Hi In an effort to get my flathead running i have discovered that when Turing engine by hand with the plugs out there is a hard stop in the revolution. Engine has been sitting for about 40 years. Anyone out there had this problem.?? Please share any ideas thx Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
It will turn about three or four revolutions before stopping Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
That's weird. Seems maybe there's something going on with the valve train. Maybe a stuck valve is stoping the cam and the cam is stopping the crank. You might need to pop off the heads to see why it's stopping.
You need to go through it. It could be rings oxidized to the pistons or valves. Could be something in there too....no telling on one that's been sitting that long.
Just curious, what is "acceptable" amount of force to use in trying to break a stuck flathead free? This thread since the motor does move some, seems obvious it is a stuck valve. Is a 24" breaker bar on the crank and a mild push acceptable? How about a 36" bar and a big push? Just seems these valves are notorious for sticking, but read all kinds of stories about various forms of abuse that worked out well. Like loading the back of a truck up with rocks and then dragging it around the field in gear. Just curious because I also have a stuck flathead, I put a 24" bar on it and a wussy push and then just refilled the cylinders with atf a couple weeks ago. Soon I plan to really give it a good attempt.
I once split a fiber cam gear by trying to turn over from crank with big *** bar. The best way is to take off the intake and use a valve bar or pry bar and try and push the valve up. With the head off you can put alittle heat on it and they usually pop up. Then you can also inspect the valve seat.
Good question. I really don't know how much force is ok. I have been using like a standard 1/2 ratchet. Is it possible to break the valve. Don't want to make things worse! Should I try a large breaker bar ? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
You really need to take the heads off and look at what is going on. You have a stuck valve. Take the heads off and discover which one or two or three it is. Once determined which one or two it is start lubricating them with your favorite rust buster. Like someone else said "gaskets are cheap"
Do yourself a favor and remove it and clean it and dis***emble and repair what needs to be . You will be in a positive in the fun factor column when all said and done
Probably a valve like they said above . I have seen valves pushed through the tops of the lifter. So don't get too crazy.
This makes no sense. Two revolutions will run the engine through a complete cycle. All the valves will open and close. If it will go three or four revolutions, then there is something very odd going on
Probably a dead rat that crawled up through the exhaust port and your crushing his head. LOL. Tear it down and look, don't ***ume.
Sorry. I meant about 3/4 revolution Not all the way around. I'm sure everyone is right. Stuck valve. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Don't force it, you could easily bist a valve stem, or crush a lifter, or both. Like everyone says pull the heads and intake.
Ok guys. Update on my stuck engine. I work at a local Ford Dealership here in town in the business office. I Have been working there for about nine years Yesterday one of the salespeople introduced me to a man that had worked there from early 60's to mid 80's. In the shop. Never met him before. They said I should ask him about my flathead problem he told me to do the following. Fill each cylinder overflowing with marvel mystery oil Used two quarts Put plugs in hand tight. Turn crank by hand best you can. Should hear compression in cylinder. Take plugs out and and crank by hand back and forth between the stop points in the revolution. I did this two hours. Oil shot out all over my garage. Lol. Huge mess I should have put a towel over plug holes. I let it sit last night with the plugs out After work this evening I pulled the car out in the driveway and prayed as I crawled under to give it a try. First few times back and forth no difference. Hard stop. I used only a regular ratchet so I could not beak anything. About the fifth time I broke through the obstruction. Praise God whatever it was is now moving. I guess the oil worked into the valves or whatever. I turned clockwise 15-20 times with no problems tonight. I put the plugs back in and pushed back in the garage. I think it will start now..... Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
YAY, am glad to hear that. Thanks for posting back. Please post back the results of starting it. I tried to start my dodge for the first time last Friday. Has been parked since 1978 and has a flathead 6. As I cranked it over and watched the oil pressure gauge to see it was getting lubed, I then gave her a shot of gas and turned on the ignition key. Stepped on the starter and got nothin, will have to pull the starter and replace the brushes, but I am getting close.
Welllll I just removed my radiator to make it easier to replace the engine mounts. With good access to the damper nut and all spark plugs out, I tried to turn the engine ... very tough with a 12" breaker bar ... but I noted it became easier for 1/3 revolution or so. Donno why but you asked if others have experienced it. I have. I've yet to hear my engine run but I don't expect it won't. I'm just slow and keep finding other things to clean or replace. I will do the MMO thing and hope to experience your results. Thanks for the towel suggestion
It's always amazed me how many people just break an engine free, and run it. You all must have much better luck then I do. The 21 stud I recently rebuilt wasn't even stuck, but I tried to start it and couldn't get spark. So, I opened things up instead. Broken rings in at least 6 cylinders, needed a bore, and the crank ground. Can't imagine these stuck engines are doing great on the inside.
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