Flathead on the cheep

[Ol' Ron]

As some of you'se guys know, I was building a flathead powered International KB1 PU for engine economy testing with a near stock engine. The original 8BA engine was installed and running. I installed the radiator and added water, but much to my surprise the water shot out of the drivers side exhaust like a fire hose. Inspection of the engine we found a section of the #5 exhaust port cracked with a piece missing.
I took to of my spare blocks down for bake cleaning and mad, both failed . Not wanting to get involved with fixing a questionable block I picked up an 8RT, and a 59A. The 8Rt had a major crack between the intake and cylinder wall. So far the 59 looks good, but this 80 ear old body is in pretty bad shape, so I took it to my friend with a machine shop for pressure testing. If it passes I have a set of .060" over stock pistons and rings that have been in the shop for at least 20 years so here's the plan.
Bore block, fit pistons.
Re-assemble using All original parts, except for EAB cam
Will probably have to buy a gasket kit.
All the bearings look good.
Will use the Valves from the old motor.
I'll let you know how much it costs to build, most 59's never hurt their bearings.

 

[russcc]

Ron, why do you suppose the 59's didn't hurt the bearings ?
Best regards, Russ

 

[Mike in AZ]

looking forward to reading about the build, Ol' Ron....Mike

 

[Tinker]

Great thread. Will check this one as it goes. Thanks.

 

[bk53]

i feel for you with the cracked blocks and look forward to reading about your build.

 

[Bob G/Spanaway]

I like the way you do things, Ron.
Keep up the good work.
This thread will be interesting.

 

[Tim Ayers]

Best of luck with this project. I feel blessed to have found three crack free blocks after hearing your troubles.

 

[Ol' Ron]

Every time I take an engine apart that has floating bearings, most of the time the bearings are good. Even whrn one fails the others are good. Cam bearings are the best lubricated bearing in the engine an rarely wear out. What kills these engines id dirty oil. That takes it;s toll.

 

[Dick-Cape Cod]

Ron, You have no idea how great it was to hear you blabbering on the Barn tonight. I've been so busy with my business, I'm embarrassed to be here. But I had a little time to kill...so I thought I'd visit. I'm so glad I did. I'm still racing my 346" at NH (Epping) I wish Geo. would give you a ride over some day. Love ya....Dick

 

[Mart]

With you all the way on this one, Ron. I do all my flathead builds in an economical manner, reusing good parts whenever I can. Part of it comes from me being a tight-wad, but also from not having cheap parts a phone call away due to international shipping, duty and tax etc.

I look forward to further reports.

Mart.

 

[jimTN]

I am of the opinion that the 49-53 blocks are a lot worse than 59AB blocks for cracking at least that seemed to be the case back when junkyards had them.

 

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Ron, You have no idea how great it was to hear you blabbering on the Barn tonight. I've been so busy with my business, I'm embarrassed to be here. But I had a little time to kill...so I thought I'd visit. I'm so glad I did. I'm still racing my 346" at NH (Epping) I wish Geo. would give you a ride over some day. Love ya....Dick

Hi Dick. When you going to bring that 346 flathead back up to Winterport Me. to run the 1/8 mile again? I haven't run my for 2 yr's, getting it ready for June 15 in a couple of weeks. Thay have 14 vintage dragsters running up there now. A friend just built one with a 455 Buick engine out of a junk yard and turned 94mph on his first run. There haveing a ball up there. Walt

 

[Ol' Ron]

Thanks Dick and the rest of youse guys. Dick, how's your lovely wife, really enjoyed our stay with you. I'm just trying to help those with stock, or near stock engines to prepare for the future cost of fuel in our old flatheads. I have a nice BUILT 280 Flathead for the Int. But thought I'd do these economy tests while I'm still around.
Take care.