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Old Apr 10, 2021 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
Tomc750's Avatar
Tomc750
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From: Greeneville TN USA
Stiff 8RT

I have a '49 8RT in my 8N tractor. Yes! The engine was built years ago but stored until I did the conversion. It runs quiet and smooth but never "loosened up". It is very difficult to turn by hand with a 1/2 in. ratchet on the crank nut. The rods and mains were ground .010 under. I dropped the pan and both the rod and main crank journals look perfect. With all the bearings loose it turns over hard by hand the same as with all buttoned up. My next move is to remove the hood and radiator and remove the cam gear to see if it is still stiff. I cannot imagine the cam contributing to this situation.
It may be a few days before I do this as it is a rainy weather project and also may be delayed by surgery on the 14th. I am getting a pacemaker (bummer). My normal pulse is 44-46 but likes to get down into the 30's when I rest after working. Although my heart is in great shape otherwise, it has an electrical problem. I equate this to an engine in great mechanical shape but with an ignition problem. But then I am over 80, so maybe it is time for a tuneup. All thoughts welcome. (On the 8RT that is!)
 
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Old Apr 16, 2021 | 11:19 AM
  #2  
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f5fordgirl
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Could be the cylinders were just honed and over sized rings used, with the ring ends touching, or the pistons too tight, pull the heads and have a look.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2021 | 09:02 PM
  #3  
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Tomc750
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From: Greeneville TN USA
Originally Posted by f5fordgirl
Could be the cylinders were just honed and over sized rings used, with the ring ends touching, or the pistons too tight, pull the heads and have a look.
A bit slow in responding as I got tied up on another project and now I am out of commission for a bit. The engine was bored, but by how much we forgot, probably .060. But the pistons being tight I did not think of. However, with all the rods disconnected, it still seems tight, not that I can turn it much with the rod ends being in the way. I'll most likely pull the heads anyway, and take the hood and radiator off (a real pain with the V8). Thanks f5fordgirl.
 
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