Found a flathead and....

[austin2466]

The guy says it smokes every so often...not all the time. He said it is grey smoke, which means oil blow bye right? It is the flathead v8. I would like to get the motor for my truck, but was wondering what I'm looking at. He says that his mechanic buddies think it needs a set of rings. That would mean tearing down the whole motor right? I have never seen the inside of a flathead. I can go hear the thing run, think I will do a compression check. What do you guys think? He says that he has driven the car everywhere with it randomly smoking and there are no problems idleing and no power loss. So? Thanks, Chad

[flatheadjohn]

Tell it to quit smoking or else! Seriously if it was bad rings in would smoke all the time so it could be something else. Doing a compression check would be a good thing to do and that will give you sort of an idea of what the condition the engine is in. Flatheads aren't that complicated and are pretty simple. If you need some help and want someone to go with you to evaluate the engine give me a call and perhaps this weekend I can help you.
John 916 212-0657

[ALBUQ F-1]

It could have a ring that is sticking due to varnish, tight but not completely stuck. Some SeaFoam down the cylinders and in the oil will break it loose, if that's what it is. Usually flatties don't suck oil past the guides, since they are pointing downwards.

[55 f350]

doubt it's anything serious , and take flathead up on his offer , but make sure he leaves his wallet at home !!!!!!!!!!! mine sat for a 1/4 century before it was started and ran again . i took some comet mixed in a small bottle of gas and fed it to her a little ata time to do the same thing ross is suggesting with seafoam . helped her out and driving it all the time didn't hurt either . don't worry 'bout the comet it's fine enough not to scratch the cylinder walls or damage anything and it'll burn in the fuel , and it's an abrasive so it cleans the cylinder walls etc.......