Downsize my flat 8 to flat 6

[40 Deluxe]

Hey thanks for that info 40deluxe the history behind my flatty 8 is that the rings were bad so what I did is I took out the engine and cleaned it up as best as I could have ,changed out the gaskets but I didn't wanna proceed with just replacing the rings cause a machinist that i know who is experienced in flatheads recommended is I'm gonna replace the rings I might as well bore it 1 over and that's where the big $$$$$ come in, so I stopped there with it . That info you gave me sounds very interesting but I don't think I can be capable of doing that cause I have no experience what so ever on flatheads unless someone walked me through it ,I wouldn't wanna break something and there I go again spending for money I don't have ,

So the machinist said "might as well bore it"?! Yeah, that's what they do for a living, so naturally they say to bore it! In the real world, as others have said, new rings are all you need. Further, maybe the rings are just stuck in their grooves from sludge and carbon.
Do you have experience on other engines? A '49 flathead is not any different. Same style bearings, same style valves (they're just in the block instead of the head). The lifters are not adjustable, but if you just spiff up the valve faces with grinding compound you won't need to adjust, anyway.

 

[tubman]

I enjoyed reading this Tubman. I believe you are right. My grandfather drove these cars when they were in everyday use and I'd bet he'd fall over dead again if he knew what all I did to my recent engine rebuild. He'd consider it "overkill".

Yeah, back in those days, if something went wrong, you could just go and get another engine for $20-$30. Things are different now; you can't leave much to chance anymore.

 

[cmbrucew]

Late 50's, 39 coupe, 5 owners. We cobbled together the best parts on hand to race at the county dirt oval. We had no money, but a good driver.
Bruce

 

[GB SISSON]

Stuck real hard, minor ridge. Reamed the ridge, dingleberry hone from brush research, new valves, nors, 8 bucks apiece, suction cup, plastigauge checked out like new. Runs like a clock. holds 40 lbs op. Just needed someone to love it. They don't all need the whole works. Self employed, worked with my hands my whole life. Raised 4 kids on a glorified rock called an island and if I had to go to a machine shop every time something broke or wore out, I'd have thrown in the towel back in the 70s. Machine shops are great, but shade tree works also.

 

[JSeery]

Like your oil removal method!