Flathead clean and check

A question for the engine builders. I have a 8BA Ford Flathead block I want to get cleaned and checked for cracks. I've got it stripped down pretty good, all the internals are out and now I'm looking at what looks like an oil pump idler gear on the back of the block(behind the flywheel). Does this need to be removed before cleaning by a machine shop and if so, how do you get it out?

Any other tips appreciated also. Thanks in advance.

EricVA

 

Remove all the cover bolts, remove cover and gear. You'll also need to remove the plugs at each end of the oil galley as well as the fuel pump pushrod bushing to do a really good job of cleaning.

Bob

 

This is one way to get it out. People have also made pullers.

http://flatheaddrag.com/gpf/gpf4backend.html

 

The oil pump idler gear runs on a shaft that is a tight fit in the back of the block. Looking at the end of the shaft that is facing you, you will see threads in the middle of the shaft. Use a piece of pipe that will fit over the end of the shaft that is two inches long. Make sure the inside dia. of the pipe will fit over the shaft holding the idler gear. Double nut a piece of threaded rod and screw it into the threads in the middle of the idler shaft. Remove the nuts and install the pipe on the threaded rod against the idler gear. Install a couple of flat washers against the pipe. Use just one nut this time and install it up against the flatwashers. You have just made yourself a puller. Turn the nut with a wrench and the idler gear shaft will come out of the block. Hope this helps you.

 

Now that's a great tech for the flathead begginers. Thanks Jim. BTW The gezzer seems to be in a mighty uncluttered area of the unheated garage

 

I use a slide hammer like Jim showed.

 

When your finished tearing it down I suggest a bake and blast after a hot tank. it's the best method of getting EVERYTHING out of the casting.

Frank

 

I paid $100 for the boil treatment, it was the first time and never happier with results. I chipped, scraped, wire wheeled, and hand washed too many parts and never had something so cherry to start with. Have 3 more blocks and they all will get run through the process soon.