I was very excited to finally find a Flathead for my 31. I picked it up for cheap. I brought it home and opened it up to see what my rebuild might involve....HOLY MOLY, The crank was slit in the middle and the center bearing cap was broke off. Im debating to look for another one at this point. It has a small chip out of the center journal. Then again I might take it to Wallace Machine and have it lined bored. See what he thinks.Anyone out there ever run in to this? I just dont know if I should move on, or roll with it. Im trying to do a traditjonal 31. Its fighting me all the way so far, but it wouldnt be fun if it didnt
The block is the hard part …… cranks are dime a dozen. Main caps (for flathead) believe it or not can be found that go right on without linebore.
Sounds like a perfect excuse to build a stroker. I see a 4" Merc crank or bigger **** in your future.....
Yep back in the 60s I broke a center main cap. Went to a junk yard a friend worked at and went to the flathead pile ,pulled the pan off one and grabbed the center cap. Went home ,plastic gaged it,looked good. Put the pan back on and the engine ran as good as before and was still running several owners and years later.
Take the block and have it cleaned and maged and look for a crank. 3 3/4 ford cranks are pretty plenty full and cheap; everyone wants the 4" merc cranks. If the block is good you're still ahead.
+1 on this; when I first read it, I had to look twice to see that it wasn't me. That engine lasted me for two cars afterwards.
Did you say split crank as in 2 pieces? I've torn down lots of flattys but have never seen anything like that. Sorry to hear it. Would love to see some pics. I'd give you a 3 3/4" crank if you lived closer. As mentioned...they're a dime a dozen.
The crank split right in front of the center cap, The center cap was ripped off and laying in the pan. It sheared the bolts off in the block flush.. As soon as I figure out how to post pics on here I will... the center journal has slight scare on one side,guess it did that when it let loose. Only thing I can figure out is maybe it lost oil in the center and the bearings got hot and froze.. Who knows, But I never seen a crank come out in 2 pcs. I am gonna drop it off tomorrow at the machine shop to have it dipped and checked.If I get off of work in time...WISH ME LUCK...=]
This is the pics fellas, If you look you can see a small nick in the one side of the journal...ITS ALSO HAS A CUSTOM 2 PC. CRANK....
Yes sir, he used to build my fathers motors back in the day. I warned him I will be bringing it by....He warned me how much it cost to build a flathead these days.....I just want it done right. Thats all Im worried about....It will see alot of miles, I hope.
Weld damage in block if needed, Carve out a billet steel (mild is fine) center cap. Install with ARP type studs, Align Bore, STROKER TIME...
This is the first time I've heard this. I have a block missing all caps and would be interested to know where you've found them. All I seem to find are the larger aftermarket or 4 bolt type that require extensive machining and line boring.
Im speaking of caps from other blocks … no shortage of dead blocks out there as you know. Its fairly common knowledge w old V8 builders that caps will interchange between blocks …. it may take finding a few sets to try but it does work.
Well fellas, As i was getting ready to load up the motor for a trip to the machineshop. My old man called and said I need ya to go with me for 20 minutes...So I did. Turns out he found me a RUNNING AND COMPLETE 53 EAB from a ford p***enger car. A friend of his tucked it away 2 yrs. ago after removing it from his hotrod to put in a 350....Also gave me a small engine running stand ...I AM ONE HAPPY CAMPER. I pick it up Friday, picks to follow...
I have heard of flatheads breaking the crank in two. One guy told me he broke his by going down hill in 2nd gear,and turning the ignition off,then back on. Others have broken them while racing them. The cap goes first. I just sold a truck load of flathead parts,with 2 virgin Ford cranks,and extra caps,from s****ped blocks.
That’s great news. Hang onto that block … thats the kind I like to find. It has an obvious reason for not running and probably is crack free….better than most you find rhat have been overheated..
I broke a center main cap along with both bolts on my merc flathead. A friend gave me a replacement cap and it checked out good with plastic guage I bought a main cap support from Speedway but used longer grade 8 bolts than the ones supplied for extra insurance. My flat is running now as good as ever
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