Got a 49' Flathead V-8 now what??

[greenmachinejohn]

I got a 49' flathead V-8 from a friend for free. I would like to restore it but it has a stuck piston. I have completely disassembled the engine exept for the one piston and the oil pump. Are there any books i can get to help me in the restoration of this engine?

[Snowking]

of course you know that piston has to get out. Soak it with diesel or oil or brake fluid, WD-40, anything except water really.

Give it a day or 2 of soaking then grab a piece of wood that fits so it will hit against the piston pin and hit away. Don't rush it though it will come out with time.

Before we can get you advice on parts, it would be nice if you can tell us what your plans are for the motor, if you want it stock or if you are looking to push out a few more hp.

[greenmachinejohn]

I'm looking for stock, nothin fancy i want it like original exept 12v. and i'm on a budget

[kotzy]

What was the cause of the piston locking up? Kerosene in a bore will often loosen up rust if that is the problem. I wouldn't hit on the crown but rather try turning the engine back and forth. If it doesn't move resoak, once it does lower the piston in the bore without raising it against the rust until you scrape that stuff out of there. A couple of oilings and wiping the bores and if all else looks good you may be able to have it run on what you have. Seized from mechanical failure is another story, but I has been my finding in most cases those failures end up as a heavy drag not a lock up. Kotzy

[mtflat]

Any free flathead is a good one

Usually one of two causes of one stuck piston - either the engine was left sitting with the carb/air cleaner removed and moisture (in the form of rain or humidity) got in thru the intake manifold OR the block is cracked in that cylinder. When you get it out check carefully.

The suggestions you have so far should loosen it. In severe cases I've already used punches to bust up pistons to get them out in pieces. Last resort kinda thing.

Oil pump - they can stick pretty tight. Lots of penetrating oil from top and bottom and patience. I prefer PB Blaster. You can get to the top end by removing the cover plate on the back of the block where the drive gear meshes with the cam gear.

The tolerances around the shaft housing are pretty close and its fine sludge that got inbetween over the years that you're trying to get back out. One suggestion I read about was to turn the block upside down, hook a chain around the pump and lift the block off the ground about 1/4" and let the weight of the block dislodge it. The housing is cast so if you hammer on it you'll break it.

[effie_man]

there are lots of books for flathead rebuilding/restoration. The one i like is Ford Flathead V-8 Builder's Handbook 1932-1953 by Frank Oddo. You can find these kind of things online book stores and ebay for about $30

[greenmachinejohn]

The Engine has been setting for over 10 years and its only one piston that is rusted. Ive been slowly working at it.

[mtflat]

The difference I was talking about is whether it was setting partially disassembled or totally intact, in a shed or outside. Makes a hugh difference on how much water/snow/sleet/humidity has made it's way deep inside.

They can sit inside for a long time without problems as long as they're not open. Depends also where you live. Coastal and mid-west gulf moisture gets deeper into an engine.

If the rings of that one piston are solidly rusted to the bore it's usually cause to examine very carefully. If it's just lightly stuck with crud you're probably ok.

[greenmachinejohn]

Its been in Michigan. It was intact outside. It is full disassembled in my garage right now. I plan to have it bored anyways. Its to old to try to rebuild as is.

[Snowking]

good luck there keep us posted, but before doing mush machining, crack the block for those horried cracks...

[greenmachinejohn]

Theres no cracks, the friend i got it from already checked it over.