Pulling stuck flathead V8

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 21, 2011 | 10:32 AM

cruisetopdown

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,034

Likes: 330

From: Waterford, VA. USA

Pulling stuck flathead V8

It's time to get serious and pull the stuck flathead. I have had it soaking with PB for several months with no luck getting it to free up, so I have decided to pull it so I can take it apart and do this the right way. My question is regarding the actual removal of the engine.....Can it be lifted high enough to clear the fenders (hood off of course), or does it require the removal of the front end bodywork?

As always, thanks for the advise.

Wade

Apr 21, 2011 | 10:51 AM

mtflat

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 6,765

Likes: 547

From: Kalispell, MT

Yes, but it depends on what you're lifting with. Standard cherrypicker will do it.

It is much easier however to remove the 12 bolts holding the front end on and lift it out of the way.

2 bolts at the bottom of the radiator support, 1 each side in the firewall seam, 2 each side in the fender, 1 each side in the deflector at the running board and some have one each side to the frame. iirc

Apr 21, 2011 | 11:47 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,283

Likes: 1,046

From: NM

I'd check with your hoist closely first; to get down close to the block (short chain) your cherry picker's boom may not clear the front end. You want a good strong, stable picker if you're going to have 600 lbs that high in the air, and be rolling it around. Taking off the front wheels to lower the truck would help.

One thing I've always wanted to see tried on a stuck engine is putting hot water in it. It seems to me expanding the cylinders away from the pistons could do a lot more good than soaking, or maybe augment the penetrating oil's action. You'd probably have to add HW, drain after it cools, add more, etc. but it sure seems worth a try.

Apr 21, 2011 | 01:16 PM

cruisetopdown

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,034

Likes: 330

From: Waterford, VA. USA

I have a hf 2 ton picker, but am not sure if it will be strong enough to lift that high with the boom extended that far out. I also have a lift in the garage that I can use to lift it if I need to, but thought I would set the truck on the lift with no wheels and lowered to the ground, then cherry pick it. I don't really want to pull the front end as I don't have space for the parts inside (other projects) and don't want them sitting on the ground outside if I can help it.
w

Apr 21, 2011 | 01:41 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,283

Likes: 1,046

From: NM

You might get it out at a shorter boom extension coming in from the side. Any way you could use your lift, up in the air, with a chainfall down to the engine? (depends what kind of lift it is)

Apr 21, 2011 | 02:55 PM

52 5 star

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 133

Likes: 0

From: Hillsboro, Or

I pulled mine withjust the front grill and radiator and its support and exhaust mainfolds removed. It fit right between the fenders

Apr 21, 2011 | 03:34 PM

49fordpickumup

Elder User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 907

Likes: 1

From: Kansas City, Mo

When I disassembled my front end it was easy to remove after the bolts were removed. You can reinstall the front end on the truck after engine removal, no extra space needed and you may want to paint the engine bay, front frame etc. No chance of banging the fenders etc when removing the engine. Someone already mentioned swinging the engine around 5-6 feet off the ground. I can just see a hoist losing pressure in the pump. I had several of the chinese shop tools purchased after a tool show in Houston. They lasted until the first time they started leaking fluid and you couldn't find parts,about 6-8 months, especially "o" rings to reseal the pumps. Be safe, chuck