First time Flathead rebuild ?

frenchy dehoux

frenchy dehoux

Well-known member
I was just wondering are flathead engine still out there that were never rebuild since new is it possible that there maybe a few more. I think I may have one of them let me know what you think. This engine I took apart had the original main and rod bearing from what I can see because of the part # stamped on the back side of them. Also the lifters were the non adjustable and the cam gear is the fiber type. The oil in the pan and in the valve galley was so thick I had to use a putty knife to clean most of the block. The fact that 4 of the head studs between the cylinders had small cracks is telling me that if this engine had been rebuild in the past most of these issues would of been repaired. So maybe I am lucky that this is the first rebuild. Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Frenchy
 
The bore measure 3"180 and 3"185 on most of the top of the cylinders. The crankshaft on the main bearings journal measure 2" 500 and the rod journal measure 2"140. So is this a standard size.

Frenchy
 
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I just put new gaskets in my '40 engine and it still had standard bore pistons and a fiber cam gear in it.
 
frenchy dehoux said:
. The fact that 4 of the head studs between the cylinders had small cracks is telling me that if this engine had been rebuild in the past most of these issues would of been repaired. So maybe I am lucky that this is the first rebuild. Let me know what you think.

Thanks
Frenchy
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Mine was cracked where you describe, I was told (by those that know) it is a common place and to leave it alone........

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Frenchy, I did a 53 merc a few yrs back, same thing it had the date stamped on the back of the mains and rod shells. Fun. Good luck
 
None of the things you describe tell me that that engine has never been touched. You didn't mention what type or year of manufacture this FH engine may be. The original bores of the 85 and 100 hp Flathead engines were 3-1/16" or 3-3/16" in diameter. Yours COULD POSSIBLY be a low mileage original 3-3/16" bore, 100 hp engine. JMO
 
I have an original 35 5 window, with std. on top of the pistons. I am the 3rd owner, bought it from mechanic who worked for ford dealer, that closed years ago. It was the owners personel car, 39000 miles
 
Just because it was never rebuilt doesn't make it better in my mind. I'd rather have one that was rebuilt a few times than one that was never rebuilt and run into the ground.
 
Your measurements, roughly 3 3/16, would indicate a stock bore, or, an earlier 3 1/16 that was opened to 3 3/16.
 
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