there arent many people out ther today with this gift . Excellent channel to view . Keep saving the old iron jonathon . Top man
I Loved the CLOCK change-over, very clever. Please do the Speed-0-meter change-over video, Jonathan. The Franklin engine for as 0ld as it is does need work on it. the only thing it sit for S0 Long it really shouldn't need it.......
Very interesting engine, it will be worth fixing properly. I'd keep everything factory except for getting new rings, the pistons can be welded and machined. Sincere congratulations on quitting smoking bro, I know about the "reward cigarette", but it will pass, not coughing up a lung every morning has to be a pretty good reward. I'm sure you already know you are in better standing in many ways. Keep on keeping on!
Any aircraft cylinder shop can grind your seats for you, It requires an extension on the stone holder or the long neck grinder. It was common in the old days to machine the top ring groove for the spacer to bring back the ring groove dimention.
That cutout on the bottom of the Piston is probably for clearance for an oil spray nozzle. Aircraft engine's all have them to help keep the Piston cool and well lubricated. They spray oil up to to inside top of the Piston where the oil hits the top inside of the Piston and then runs down the Piston skirts cooling it.
you probably noticed this but, when you removed the rocker box on #1 cylinder,, a washer dropped off . Just tryin to be helpful. Nice work on the engine so far,, to see it was still running,,, was a testament to ingenuity back then!
Man it's something when you take something apart what you find like the piston. And the valve springs push them down with your fingers cool car Jonathan appreciate
Your reward for quitting smoking is when you watch your grandson walk across the stage at graduation.
I'm J T.
aim for higher, your reward is watching your grandson get to retirement
@@jusb1066 Dumbest comment of the day.
J T @
@Youll Never Know Not much better. People die from that, too.
Great that you kicked the habit Jonathan. I quit many years ago. Once you are over the hump, you will find out that you will hate the smell. If I smell one now it pissed me off. Instant headache. Those things will kill you. Thank you for your videos. Love them. Keep the faith brother.
The world needs more people like Jonathan. Always amazed.
I hope he find some one to teach all he can to all knowledge that he has I know its impossible to know all we can learn his expertise is amazing
Interesting fact: According to the Franklin Club registry, only about 114 cars from the 1927 model year remain, so she's a pretty rare old girl.
Here in Nova Scotia there is a gent that has a collection of antique Franklins,at least I believe they are Franklins anyway. I was fortunate enough to view his cars some years back. He had about half a dozen of them if memory serves. Most beautifully restored
I quite surprised there is as many as that. I have a Riley Elf. 31,000 were made from 1961 through to 1970. Only 720 left total and only 38 of my year '67 left.
How many 1927 Franklins were produced? Prewar cars rarely lasted beyond 10 years before being scrapped...due to deteriorating structural wood, insufficient corrosion projection, low quality motor oils, punishing unpaved roads, and significant upgrades in performance and comfort from year to year. Car collecting as a hobby did not really begin in America until the early 1950s. WWII scrap drives cleared out almost all cars more than 8 years old.
Wonder if she survived in part because when the War broke out still in great nick and since vehicals no longer being made, kept on being used. Then when production came back and desire for a modern vehical, parked and forgotten.
My Great Uncles had a '27 Dodge, bought during the War, as what was available. Great Uncle who had her last had passed early in the 2000s, think his son brought up to his place, wish knew what happened to her. I would sell all my classic vehicals in order to be her custodian, mean, she been in the family for over 70 something years so more special by far.
For grinding the valve seats, I saw on Cold War Motors a portable valve grinding tool from the 1950s. It had a set of stones and mandrels and an electric motor. Also had a valve resurfacing machine. Seems like a handy thing to have for working on ancient engines. The machine was in the episode entitled "Will they Run? Straight-8 Showdown! Packard vs Buick, Part 4..."
they are handy! i have a Black and Decker Valve Shop set from the 40's and all the parts. i've done several valve/seat jobs with it so far and it REALLY cuts down the time on a valve job, and minimizes the need for lapping in. best part is the price. $180 for the valve grinder and seat grinder with extra tools, mandrels and lot of stones as well as two stone dressing stations.
@@tenaxxband used something similar in a service station I worked at back in the late 60's
The clock idea is great! I never would have thought of that.
I agree on that. The "new" clock is gonna run like a champ.
i was a engine builder for 20 years i have seen plenty of mistakes people make.the weak rings are from over heating.keep up with the good work.
