Likely a valve stuck open. Your compression numbers are actually pretty good....

 

I'm not a fan of removing the heads to inspect because I've had a bad experience with the flathead that was in my 52. The head bolts cracked and were stuck inside block.

Any tips on removing the head bolts without having them break? Also, if the valve is stuck, what's a good way to unstick it? What if it's bent? Can it be replaced easily without pulling the motor?

I also have Mercury heads that I'm thinking about putting on this engine.... but, if it ain't broke, why fix it???

 

I think if the valve is stuck, the best way is to get it "unstuck" is to get 3 pints of PB Blaster Trans Valve Fix (TVF). Dump one pint in the gas tank. Dump another in the crank case. Dump the last down the carb whilst keeping the engine running. (Make sure the engine is at temp before you start). It will work itself free provided there are no other problems. I used this on a 49 ford business coupe that I thought the motor would have to come apart. Ended up drIving the car 545 miles in one day.

 

Pull the spark plug and see if to can see it moving when you crank it over. You may be able to put some gentle pressure on it to work it down. Pulling the intake would help with lube-ing and getting it moving again. All of the valves could probably use some lube if it's been sitting for a while....

 

Love the project and I hope the lube pops that valve loose.

 

If you have a valve stuck open you will hear the lifter rattling around, not good. You can try pouring some automatic transmission fluid down the carburetor while the engine is running to lubricate the valves. Rev up the motor a bit to keep the engine running while you do this. This makes a heck of a lot of white smoke. You can also find your exhaust leaks by seeing where the white smoke is pouring out.

 

Very nice looking panel, Ilya! Definitely a lot to start with. Makes me jones a bit for the $700 '53 from CL someone posted recently. They have really nice lines.

Love the wheel treatment too, basically the same approach I'm taking with my '52 F-1 sans W/W. Even got the trims rings already, just looking for a good set of 15" rims nearby.

Looking forward to watching the progress.

 

Ilya, Good luck on your project. Now I get to sit back and follow your thread !

 

Not a lot done last week. I've been ordering/collecting parts mainly waiting for my friend to come back from vacation last week. I've also been going through my personal parts yard and finding parts that I've been saving for this project. I must have every weatherstrip and seal for this truck!

My friend came over today and we got the brakes fixed. Reached a milestone today. We were able to drive the truck around the block with our makeshift fuel tank. Some people take their first drive sitting on a bucket or crate, but I do it with a gas can.



Here's the video.



Also received the beauty rings that I bought from a wanted ad on the HAMB. They really dress up the wheels.





On the list for tomorrow is to make all new battery/ground/starter cables and remove the fuel tank.

 

Looking good! I like the wheels.

I was in San Jose today, but couldn't stick around. I'm in Portland tonight.

 

Looking good and making progress, awesome.

 

That's too bad! You could have helped.

 

Looking good!!!

 

I had a 239 once with Mercury heads. Don't put 'em on - you'll be down about 1/2 a point on your compression ratio and lose power and gas mileage.

 

Hey It looks great.

You might have some exhaust leak, the leefs moved under the truck when you reved it, maybe just the fan, pulling my leg.

plain sttel rims with some crome just makes the day, donīt it.