I have a 50 flathead v8 in my 49 F1, running 6V. This is my first flathead and I have some questions. Loud generator: Is there anyway way of quieting this thing down? It seems to come in and out with it's loudness. It's so loud in my cab I can't even have a conversation sometimes. Increasing strength of starter: When I start her up it often seems like there's barely enough juice to turn it over. Sometimes it works great, sometimes it barely spins. I've noticed I have a lot more power if I start the engine using the solenoid vs. the ignition switch. Fuel mileage: I get about 10-12 highway, maybe 6 city. Any tips/tricks to get some more bang for my buck? Overheating: I seem to overheat occasionally. What is usually the main culprit, or are they just prone to over heating? Any other words of wisdom will be appreciated.
here's a post of what i did on the cooling system of my first flathead, and it worked out great: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227231 -scott noteboom
As far as the generator is concerned, remove the belt and spin it, you might have a dry bearing that is gonna leave ya sitting. Not too tough to get a bearing and replace it though. That might lead to a better charge on the battery and might solve your starter issue too, but I would remove and clean every single connection in the starter circuit to start then see what you have.
Thanks for the advice so far. Those Speedway water pumps are on my list to do, as is rebuilding the generator. I'm kind of used to carrying a spare battery at this point. I have a new wiring harness, I'm just debating whether I should go to 12 volt or not. It's tempting.
I run mine 6V and have no problems with it. I've even left the truck in the garage for 2 months, and it fired right up. When things are right, you'll have no weak starting, etc. Just gotta give it a little more love than 12V. Also-- 6V means double the amps (thus heat) on the wiring, keep that in mind, size accordingly and dont burn the car down -scott noteboom
Just went through the same problems with my latest project........... Probably need NEW battery cables. I ****ed around with everything and was too stubborn to believe that was the problem. I made new ones out of 2AWG cable and it starts every time.. Get Generator rebuilt........Unusually loud means bad bearing Put water pumps and thermostats in it. I took small block chevy 160 deg. thermostats and cut them down. They work perfectly...
You're getting some good advice here. Attend to the generator before it siezes up - early ones had an oiler, but I don't believe the late ones do. Flush your cooling system well and run straight water with a wetting agent & a corrosion inhibiter. Also make sure your timing is accurate - stock distributor on these are poor to begin with. Take apart & clean all of your grounds and terminals in the starting circuit - that will help the 6V work better. I've made my own cables up as well using 0ga fine-strand welding wire - not cheap, but well worth it. 6V can't tolerate poor grounds as well as 12V can.
new battery cables will help. i had regular 12 volt ones on my 6 volt flattie.. it would turn slow too. i switched to double 0 welding cable tha i got from a local battery place and ive never had a slow start since. and there is a oiling hole in the rear of your generator. try a litte oil in there and see if it quiets down.
i agree with flat ernie flush the radiator good,real good,run distilled water and 1 to 2 bottles of water wetter,they sell it at auto places like kragen etc this **** works real well it will drop the temp,also change out the thermostats if you already havent done so,sticking thermos stats ****. flatheads when timeed right will run all day everyday but when the timing is retarded they will overheat ,time that ***** right,stock dizzies arent that good you may want to look into something like a mallory,also electric fan if you want extra cooling ability in stop and go traffic always helps,traditionalist might give you **** but if it keeps the temp where it should be who cares..good luck welcome to the flathead club
If you're thinking of changing out the distributor, check out the ones that GMC BUBBA builds for flatties from a Chevy unit. Full mechanical advance and more advance than the stock Load-o-matic. I'm running the Speedway pumps as well, great design. Flatman
Sounds like everything was covered but the mileage. It should do better than that. After you get it timed right, rebuild the carburetor and replace the power valve. Make sure the float setting is correct. Bob
I like the flattie club. I already have my carb kit so that's on the agenda. I was also thinking I might go electronic ignition from Pertronix. I have a lot of friends running them and they love it. I know my timing is running advanced as it is. http://www.vintageperformance.com/retrorockets/ford1.htm Thanks guys
who wants to start the flattie club? exchange ideas,photos,stories websites,etc..could be real nice like..what do ya say?..sorry to get o/t with ya thread
i think bruce would make a great grand poobah,that is a brillant choice, now if your out there, and i know you are some where ,would you accept this great nomination thrust upon you?...we need a flattie club..would do you say?
The problem with converting your stock distributor to Pertronix is you still have a ****py distributor, it just has an electronic trigger now. The stock 8BA-style load-a-matic (****-o-matic) distributor is a POS. I'd look into GMC Bubba's converted chevy distributor...IIRC they were very reasonably priced & parts are available anywhere. If you want electronic, convert it!
Points, but you could run the Pertronics in it. It's basically a 1970 Chevy pickup distributor, remachined for a flathead, everything new inside and ready to go. Shoot him a PM, I hear he's building a batch up. Flatman
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147578&highlight=flathead+chevrolet-tech Send him a PM, great guy to deal with, really knows his stuff. Flatman
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