My next flathead build?

[Ziggster]

Finally!!!

Did what @kurt v said. Just heated up the stud with my MAPP torch for a few minutes. Gave it a few whacks with my brass 3lb hammer (best tool ever), and slowly wiggled it off. Used a pry bar with some bocks of wood under the gasket for the last little push. Also, got the stuck exh bolt out after heating it as well with the MAPP torch.

 

[cas3]

A 59a block should be sloped at the front, and not hold a pencil

 

[petehoovie]

Finally!!!

Did what @kurt v said. Just heated up the stud with my MAPP torch for a few minutes. Gave it a few whacks with my brass 3lb hammer (best tool ever), and slowly wiggled it off. Used a pry bar with some bocks of wood under the gasket for the last little push. Also, got the stuck exh bolt out after heating it as well with the MAPP torch.

 

[Ziggster]

A 59a block should be sloped at the front, and not hold a pencil

That’s what I thought, but both my blocks seem to be C59A/59A. Maybe Canadian made blocks were different than those made in the USA?

The nut on front of the crank pulley was bent with all the tangs passing the hex, so had to cut them off. Not sure of the hex size, but can’t find any sockets to fit. Think it is 1 3/16”. I must have one somewhere as I have a new nut on my other flathead.

I’m going to see if both thermostats still work. Lol!

 

[petehoovie]

That’s what I thought, but both my blocks seem to be C59A/59A. Maybe Canadian made blocks were different than those made in the USA?

The nut on front of the crank pulley was bent with all the tangs passing the hex, so had to cut them off. Not sure of the hex size, but can’t find any sockets to fit. Think it is 1 3/16”. I must have one somewhere as I have a new nut on my other flathead.

I’m going to see if both thermostats still work. Lol!

 

[Ziggster]

Couldn’t get the oil pump hsg out from the block. Got it to rotate a bit using a soft blow hammer and a large adjustable wrench, but it just doesn’t want to pop out.

The oil and sludge is just disgusting. It really smells, and I think it has to be somewhat toxic. I got a new jug of Fast Orange Microgel hand cleaner, and my hands are slightly swollen/
with a slight burning sensation. Not sure if it is the hand cleaner (Used Fast Orange before with the pumice with no issue) and/or the oil, but started using latex gloves which I should have used from the beginning. Started cleaning out the oil pan, and it’s beyond a mess.

Thanks to @PeteHoovie fast making the pics full size!

 

[38 coupe]

Your block is interesting. All the normal casting features indicate it is a 39-40 "99" block type (239 cubic inch engine):

• Round center water hole
• Upside down trapezoid lower water hole
• Core plugs in the oil pan rail
• Flat intake gasket surface

In the engine block identification thread we have pictures of a C69 block, which has most of the features of the USA 59 blocks. We might need to add a C59 block category to the list. Please keep posting pictures!

 

[Ziggster]

Will do for sure. Got the crank nut off last night. Took out my calipers, and measured the hex distance at 1.140”. Managed to get my 1 1/6” socket on it with a little persuasion. Tried again to get the crank to budge with my 3’ breaker bar, and no way. I’m going to see if I can get the crank pulley off and the crank out today. I have other things I need to do, but this is too much fun and much more interesting. Lol!

 

[Bored&Stroked]

That thing is one messy ole' girl now isn't she! It probably just ran and just chugged along at lower RPMs . . . building up all that carbon and sludge over the years . . .

 

[Ziggster]

Yeah, the seller said he remembers being a kid and that it was pretty slow (tow rope) going up the slope in 1st/2nd gear, but he said in 3rd gear it was pretty fast. He also mentioned that they would huddle up against the radiator to warm up after spending the day skiing. I love these kinds of stories.

 

[Ziggster]

Tried the thermostats. Both work really well. Respond almost instantly to boiling water and close quickly as well. Can’t get good pics because the steam instantly fogs up the camera on my phone. Seems a much better design and quality than modern stuff.

 

[Ziggster]

Now I know why it was so hard to get the oil pump out. Lol!

 

[Ziggster]

Wow! This is just nasty! No wonder it wouldn’t crank over.

 

[Ziggster]

Got the first piston out. Not too bad. Cleaned up some of the carbon and rust with an OLFA 1” blade and knocked it out, but busted one of the internal ridges of the piston. Crank main bearing is no good as I can feel ridges with my finger nail, so it will need a regrind.

 

[Ziggster]

Well folks, by some miracle, I was able with help from my youngest to get all the pistons out, and eventually the crank out. It wasn’t easily by any stretch and at several points I thought I was at a dead end, but I guess perseverance pays off in the end.

 

[petehoovie]

Well folks, by some miracle, I was able with help from my youngest to get all the pistons out, and eventually the crank out. It wasn’t easily by any stretch and at several points I thought I was at a dead end, but I guess perseverance pays off in the end.

 

[Bored&Stroked]

I sure hope you get at least a great block out of it! That thing needs about the more thorough cleaning one can imagine! I've never seen so much carbon and sludge buildup. Amazing that any oil actually got through to the crank/rods. Great job!

 

[Ziggster]

Thanks! Words of encouragement mean a lot. These things really are largely a labour of love. In an age of throw away things, I really appreciate being able to touch and experience the things of yester-year where there was incredible quality, ingenuity, and beauty. This thing will live again, and hopefully will inspire others to get involved in the hobby.

 

[Ziggster]

Some more pics of some of bores with the wurst corrosion. Just cleaning up my tools now, and trying to get this disgusting grease/oil off of everything. The sludge/oil from the pan is so thick it won’t even drain through the funnel into the container. It’s like a super thick milkshake. Lol!

 

[Ziggster]

Also noticed my home made 1/4” thk plate used to support the block had warped. Will need to add some gussets or add another plate.