So I don't want to waste space, this is both an intro and a 'build' thread. This is my first engine build with these funky things called pistons/valves/timing thingies/rods/rings. But I'm no stranger to mechanical stuff. I've been reading up on flatheads for a long time and I decided on the Ford Flathead for a build because 1) It's easily available and so are most parts. 2) It unlike most flatties, has 12 ports. 3) It has a full 4 main bearings (I'd prefer 7, but the Hudsons make do with only 4) unlike the V8. 4) I'm a big fan of the 51-52 Ford truck style.
I picked up this engine for almost free! It was sans Carb, Starter, Oil filter, Fuel pump, and Generator. So far I've located everything but the fuel pump and the carb. I'm thinking a Holley 1904 would be a good one.
Anyway, the engine is stuck! So I pulled the head, and was greeted by this:
I pulled the inspection plates and checked out the valvetrain too, there's seriously 1/8th inch of caked on who knows what on there:
I need to take the block out and power wash it. Will it hurt anything to pull the valves out through the top? I don't want to destroy the guides if I can avoid it. I've found a source for the valves, only $5 a piece. Hopefully they're the right ones. I can rotate the engine 1/16th back and forth, all 6 pistons move smooth, but I hit something and I don't want to force it. Can I pull the pistons throught bottom, and avaoid damaging the bores. I'm hoping to get away with a hone, but the ridge at the top of the cylinders might mean more cutting?
The plan for the engine, assuming the block isn't cracked (the hot spot between the two center exhausts looks good), is to build a header and exhaust, go with Megasquirt and a turbo. It's kinda like 21st century meets classic power-train. No LS/SBC's here!
I picked up this engine for almost free! It was sans Carb, Starter, Oil filter, Fuel pump, and Generator. So far I've located everything but the fuel pump and the carb. I'm thinking a Holley 1904 would be a good one.
Anyway, the engine is stuck! So I pulled the head, and was greeted by this:
I pulled the inspection plates and checked out the valvetrain too, there's seriously 1/8th inch of caked on who knows what on there:
I need to take the block out and power wash it. Will it hurt anything to pull the valves out through the top? I don't want to destroy the guides if I can avoid it. I've found a source for the valves, only $5 a piece. Hopefully they're the right ones. I can rotate the engine 1/16th back and forth, all 6 pistons move smooth, but I hit something and I don't want to force it. Can I pull the pistons throught bottom, and avaoid damaging the bores. I'm hoping to get away with a hone, but the ridge at the top of the cylinders might mean more cutting?
The plan for the engine, assuming the block isn't cracked (the hot spot between the two center exhausts looks good), is to build a header and exhaust, go with Megasquirt and a turbo. It's kinda like 21st century meets classic power-train. No LS/SBC's here!