A guy I worked with tried three times to quit smoking, and finally in desperation answered an ad for a guaranteed-or-money-back hypnosis session. He said it was the damnedest thing he'd ever seen: they did it in a big auditorium at a conference center. The guy told the audience that they had to believe that they were ready to quit, and that the smell of cigarettes would be physically unpleasant after the session, and then went through a hypnosis that took half an hour, and he didn't remember any of it. He walked out to his car, got in, and nearly threw up, it smelled so bad. He had to go to a convenience store and get Febreeze and air fresheners in order to sit in his car long enough to drive home. He said it was years before he could smell cigarettes without gagging, and he never smoked again.
I’m pretty sure if you lived in the early days of the automobile industry you would’ve been a very important part of it. You seem to have the kind of mind that just works to come up with fixes for engines most have never seen before. Nice work, I’m enjoying the education you’re giving me and lots of other people.
I just subscribed to your channel. I'm a 73 year old man who remembers having to work on my own cars in the late 50s and 60. That was when you could buy a 55 Studebaker Champion which was first car for $125.00 and a 58 Chevy Bel Aire with a 283 and power glide for $500.00, my 2nd car. I spent many a hot or cold Louisiana day laying in a ditch with my car straddling it so I could get under it to replace a starter or install a set of glass packs. The sweat running into your eyes, the grass and bugs tickling your neck and skinning your greasy, oily knuckles. That was what you had to do if you wanted to go anywhere! Fix it your self or walk.
I can't do that much anymore but I still enjoy working on my old Harley and appreciating the old technology that changed the world.Thanks for the memories.
Engine forensics on the Franklin is prime viewing. Can't wait to see the piston/rings solution. The dash in the roadster is going to be stunning. Thanks...
Perspective. This car was 2yrs old at the start of the Great Depression, and was 12yrs old at the end of it. How long did it take the average Joe to recover after that? It's no wonder there may be some iffy parts/conditions inside this rig. The fact that it's a survivor is amazing. Inktristink old rig.
What a fascinating engine. I’ve seen numerous Franklins at classic car shows, but had never seen their engine internals until now.
Jon u talk to mutch. Hie jac
Good for you for quitting smoking, Mr. W
She'll be fine Johnathan, she's in capable hands!
I'm looking forward to watching the progress.
Man, where else do we have the privilege to learn so much about our past in cars? Probably will never see many of the cars and trucks you have edumacated me on, but If I did I’d be the smartest man in the room. Thanks. Coming after you mr. most interesting man.
Be careful about RTV under the base of the cylinder. I had the unfortunate job of telling an aircraft owner he needed a new crankcase because the RTV that someone put under the hold down nut had cracked the case. It allowed movement/stress. Might have no trouble on the car engine, especially since there are no through bolts on the cylinders; but would hate to have it crack the case over time. Loving this series BTW!!!
Thanks for taking the time and effort to explain how this engine is put together and how it works. The oldest engine I've ever rebuilt was a flathead Mercury V-8 in a '41 Ford back in the '60s. I learned a lot from this video.
You should have 500k to million subscribers, excellent well instructional videos. I was a auto mechanic for a long time since 5 years old helping my father, I deeply admire your patience with the craft
and do i see a willing apprentice at the side of the Wizard !
Love the series Jonathan and was especially pleased to hear that u stopped smoking. The 'reward' for doing so will go much further than enjoying and admiring your fine work --- indeed it will include family member's love and caring for you as well as enjoying your fine work. It's been 20 years since i smoked and I can honestly say it's the best thing I ever did not only for me but for my whole family. A big pat on the back my friend.. hang on to and enjoy all those 'rewards' ,,,,
Unbelievable how much I learn from you ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This video included measuring the piston and clock was genius! Also respect your statement that you fix cars, not restore them!
Now this is where Jonathan shines... when he combines knowledge, experience and skill to repair a 92 year old piece of machinery. With a lack of instructions, and no replacement parts, it takes more than a mechanical aptitude - it takes a genuine raw talent. Then you add in the mystery of the old Franklin running on one good cylinder, and watch Jonathan holding an oily piston in his bare hands while sliding worn out rings over the surface. And you just know he will get this old beast running again. 👍
Very interesting engine! There is some advantages over the water cooled engines. I like that clock,. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work!
Too many adverts spoilt the watching of your videos and costs too much data usages on people’s phones
WidowUK that's why you get premium... commercials are what pays him to continue doing these videos . So if you don't like the commercials pay 5 bucks a month for premium and he gets a dollar and you don't have to deal with commercials
Thanks for the video!
I'll always sit and listen to you tell a story! Fun to learn about what you know!
