hey, theres a flathead on ebay and it doesnt say which one it is. 24 bolts I count. ebay Flatty . I have an 8BA flathead, will my distributor and carburetor work on this one?
From the front cover type, it is a 38/41 Could be a 46/48 with a different cover.Looks a little crudy to be an 8000 mi rebuild? Your carb will work but you will need the earlier style dist.
Rebuilt 8000 miles ago; back in 1950's maybe. Looks like it sat in a lean to ever since. If it is a 221 it aint worth much anyway.
I was looking at that one the other day. looks like most of the nuts are missing off the head studs. Here's a link to another one that said it needs a rebuild and it starts at $100 and no bids on it. I counted 24 bolts on it too. Another flatty on ebay
Were there any year to year changes on the 8BA motors, or can I basically call mine anywhere from 49 to 53?
The 48-54 8BA block was pretty much unchanged. The differences internally were cams, valves/guides, oil pump plus the crank in the Merc. As the years progressed valve seat inserts were gradually eliminated. Externally there are several changes depending on the application, heads changed also.
Yea, the rebuild is definately suspect? But my vote is 59A due to the integral Bell Housing. Pick up Tex Smith's Flathead book, it's a great source. I've learned quite a bit about the thing. I've rebuilt a sbc, but am new to flatheads.
It was mentioned at the beginning of this post but I guess not all can read back that far. It appears to be a prewar engine which is not a 59A. The term 59A is thrown around as a generic catch all for the 24 stud center water outlet. There will be a casting ID on the top of the bell housing that will divulge its heritage. If it is pure jibberish then it is a replacement block and a head will have to be pulled to measure the bore. With any luck it is a prewar Merc 239 incher which are known for extra thick walls.
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