Flathead Questions

radioFlyer55 · Jun 14, 2010

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; ch****t=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Do***ent"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CPeter%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CPeter%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CPeter%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><style>  </style> I have a number of questions regarding my 8AB engine, and am hoping someone can shed some light. I now have the block stripped down, and am getting it ready for cleaning and testing, and of course questions have come up:
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Pressure testing versus magnafluxing I spoke to fellow at a local shop, and he recommended I skip magnafluxing and just pressure test the block. Any thoughts?
If I do go with magnaflux, this would include not just the block but the heads, main bearing caps & main bolts as well?
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Broken casting at rear seal This engine had been mated up to a 70s automatic transmission, and somebody clearance the block a bit for the torque converter adapter. They did manage to crack off a small piece of block at the rearmost left oilpan bolt hole (1/4-28 I think). It is marginally usable. Does this affect the rear seal?
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Cylinder bores After ridge reaming and light honing, these seem to have cleaned up ok. They are typically out of round ~0.001 and tapered ~0.001 also, and all measurements are between 3.247 and 3.250. I would prefer not to spring for reboring if I can avoid it. Would a new set of 0.060 over pistons be happy here? This is very close to 3-1/4, should I be looking at 3.25 pistons instead?
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Pistons these are 0.060 over, and are quite worn, being out of round ~0.005, and tapered typically 0.020 to 0.030. Lots of wear, scoring and maybe even spalling. I ***ume these are toast.
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Piston rings - A number are broken, this may be due to my having removed them without first using a ridge reamer. Many of the rings are completely crudded in place, so maybe I broke them trying to remove them. In any case I dont see any obvious scoring in the cylinders. Interestingly the ring gaps are on the order of 0.100 or greater, maybe this explains the crud?
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Piston lands - I have subsequently read that my piston removal technique can damage the piston lands. Is this a subtle form of damage or would I see a missing chunk of piston if this had happened?
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Valve seats most of these seem to be in good condition, with the exception of 2 of the intakes, which are a bit eroded (and which had had new valves installed).
How do I determine wear limits on this part?
If I replace them, should I replace all of them?
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Recommended cam I am thinking a somewhat more exciting cam is in order, I have a 3x2 Offenhauser manifold with Stromberg 97s which will eventually be used. The engine will be coupled through a 39 trans to a Model A rear end, so nothing too too crazy, just a bit more fun?
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Clutch These appear to be somewhat generic I guess, but I dont know. Short of dragging my stock flywheel around to flea markets, what do I need look for to get a usable clutch?
<o> </o>
·[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Water Pumps- I have a pair of 37-46 pumps. These castings lacks a topmost port that feeds into the head via a drilling in the block. Are there any issues with putting a plug in the block drilling?
<o> </o>
Finally- I am in the north Jersey area, any recommendations for a shop that is knowledgeable about working on flatheads?

55 dude · Jun 14, 2010

the guys at the ford barn would be able to help.

radioFlyer55 · Jun 15, 2010

OK, probably good advice. Anybody else want to chime in?

JohnEvans · Jun 15, 2010

Magnaflux first it's quick and cheap,shows any major probs time to rethink using that block. Pistons are MADE out of round and tapered,it's called cam grinding ! Stock bore is 3.187 so .060 should read about 3.247, but this depends on the exact pistons used. Cylinder bores are finished to the clearance needed for the pistons being used. A .060 piston from different mfgs. can vary by a few thou.

imnezrider · Jun 15, 2010

radioFlyer55 said: ↑

Finally- I am in the north Jersey area, any recommendations for a shop that is knowledgeable about working on flatheads?
Click to expand...

http://businessfinder.nj.com/4967395/North-Plainfield-Auto-Rebuilders-North-Plainfield-NJ

Bob Howell
North Plainville, NJ

908-754-2264

Built mine......

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Flathead Questions

radioFlyer55
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55 dude
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Flathead Questions

radioFlyer55 Member from usa.va.eastville

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imnezrider Member from Harper, Texas

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radioFlyer55
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imnezrider
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from Harper, Texas