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Technical Florida flathead mechanic recommendation

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by bbuswell, Jul 28, 2018.

  1. bbuswell
    Joined: Jul 18, 2007
    Posts: 26

    bbuswell
    Member

    Looking for recommendations for a South Florida shop that can get a 1951 Ford Flathead V8 running. My father rebuilt one, new cam, new heads, twin carbs, etc. and he cannot get it to start. Ran fine before when it was stock but after the modifications it won't start. He' tried everything he can think of. He took it to a local mechanic and he can't get it to run either. My dad found a place in Kansas that specializes in flatheads but the shipping is prohibitive. Recommendations anywhere in Florida are appreciated.

    Thanks
    Brett
     
  2. GordonC
    Joined: Mar 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,456

    GordonC
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Maybe of you describe the symptoms we can help you. I have some experience with a 50 flatty that was rebuilt and wouldn't run and that nightmare is finally over...
     
  3. Quite a few flatheaders in Fla.Some one will see this soon.
    Do you still have the stock distributer?(loadamatic).Won't work well with your updates.
     
  4. bbuswell
    Joined: Jul 18, 2007
    Posts: 26

    bbuswell
    Member

    We appreciate the offer for help but he is done with it and just wants to take it somewhere. The guy who has it now has had it 2 months and keeps screwing him around. Thanks again!
     
  5. A little more information please. Does it have spark? Does it have gas (can you see gas squirting out the accelerator jets when you press the gas pedal)? Do you have the stock manifold and carb you could put back on? Does it try to start but doesn't or just what happens? Is the cam gear in the correct position relative to the crank gear, were the dots lined up (I think that is how they set those engines)? Is it cranking fast enough to start (6 volts need larger diameter cables)? How about a compression test? Start with answering those questions and we can work from there.

    An no, I don't know any mechanics in Florida. Good luck, and be sure to post the answer.

    Charlie Stephens
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2018
  6. bbuswell
    Joined: Jul 18, 2007
    Posts: 26

    bbuswell
    Member

    Charlie, we appreciate the help but after 2 months of going through everything possible he doesn't want to spend anymore time on it. At this point he would rather take it to a flathead expert and let them deal with it. Anywhere in Florida would be great.

    Thanks
     
  7. 56shoebox
    Joined: Sep 14, 2011
    Posts: 1,106

    56shoebox

    Is Stuart to far for you?
     
  8. bbuswell
    Joined: Jul 18, 2007
    Posts: 26

    bbuswell
    Member

    Stuart would be great, I work in Stuart.
     
  9. 56shoebox
    Joined: Sep 14, 2011
    Posts: 1,106

    56shoebox

    The Rod Shop 772-287-3336. Their mechanic, Ray, knows flatheads.
     
  10. bbuswell
    Joined: Jul 18, 2007
    Posts: 26

    bbuswell
    Member

    Thank you!
     
  11. 3340
    Joined: Jun 4, 2010
    Posts: 578

    3340
    Member

  12. GordonC
    Joined: Mar 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,456

    GordonC
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Yes let us know what the problem is so we can add it to the knowledge base. I'd be interested just because of what had gone on with mine!
     
  13. southcross2631
    Joined: Jan 20, 2013
    Posts: 4,412

    southcross2631
    Member

    I could have helped , but I moved to Tn. Sorry, have worked on Flatties since the 60's.
     
  14. 56shoebox
    Joined: Sep 14, 2011
    Posts: 1,106

    56shoebox

    Brett,

    How did you make out with your problem?
     
  15. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 4,237

    rusty valley
    Member

  16. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,319

    19Fordy
    Member

    bbuswell: Before you send it out. Try installing the OEM intake and carb with a good distributer.
    Then make sure the timing is correct and try to start it. The OEM Load-a-matic distributors do not work very well with multiple carbs on an 8BA engine. Are you sure the timing gear and crank gear are aligned properly and you have the valves adjusted properly. Do you have good points, new condenser and good coil? Do you know anyone in the car clubs in Palm Beach?
     

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