Found a new YouTube on flatheads

There are several things in that video that I personally would do differently. In general he is cleaning up the top end and installing head gaskets, which is a good start. I would have also pulled the oil pan for cleaning and inspection. Typically there is a lot of sludge in the pan that needs to be cleaned out. Another reason to pull the pan is the oil pan rails are a common crack location due to freezing, they should be inspected before putting an engine back in service. While the pan is off I would also pull each bearing cap and inspect the mains & rods. I would pull each piston out, then hone the cylinders. Also, don't use a tap on the head bolt holes, clean them with a thread cleaner not a thread cutter.
The video shows many of the steps of a "short job" (clean, hone, gaskets) that really could have taken it a bit further without spending much more money.
I recommend watching Marts Garage for cost effective flathead Ford V8 engine building: https://www.youtube.com/@MartsGarage
 
I personally think that video should be removed from YouTube and banished, never to be seen again.
 
38 coupe said:
There are several things in that video that I personally would do differently. In general he is cleaning up the top end and installing head gaskets, which is a good start. I would have also pulled the oil pan for cleaning and inspection. Typically there is a lot of sludge in the pan that needs to be cleaned out. Another reason to pull the pan is the oil pan rails are a common crack location due to freezing, they should be inspected before putting an engine back in service. While the pan is off I would also pull each bearing cap and inspect the mains & rods. I would pull each piston out, then hone the cylinders. Also, don't use a tap on the head bolt holes, clean them with a thread cleaner not a thread cutter.
The video shows many of the steps of a "short job" (clean, hone, gaskets) that really could have taken it a bit further without spending much more money.
I recommend watching Marts Garage for cost effective flathead Ford V8 engine building: https://www.youtube.com/@MartsGarage
Click to expand...

I like his hat. So, in his defense, he did say he was going to pull the pan, plastigauge the mains, check the oil pump. Gotta say, using a tap on those threads, definitely bad bad bad, even if he does have a neat hat.
 
Thank you... this entire post is because someone got their panties in a bunch on facebook and is a small and petty person.... its a bit pathetic but hey, it gets my video more views! As far as the build... i was careful with the ol tap but noted... the hone was very lightly and carefully used for 2 reasons, to clean and because after adding a little crosshatch you can feel the rings "bite", this told me without pulling the pistons that the rings were out on all 8 and it isnt a terrible move anyway. All valves got pulled and half the seats were ground, all valves were lapped and look decent. I clearly say in the video that it will be 2 parts (probably 3 at this point) video 2 is valves and pulling the pan, plastiguage on the mains, new gaskets all around and paint. Part 3 will be on the run stand for the haters lol this is just a budget refresh, its not an engine build. It will be a clean little good running engine. New head bolts will be used as well. Thanks everyone for watching. Glad you dig my hillbilly crash helmet!
 
Hey Oliver! Welcome to the Barn! Hope you stick around here, we all get along pretty well here, those that don't get banned quick. I for one applaud a low $ build, many of us here are low budget DIY, so anything encouraging that rather than to go SBC is welcome.
Yeah, that hat needs a pair of Red Green suspenders to set it off! A duck tape hat band works too.
 
Hello Oliver.
I thought the video was spot on. I agree with the things you said re getting the engine running the best it can with what it already has. Obviously if something is not right it would be addressed. I look forward to seeing part 2 and 3.
Personally I wouldn't paint it Chevy Orange, and would have used a thread chaser rather than a tap.
But what you are doing is good. I dropped you a sub. Mart (of Mart's Garage).
 
most impressive part of the video occurred at 1:15. wow!

think i'd want to pull the pistons (not replace them necessarily), hone the entire cylinders and replace rings, main and rod bearings at least.
 
Last edited:
Oliver westlund said:
I clearly say in the video that it will be 2 parts (probably 3 at this point) video 2 is valves and pulling the pan, plastiguage on the mains, new gaskets all around and paint.


...New head bolts will be used as well...
Click to expand...


I somehow missed the explanation on doing the bottom end, my apologies for commenting on not doing that.

One area you can save money is reusing the original Ford fasteners. The original head bolts are very high quality and are recommended for reuse if they pass inspection: no visible stretching, no twisting, good threads, hex not rounded off, etc.
 
Looking forward to part 2 and as Ford 38v8 said, many of us like quick low buck rebuilds, that way you get it in the car and back on the road. I spent too much money and time, I like your method better.
 
lonewolf said:
Ha I totally agree.
Click to expand...

In two hours you went from asking a question "before you do it..." to agreeing with someone that didn't like the video.

Seems like an instigation, not a true question. Poor choice lonewolf.

The video presents a different perspective on things, I thought the video wasn't that bad. It was presented as it was, not a high end full rebuild.
 
Overall looks like a pretty good block with no serious issues. Can it be used the way its being cost effectively freshened up it certainly can. Overall there's an added bonus in all of this. When the time comes to go into a complete rebuild this engine is going to be a perfect choice with no hidden surprises.
Ronnieroadster
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top