Dilemma

oldford2

oldford2

Well-known member
Any comments before I make my final decision.

Well, here is my dilemma....Our 46 runs great. Starts great, burns/leaks 1 qt in 1200 miles (that is when I always change it). Compression around 70 and even in all cylinders. I believe it is the original engine and never has been opened after 52,000. Still pulls strong. A little piston slap till she warms up. So, I just rebuilt an 8ba and have it configured to drop right. We drive 2-3000 miles each year and many trips over 600 miles. We are not heading to Florida till January so cabin fever is setting in (8-10" of snow possible Weds.) and the driving season may be over. I was thinking about putting the 8ba in while I rebuilt the original 59ab but now thinking maybe just pull it and rebuild it and save the in/out swap. The original is probably good for another 5-10,000 but I am 76 and don't know if I could rebuild it then. My shop is heated so it would really be a fun project.
So, what to do? .......Do nothing and sit around drinking beer and smoking cigars and be grouchy all winter, or, put the 8ba in, or rebuild the 59ab?
John
 
I guess I would say, leave it alone. Why spend $3000. rebuilding it if it runs good. It sounds like my '49 engine and I figure it will run me til I quit driving it. I'm 77.
 
Would switching out the 59a for the 8ba and then back be worth the hassle factor? A lot of things would need to be change over between the two engines. Not a really big deal, but seems like a lot of hassle to me.
 
leave the eng alone .want something to do remove the wheels check the brakes pack the wheel bearings rebuild some spare parts gen,fuel pump carb starter check the plug wires see if they need changing.flush the brake fluid. check the cooling system
 
I tend to agree with others to leave it be, but 70 psi is getting on the bottom of "acceptable". I'd drop in the 8BA, AND do all the things listed by Richard.
 
Rebuild the 59. Why go through the hassle of putting the other engine in and then changing it back out? Probably won't be driving it in the winter anyway. None of us know what the future holds for us. Do it now while you can. Still can have a few beers and cigars during your breaks. If your like me, I take a lot of them.
 
You do a lot of shows? You do seem to drive it regularly......

So put in the 8BA and forgetaboutit.
 
John, If your dropping the 8ba in then heading out I might be apprehensive. Quite a distance for a run down. Probably be okay though. Second thought is keep the 59 have a beer and change it out next summer When you can break it in and rebuild the 59.
 
pull and rebuild the original engine (59ab) put it back in and go for a long drive. 70lbs is pretty low--rebuilt engine will put a lot pep in your driving
 
It is kinda nice to have a running car while you rebuild the 59ab. It might take you longer to get it rebuilt than you think and then you are without a car when the season turns!
 
You say it runs and starts great but losses a (little) oil between changes and compression is getting low. I bet a bunch of Forder's here would be glad to be able to say the same.

The enjoyment of rebuilding a flathead aside, how about an optional plan: What viscosity oil do you use ? Assuming the valves are sealing adequately, compression and minor leakage might be reduced if you move up to a higher grade oil, and if you used/added something like a little MMO to the oil and gas to loosen-up the rings so they can perform better. Worth a try and a bunch less expensive and time consuming.

I'm 77 and although my '47 makes a few subtle strange noises before it warms up (just like my body) its like letting a horse lose in a pasture when it gets out on the road. Rebuilding is challenging and satisfying for the dedicated and caring mechanic, but I've done that and would rather enjoy the ride at my age.

Keep us posted !
 
John:
Put in the 8Ba / You already know what changes have to be made, you all ready have
the 8Ba rebuilt it's not that you have to get a engine to rebuild 1st.
Then take the 59ab rebuild it , have it ready to go back in.
The biggest factor that we never thinks matters is you mentioned the # "76"
You still have the wit & physical ability to do it.
The change will not be anything that can't be undone.
So put the 8Ba in rebuild the 59ab have it ready to go in / Then God forbid some thing happens to you the car will have the highest value / A running car with a 8Ba & a rebuilt 59ab to drop in.
It gives you the best of all worlds you start the next driving season with a fresh engine so that removes that little worry floating around in the back of your mind / How much longer will this engine keep running well. / It gives you a good block to rebuild. / while you make the engine swap you can rebuild the Generator ~ starter ~ I know there is nothing wrong with them now but it would remove the chance of them failing any time soon. Then put on a new Radiator cap close the hood & by this time it is time to head south & when you come home put key in hit the starter and enjoy another cruising season.
Of course this is my opinion & you can & will do what you want.
But if you do make the change make a little picture documentation as you go and post here so the young un's here can see how it can be done with out going
~ CHOP ~ CHOP ~
 
AT 70+ it sure takes longer. I had a bad engine in my 47 and was able to buy a 8ba 8rt 53 truck engine. It took most of the summer, did the steering box when out.
I had problem with oil pan hitting pitman arm. Should use car pan. Bent the pitman arm ok now. Runs good this was a used engine. I was thinking of fixing the old engine but will most likely run till it doesn't run any more.
Do what old Henery did send it out and have it rebuilt.
 
George:
John Has the know how and has done both 8Ba & 59ab's in the past with good results
Although Walt does not have to worry / John can hold his own ~~~
 
My 1939 PU had 60 to 90# of pressure and had some strange noises. I pulled the engine and sent it to the machine shop for magna fluxing and a good cooking out. In order to remove the engine I had to remove the hood, grille, radiator, and floorboards. That was enough of a hassle that I wouldn't want to do it twice. I'.. be 79 next month and hope to be driving in the spring. Want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans for tomorrow.
 
Just go buy some RESTORE from your auto parts store or wally world. THIS IS JUST band aide fix but will get you by for a season or so.
 
Cabin Fever ... ;)


I am sitting here in Seattle, WA with that right now ....


At least it rains here every day instead of snowing
and the temperature is above freezing .... :D

Do what the wife says .... :cool:



Jim
 
Being grouchy is underated, especially if there's some kids in the neighborhood you can hollar at!
 
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