That clock is an original idea! Hope the Franklin gets the new parts it needs to get it to run soon and back on the road! Awesome job Jonathan with you quitting smoking you just need to keep doing what your doing and not think about them. You sir have some awesomely great will power!
For me the Franklin is the most interesting motor on CZcams at the moment ! We know Jonathan is the right man to get it running properly again . The clock looks excellent too .
Jonathan, I find it amazing how fast you have solutions to what most would see as a problem. Between your video's, Cold War Motors and junkerup video's, I am constantly seeing how well older vehicles are brought back to life. Yours are enjoyable because you like to see the old stuff run again without doing complete restorations. Thanks!
O.M.G. this is interesting stuff!
I would love to tear this engine down completely and shine up every single bit of it.
Its such a nice piece of old forgotten techniques and ideas on how to build an engine.
Thank you for letting me hanging out with you, much appreciated 😋
Very nice work Jonathan W.!!!!!! Thank You immensely for sharing your infinite knowledge with you audience!!! Best of luck to you on your venture to kick the Nicotine habit. I am currently attempting the same, 30 year smoker here. I have been diagnosed with the start of Emphysema, therefore I have got to get rid of the smoke, so I have been told.... And I do admit, it is a BATTLE!!! There is NOTHING better then to celebrate the completion of a job well done then to smoke a cigarette!!! So I have to change my thinking!!! Best wishes to you on ALL of your Health battles!!!
Haha...!! O my gosh that was a great fun video to watch ! It is so much fun getting inside the Franklin!! Thanks Jonathan.. the clock on the roadster topped it off! 👍
I have a suspicion the relaxed rings are from overheating, probably from the stopped up fins. It might be worth keeping track of the head temps with one of the IR thermometers.
Thank you for taking us us along .. good job 👍🏼. Hang on . Kicking cigs is HARD . I like what you said “ I don’t restore cars...I just fix em “. No truer words said 😎
The clock is awesome! Well done! I restored a 1965 Caddy Convertible many moons ago and my number one priority was the big clock! Loved it!
I'm loving this. I had a series 10 with a rod knock and busted frame. My rod fix didn't work. Should have set up the bad rod tighter cuz it's a big job getting that pan off and on. I sold the project to a guy in Orange County Los Angeles California about the time I found a replacement frame for it. Probably running fine now. That was about 15 years ago. Thanks for the show. Paul in Thailand
In the UK where it's chilly and miserable for 7 months of the year, it seems to be the case that old straight sixes show most wear at the front of the engine, down to cylinders 1 and 2 taking longer to reach working temperature as they do not benefit quite so much from heat transferred from adjacent cylinders.. also the draft caused by forward motion chills No.1 cylinder considerably.
I agree with your choice not to pay out for steel exh.valve seats (although with no water galleries at least you wouldn't end up accidentally perforating them..)
I'm not too sure about leaving the bottom end as it is- at the very least i would certainly get those external copper oil feeds blown out and flushed.
Great video! Keep up the good work.
From a guy that still smokes although in moderation, congratulations Jonathan! It’s a man that continues growing that gives up the pass-times of his youth. I’m ready to do the same thing.
We used to cut piston groves to take up the ring groove play. Hastings made spacers
I’ve made clocks kind of like that before. It’s a fun mini project.
First thing you got to do (concerning quit smoking) is to stop thinking about it. Put it out of your mind, like you never have smoked. Don’t concern yourself with it .
this is the best advice!! you can get, if everyone else will stop thinking about it and asking you! haha
A suggestion for the clock. Solder a couple of wires to the battery leads and run them to a double A battery holder (from an old head lamp or something) that can be conveniently mounted and accessed under the dash. No need to remove the clock for battery replacement.
Really interesting video pulling apart that Franklin!!
That is a very brave project. Lovely to see someone working on it rather than it sitting in a museum. Well done guys...from the uk
Love seeing that old engine dissassembly. Great work Jonathan. Thanks!
The 1921 Franklin my Dad and I had, the engine had sleeves over the cylinder fins that looked just like aluminum stove pipe. A thick "carpet pad" was used to create new rocker arm oilers. I am sure, in retrospect, the valve covers must have needed to be supplied with fresh gaskets often, what with the pad needing to be oiled.
Thanks for taking us along on this Franklin adventure
And quitting smoking sets a much better example for your young apprentice.
@Repeat After Me: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be preachy.
JOHNATHON, you are doing a fantastic job with this project. Your reward is everyone is enjoying the show. THUMBS UP!!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS PROJECT.
Fantastic! Thank You for letting us watch.
Jim
Thanks for the show and the effort Jonathan.
