new (to me) flathead! help?

^^ I think what may be seen as a raised deck may just be the gasket.

Ford Nut could probably see it better.

Mart.
 
Not positive, but think that is just the intake gasket. The raised intake blocks have more of a curved edge.
 
Helcome to the Barn, most of the guys here are pretty good. Modifyink anything is usually frown upon, but excepted. Yes you have aone of AHenry;s early 24 stud engines. However, Who knows what's in it? I don't believe in run stands because they hurt new engines, but in your case, cobble up a few 2X4's and mount the engine. Have the dist checked to see ifit works. Put some gas in it and fire it up. You won't need a radiator,because all your looking for is oil pressure, and any weird sounds. If everything sounds good, with some pil pressure, add the radiator and water, Now run it up to tempature 200 degs at least . Then let it set. If the block has any bad spots water will find a way in. Now comes the hard part. $$$$$$$$$
 
ford nut said:
wow, really good eye. I couldn't read much. I have not pulled the pan, these plugs are in the casting? or the sheet metal pan? one per side? two per side? not sure what i'm looking for. . .
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Would look like this;
 

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^^ The point is, the bumps in the side of the lower part of the block and you don't have to pull the pan to see if they are there.
 
Ol' Ron said:
Helcome to the Barn, most of the guys here are pretty good. Modifyink anything is usually frown upon, but excepted. Yes you have aone of AHenry;s early 24 stud engines. However, Who knows what's in it? I don't believe in run stands because they hurt new engines, but in your case, cobble up a few 2X4's and mount the engine. Have the dist checked to see ifit works. Put some gas in it and fire it up. You won't need a radiator,because all your looking for is oil pressure, and any weird sounds. If everything sounds good, with some pil pressure, add the radiator and water, Now run it up to tempature 200 degs at least . Then let it set. If the block has any bad spots water will find a way in. Now comes the hard part. $$$$$$$$$
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thank you ron, good info. also there is no ridge around the intake, just a thick gasket, and there is the two "bumps" at the lower edge where the block meets the pan. I read a great article on the hamb last night, and what I got out of it makes me think I got a late 38-40. it seems that until I pull a head and see what the bore is, I won't know for sure if it's a 221 or 239. stroke is the same on all the pre war blocks. I wish the "20" cast into the bell housing told more. is it a ford, or a merc? I had asked about the speedway crab distributor to get it started, anybody know about these? I guess Mallory doesn't make them anymore. thanks to all who took the time to read my request, kurt.
 
RalphM said:
81-6050 & 26A on heads, more than likely 1938/39. Does it have any bumps on the side of the block at pan rail?
Or have you pulled the pan? Plugs in the pan rail from underneath will help narrow it down.
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I didn't know you meant "freeze" plugs. I thought it was some other type, sorry, i'll get it.
 
Well technically they are not freeze plugs
Ford put the holes there to get casting sand out of the block. Then plugged them. If you think about it, they would not “pop out” with the oil pan holding them.
As far as the dist goes I would go with an original ford crab unit, rebuilt by Bubba here in the barn, they are excellent units, and I believe he may do them electronic, although I prefer points. JMO

Stromberg also makes an electronic dizzy, there is a thread about it on the V8 forum.
 
RalphM said:
Well technically they are not freeze plugs
Ford put the holes there to get casting sand out of the block. Then plugged them. If you think about it, they would not “pop out” with the oil pan holding them.
As far as the dist goes I would go with an original ford crab unit, rebuilt by Bubba here in the barn, they are excellent units, and I believe he may do them electronic, although I prefer points. JMO

Stromberg also makes an electronic dizzy, there is a thread about it on the V8 forum.
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I can't find any info on the Stromberg piece. i'd like to see that. the original crab dist is a 2 bolt, my cover is a 3 bolt. adaptor? i'll try calling bubba Friday. I need to get everything together to try and start this thing, will be 12v. I don't mind folks telling me what to line up for this event. . . fire extinguisher? that's a good thing to have I bet.
 
Gee - Guys

As Mart & others have said;

24 stud with short crank == 1938 81 only-- the original 81 block.

38 has flat pulley 39 has long crank - extended hub pulley.

Enjoy that Flathead --fine engine!

Flathead guy,

Gene Tulsa
 
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