Trying to get a start on a motor for my 49' Mercury and found a block for sale nearby that was from a 49' Mercury flathead so I bought it. Problem is the guy can't find the main end caps. Is this thing a boat anchor or what options do I have to salvage this flathead and place it in its rightful place. I love the look of the flathead and like the idea of keeping it with a 49. Any help or suggestions would be great. If some one has a stash of caps that I can try for a fit that would be great.
You can probably find endcaps--- but fitting them is another story. You'll probably have to get it line bored.
As expensive as flatheads are getting, you may still be $$ ahead if you purchase a block with the caps in place instead of spending the $$ to get your current block line bored.
Go to the fordbarn.com someone there will probably have some extra caps. You will still have to have it line bored.
Just remember--it ain't a Mercury unless it has a crank (4") in it. All '49-'53 Ford and Merc blocks are the same.
The flip side of this is that plenty of caps should be available from all the junk cracked blocks out there. Before even buying caps, have the block thoroughly checked for cracks.
It will require line bore, BUT, they had one in the machine shop last year when mine was there that had missing caps. They located a replacement set and they fit almost perfect. It is hard to believe that caps off one engine would fit another one like that, require very little clean up.
Over on the poor, stingy, and ingenious front...read this: http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9925&highlight=main+caps If trying it...measure caps on block re-measure with bearing shells in.. then crank plus plasti-gauge... then just rotate crank with some oil in there, because if you have correct clearance but in the wrong place there will be marks. It is not uncommon to find caps that will interchange on flatheads because original machining of carnk-to cam centerlines and crank
If you decide to use the block I have extra sets of 8BA main bearing caps. On my flathead race blocks I replace the stock caps with steel caps so I always have good sets in stock. Send me a PM if you need a set the cost for a set of caps and line boring is not that bad if the block you have is good.
Thanks everyone for helping. I'm currently hunting down a set of end caps so crossing fingers that I find some and crossing them again that they work. BTW I'm in AZ if an end cap set is nearby shoot me a message. Good info all of thanks.
First, I would go back to the guy who sold you the block and help him clean his garage. The caps may be laying there missing their block.
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