How many people think Johnathan could cast his own pistons ? No doubt in my mind, do it. I'm a few days removed from chewing. It ain't easy
+Mark Craft good luck man. Please don’t go back to chewing, be strong.
I am sure he could cast those pistons and machine them could change the compression height add 10 or 20% more hp for modern day if he wanted to
Another great video and project. Aircraft technology how cool is that. 1927 Aluminum block, valves are huge, strong is like a foot long. I think you are doing a wonderful job. As i hear you speak to your experience about antique tractors. Yeap. Engines are engines. I thoroughly enjoy your efforts. Go Baby Go.
Iearned alot today,Thanks Jonathan! really like what youve done with the clock!
Those spiral cuts on the pistons are for expansion and the same with the rings, straight cuts tend to bind more and put pressure out and crack ring lands. Since the Franklin is air cooled it will run hotter and will need more ring gap than water cooled. The old Copper Cooled GM engines were the same way.
you are a joy to listen to ,calm and knowledgable, thanks
I owned a 1947 Stinson airplane with a 6 cylinder Franklin. Wonderful engine.
I think those rings are “ Scarf “ cut. We used a lot of scarf cut Teflon rings in automatic transmissions. Good video btw. Glad to see someone taking an interest in the old cars.
Thanks Jonathan for the update very interesting engine thanks for the education never seen it engine like that before
Great video, very informative. I was just in Washington DC at the national air and space museum and I was looking at those old aircraft engines, just amazing how they worked
Now that was one hell of a lesson. Fabulous
1927 air cooled auto engines 👍
I'm looking forward to hearing the Lincoln run again. No doubt she will purr like a kitten when you get done with her Jonathan. Congrats on not smoking too.
Thank you for providing detailed information on the engine teardown....
Steve Hetrick 8
your so smart thanks love the vidios! and your doing good on the no smoking,,,, keep it up!!
I always enjoy your videos and always learn something about these old cars. The reward of you not smoking is adding years to your life and the money you're saving by not having to buy cigarettes.
Hi Jonathan, and greetings from the UK. Love the Video's , thank you for making them. Love the clock conversion too, my immediate thought though, was to Solder a couple of extension wires to the the battery terminals of the clock, and tuck the battery out of sight using one of those plastic holders, ... it'll save having to remove the clock to change the battery. Unless of course you can easily reach up behind the dash to change it without having to remove the whole clock pod!
Love the clock repair looks great
That reward you mentioned is really a nasty damn habit. I kicked mine and the habit is the hardest to get around for me , after a while being around someone smoking made me want to puke from the smell, really!
Great step by step check of this old girl's private parts. I learned about the Franklin from this video. Well done!
Your repair of the clock is very clever love your videos keep em coming , regards from Holland !!!!
For replacement parts such as pistons you can get them through EGGE MACHINE out of California. They have the blueprints on hand and will custom make them ad their prices really are not bad.
Really impressed with your skills Jonathan - amazing wrench - thanks for the cool cars and startups - enjoying them very well. I live in a dry area - lots of old cars - and not very rusty - dusty yes- rusty no. Thanks for the great videos and commentary
Hadn't had a chance to comment much but I've really enjoyed the Franklin since you started this series. That "airplane" style in--line motor is something I've never seen before and I'm shocked that wood frame made it through some of this NC humidity even in a barn after all these years. Just don't let one of them Hardy brothers drive around it if you're going through Cameron. ;-)
Good forensic breakdown of the cylinders Jonathan. This has been very interesting in getting to the root of the low compression problem.
This is really interesting. What effort must have gone into design and production. A crossflow arrangement too. Thanks again for excelent video.
Jonathan my personal opinion is to make the gaskets for the bottom of the cylinders.
Just my two cents. Thanks.
With that Franklin being an Air Cooled engine I guess anything you can do to improve air flow around it will help so pressure washing is a great first step for sure. That is really an interesting looking engine though. Thanks for sharing.
The pistons are slotted for heat expansion. The solid sided piston can expand and stick in the bore. How do I know? My brother in law has 9 restored Franklins. He found that Ford 302 pistons -IIRC- would work. Rebuilt the motor, made it 500 miles or so before it seized. Put correct slotted pistons in and it has been running great for over 10K miles. Pull that solid piston and put the right one in and save yourself a lot of grief.
