Old motors

[mack31]

Are there any classes out there that teach how to work on the older motors?

[turckster]

The only thing I can think of would be talking to an instructor at a local Jr collage or technical school to see if they offer what you're looking for.

[Lmackattack]

not really... IMHO the best way to learn is hands on. All engines operate the same. just diffrent parts in diffrent MFG. the old mack and GM motors were easy can and cummins had some tricks and diffrent stuff bolted to them that can throw you for a loop.

just my .02

[skip]

Find an old one and pull it to bits, take note of where things go, and if you are going to put one back together, then get a workshop manual. Even if there is a good class or video on how to work on them, the best way to learn is to get stuck into one yourself. As previously mentioned, they all work on the same principle. The old engines are generally easier to work on then the modern crap too! Just my opinion. Skip

[Lmackattack]

Everyone likes to rebuild them there own way. I like to have the book out for refrence when tearing one apart or building one back up. I have all the parts that need to be machined done first then order what I need. I like to mark everthing and bag them so I can keep track of what is what. I will say one thing Do not just throw things on a bench in a pile. parts will walk off and you will just get mixed up. The last engine I rebuilt was a 1965 Cadillac 429. Had a friend of mine check the machine work and we both put the block together. Heads were done by a machine shop and the rest was just bolt on,gaskets, hoses etc.... not hard just had to go slow and look at the notes I made or book for any help that was needed.

Trent

[Mike]

Oh....don't forget to check 1st and see if you can get parts for your old engine before you spend BIG DOLLARS on your old engine. Many things are obsolete since we are sending our money and parts etc. etc. across the ocean.

mike

[Vladislav]

When you have a skill of modern engines it's a big pleasure to work on olds.

You're surprizing each time meeting easy or sometimes original solutions. Technic that works mechanically, without digital units. Works perfect after you put your hands on. If you do it with love. If you're planning to take anything apart - use photo. Fix every step. Assembled-disassembled-parts. And enjoy the adventure!

Vlad.

[1958 F.W.D.]

Are there any classes out there that teach how to work on the older motors?

Check your local community college- many have evening adult education classes. A good book that I reccomend to any friends who are clueless about their cars (but want to learn) is "Auto Mechanics for Dummies." (seriously, no offense intended.)

I have been around engines since I was a wee lad. I was always with my father and helping him out whether it was riding with him in is F Model Mack tractors making deliveries, or operating light and heavy duty tow trucks at nights and weekends, or riding on firetrucks. I was always with him helping out handing him wrenches, slinging chains, or just plain watching. Sometimes dad would let me turn wrenches under his supervision. I remember to this day him teaching me dwell and timing and how to use a timing light.

When I was about 12 or 13, I started taking apart lawn mower engines using Dad's tools. That came to a sudden halt one day when he found a wrench in a puddle of water. After a severe talking to (him talking to me LOL) he dragged me over to Sears and bought me one of those 150-piece Craftsman basic sets. Advised me to "never, ever ever buy a cheap tool made anywhere but the USA. And if you loose any of these, dont come crying to me. You have more respect for your tools when they are your own." After that his box was locked from that moment on. I continued to take apart lawn mowers and put them back together. And when I say take apart, I mean all the way down to the bare block.

I wanted Briggs and Stratton Service manuals, so Dad took me to a local B & S shop, and the guy behind the counter (who was also an auto-shop teacher at the local technical school) gave me one off the shelf and wouldnt take any of my Dad's money. I read that book front to back and learned even more than when I was just taking apart and putting back together.

Then I had ambitions for something bigger and better. Thats when Dad got an old Crosley 4-cyl engine from a guy who had it in a boat. Learned all about multi-cylinder timing and fuel intake. Learned about overhead valve trains. Learned about mechanical governors.

We ran the tow trucks for a family who had a service station in town, one of the last, true full-service pump your gas, check your tires/oil/etc and wash your windows service stations. I started working for them when I was 14 on weekends. Then when I got my license worked at nights and weekends. When I turned 18 and had 2 years of driving under my belt, started running the tow trucks.

Eventually got a 69 Mustang Grande Coupe with a 250 6-cyl and a 3-speed. Wanted more CID just like any other 17 year old kid, so I got a hold of a 302 which needed a full rebuild. Dad and I spent a lot of hours on that engine. Still have the engine, too. The car eventually failed inspection due to too much rot and I didnt have the $$ to fix her.

All throughout my life I have had a thirst for books. I have all kinds of books all over the place, including many many automotive and heavy truck books. Books are your friend. Do like I did- start simple and take apart an old lawnmower. See how it works, and just use your imagination and figure out how it translates into 4-6 or 8 cylinder engines.

As far as fuel injection and computers and all these modern fuel system do-hickies, I am lost when I open the hood on my 2008 Chevy Silverado. So you are on your own!!!!!