1939 WLDD baffles

[leroybrown]

I have a nice set of 39 WLDD cases I am building up. My question is should I run the forked rod in the front or the back. All four baffles are in place and I do not plan to remove. According to Palmers book by 39 there should have no been baffles in rear. My case numbers are 112-39 and 112-392 but both have 38 casting dates (L8 and H8). Thanks, I will be looking for lots more help in the future.

[Rubone]

A big part of this depends on what kind of pistons and rings you plan on running. The changes in rod position and baffles had much to do with rings, and their features. The early engines only had an oil ring on the front piston, no expander, etc. With modern rings and pistons the need for the baffles and the rod position become moot.
Personally I would build it with the forked rod in back and modern thin rings with real oil rings.
Robbie

[leroybrown]

Thanks, yes the pistons are current style, this saves me tearing down a nicely built up set of flywheels to swap the rods.