Technical Another V-8 60 question

I mentioned in a previous post about briefly starting a Ford V8-60 that had an unknown history and had not run in a long time

Before I commit to building a vehicle for the engine should I at least pull the heads? Are these engines known to develop cracks? It appears, from seeing gasket sealer around the edges of the head head gaskets that some time many years ago the heads were off. I drained the oil and it just looked like old smelly oil. In reality this vehicle won't be driven very much or at high speeds.
Thanks

 

That flathead is probably full of sludge that if you have not seen in old engines, you will not believe! Pull the intake and the pan and you will see what I mean. Do not just run it! Good luck-----Gary

 

The least you should do before attempting to run this engine is to pull the pan and intake and clean both chambers as much as possible. Checking oil pump screen and cleaning as well. Also pull water pumps, check thermostats, and run water through both sides of the cooling system until clear. use welding rod or coat hangers to "dig out" sediment settled into water jackets and flush, flush, flush.

 

I wouldn't mess with the heads. Pull the pan and the manifold as stated, and if it looks good run it. I wouldn't risk broken studs for a look on an engine like that.

 

don't run without checking everything - yes, they are prone to cracks - post some pics of motor for us

 

I just got home,checked this thread...And pulled the intake.....Not bad..





The engine all together looks like this..Eddie Meyer intake.

 

Hell ! That thing is ready for Indianapolis . Whata you think ?

 

I'm a Chevy and motorcycle guy but this Flattie **** is interesting....And in some ways more complicated than a Chevy 6 of the same year...

 

Looks great, I would try it as is! Gary