Flathead Engine Restoration Opportunity
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
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Flathead Engine Restoration Opportunity
So, new here, and I am posting because I’d figure you guys *might* be interested in an engine restoration opportunity.
For a little bit of background, let’s go back to like two days ago. In my engines class, everyone has already disassembled every engine that was in the shop, and we went out to cold storage. I saw a 7.3 in there that piqued my interest, however what genuinely got me curious was a flathead V8 sitting there, on an engine stand that was manufactured in 1951. Its been sitting in there uncovered for Heavenly Father knows how long. I was able to pull it out yesterday, and took it apart today… and it isn’t looking like I’d hoped.
The decks on both are rusted, however, it looks like it is surface rust, the valve paths look relatively unaffected (probably because of how the intake is on the flathead engines). The bores are not super pretty, and I think that a bore-out could save this engine. I have oil currently soaking in 7/8 bores (ones missing a piston), and two bores are now free to move. My instructor is willing to give the engine up for adoption to someone who can breathe new life into it, or for a museum piece. I can only do so mich because I have nowhere near the tools to refinish the entire block. Let alone the sourcing of the parts and the processes for those parts. I was wondering if any of you were up for it?
For a little bit of background, let’s go back to like two days ago. In my engines class, everyone has already disassembled every engine that was in the shop, and we went out to cold storage. I saw a 7.3 in there that piqued my interest, however what genuinely got me curious was a flathead V8 sitting there, on an engine stand that was manufactured in 1951. Its been sitting in there uncovered for Heavenly Father knows how long. I was able to pull it out yesterday, and took it apart today… and it isn’t looking like I’d hoped.
The decks on both are rusted, however, it looks like it is surface rust, the valve paths look relatively unaffected (probably because of how the intake is on the flathead engines). The bores are not super pretty, and I think that a bore-out could save this engine. I have oil currently soaking in 7/8 bores (ones missing a piston), and two bores are now free to move. My instructor is willing to give the engine up for adoption to someone who can breathe new life into it, or for a museum piece. I can only do so mich because I have nowhere near the tools to refinish the entire block. Let alone the sourcing of the parts and the processes for those parts. I was wondering if any of you were up for it?
FTE Community Team
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 8,692
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From: sussex county, nj
it's a good project, parts are very easy to find, as are the parts to turn it into a big inch stroker , tool wise the only odd ball's needed are the valve pickle fork to install the valve and guide assembly back into the block so the retainer clip for the guide can be slipped into place, and lifter holder so the valves can be adjusted.everything else needed are like we use today.
looking at your photo's i have to agree it needs a rebore, block decked lightly to clean it up , the crank may need machining, can't tell if you have a ford 239/8ba or ford truck 239/8rt a merc 255 inch of which my old mind has a brain fart right now on the model letters ,heres a site your get more help from as it's where us old timers hang out more https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...cation.594463/
wanting it, i have 3 right now to rebuild right now,don't need another , one happens to be a lincoln v12
looking at your photo's i have to agree it needs a rebore, block decked lightly to clean it up , the crank may need machining, can't tell if you have a ford 239/8ba or ford truck 239/8rt a merc 255 inch of which my old mind has a brain fart right now on the model letters ,heres a site your get more help from as it's where us old timers hang out more https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...cation.594463/
wanting it, i have 3 right now to rebuild right now,don't need another , one happens to be a lincoln v12
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jt371
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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May 21, 2011 12:05 PM