I learned a lot from that video. I wasn't aware of using pistons from other makes/models and then using the pistons like you mentioned.I would think that with reassembly you put piston and rings in the cylinder then put the wrist pin in and shove it on down to base and gasket assembly. Doing the seats would also be easy as could use long rod that will travel through the seat/valve guide and then just tighten it down with allen wrench and run it in and out till seat will shine and using a bore light see if their cleaned up enough. Great video.I wanted to mention, that they probably never used a replaceable seat in those cylinder heads
I like it...l like the way it intakes on 1 side & exhausts on the other...& has a main bearing between each rod...& the vertical cooling fins for vertical air flow may have even helped with the cylinder's rigidity...hard to believe the best compression came from the worst piston...& to a point - you had it running & driving...these hand built engines from the past really are in their own class
I never made three comments on a video before, but this one seems to warrant it. The car is almost 100 years old, It has had a lot of lives. It is so easy to fix one cylinder on this car that it has been done, probably more than once. In 1927, the speed limit on the highway was nominally 25 MPH. This car is going to be driven at modern highway speed. It can do it, but! the engine will have to be rebuilt properly. I would love to see this car driven. However, It will have to keep up and stop. :)
Another great video Jonathan...thank you! There's a shit ton of rewards coming your way from giving up smokin...keep up the good work
It'd be nice to have those valve seats ground out and press hardened seats in to run regular unleaded gasoline in it. Then the valves could be ground to remove the rust and corrosion and lapped in properly. I realize that this is all easier said than done considering the fact that you cannot remove the heads from the cylinders, but I'm sure there are some specialists that can get it figured out and get it done. I would definitely also replace the rings and gap them properly. It might also be worth it to replace the pistons if you're really planning on keeping and using this engine. I know that you're really knowledgeable and you'll get it all done and running great again.
Rings loose their tension when they've been over heated. That's one disadvantage with air cooled engines. I've seen a few VW engines go the same way.
I didn't recall there being a lot of slop in the valve stems - I'm lazy and mean so I would just re-cut the valve seats and valves and reassemble... For the miles anyone is going to put on this, a lead substitute in the fuel makes more sense than hardened seats - especially given the lack of access to the seats !
what I always felt at the end of a portion of a job was a moment to sit and take a deep breath, relax and light one up. I did the battery cock thing about 30 years ago on a 57 chevy, but glued a fake stem in. Love the video and the education I received while watching.
Neat stuff!
Really interesting to see how it works.
Love the clock!
Thanks.
I like you vids on the 1927 Franklin. My Father in Law showed me a car yesterday that looks much like yours. He's not sure what he is going to do with it. I believe it's even the same color as the one you are working on. I have a few photos if you would like to see it. Take care!
I am totally enjoying the videos on the Franklin, please keep them coming!!
You have amazing knowledge and ingenuity , there arent many people out ther today with this gift . Excellent channel to view . Keep saving the old iron jonathon . Top man
Interesting fact: The H.H. Franklin Co. still exist to this day as the Polish Aircraft Engine manufacturer PZL-F where the “F” stands for Franklin.🤔
I Loved the CLOCK change-over, very clever. Please do the Speed-0-meter change-over video, Jonathan. The Franklin engine for as 0ld as it is does need work on it. the only thing it sit for S0 Long it really shouldn't need it.......
Very interesting engine, it will be worth fixing properly. I'd keep everything factory except for getting new rings, the pistons can be welded and machined. Sincere congratulations on quitting smoking bro, I know about the "reward cigarette", but it will pass, not coughing up a lung every morning has to be a pretty good reward. I'm sure you already know you are in better standing in many ways. Keep on keeping on!
Saw this for the first time and im liking these engines
Nicely done another great video you can't be scared Interesting engine you got there.
Any aircraft cylinder shop can grind your seats for you, It requires an extension on the stone holder or the long neck grinder. It was common in the old days to machine the top ring groove for the spacer to bring back the ring groove dimention.
Very educational, many thanks Jonathan.
Thanks Jonathan. Nice video. Franklin engine is really unique!
That cutout on the bottom of the Piston is probably for clearance for an oil spray nozzle. Aircraft engine's all have them to help keep the Piston cool and well lubricated. They spray oil up to to inside top of the Piston where the oil hits the top inside of the Piston and then runs down the Piston skirts cooling it.
you probably noticed this but, when you removed the rocker box on #1 cylinder,, a washer dropped off . Just tryin to be helpful. Nice work on the engine so far,, to see it was still running,,, was a testament to ingenuity back then!
Thanks for making your videos I feel like I learn something from every video. Or at least a different way to look at something.
Amazing engine design. I would love to poke around in there!!! Great work!
Man it's something when you take something apart what you find like the piston. And the valve springs push them down with your fingers cool car Jonathan appreciate