I went accrossed the street to check out my 8Rt block. Guess what....more cracks than the original one. I have everything else that went on this block if anyone needs something from a 8RT let me know. I was so frustrated by a second cracked block that I stayed out in the garage and tore down a flathead 6 ---- 7HA something. Boy...I sure showed that 8RT I wasn't giving up!! lol. I spent three hours taking this one apart until I got down to the valves. I had the tool loaned to my by my neighbor from Story Motors. I just went into the spring instead of under it. Once I put the spring compressor under the spring and tapped down the valve there were the clips...easy to remove. I then started to remove the cam. It was stuck, I couldn't get it out. Back to Story...by the way I call him "dad" now. He's been a great help to a 37 year old novice. He told me I had to take off the timing gear. He didn't tell me there were locking clips next to the nuts though. Once I figured that out, I removed the gear to find two retainer bolts holding in the cam. Once I took them out the cam followed easily. I took the block over to have it magnifluxed. Cross you fingers. I will know tomorrow. The trials of these old ford flatheads. If it is good, I will put it back together with some a rebuild kit and hopefully get my truck running.

 

Where was the "Death Crack" at, do you have pictures? As I don't know your motor people I think you should get the sentence verified before you shot that thing.

 

I agree with Dick. My Dad loved those old flatheads because you could run a cracked block for YEARS. Where are the cracks?

 

I will check the block tomorrow and let you know. Story has been building these for years so I just went with his opinion. I will let you know. Thanks Kevin

 

We have are fingers crossed for you.

Step back, sip a frosty beverage or two, maybe it will look better tomorrow

Bobby

 

I have a complete spare 7HA minus block (it was shot) if you need any parts let me know. I also have a 53 254 I just bought which as it turned out to have busted #1 piston and put the rod through the cylinder wall. I'm thinking about trying to repair it with a sleeve though.

 

I thought cracks were factory installed with a time delay feature,according to my uncle

 

You could be right. I heard there was actually a FoMoCo part number for them but I can't remember it.

 

Bad news on my 53 M350, from very low compression in some of the cylinders to none in one or two! Yikes, it needs alot of help but at least I haven`t found any antifreeze leaks other than rotten water hoses that I replaced.

 

I have seen one instance, and heard of several others where "Engine Builders" have claimed a Flathead block dead after cleaning. They then offer to get rid of the scrap block.
In the one case that I'm sure of that block was sold for $500.00.
Before I bury a Flatmotor, I want to check the pulse.

 

I have seen the cracks. There was four different cracks the maniflux showed them very easily. I just hope the flat head 6 isn't cracked. I have to pick up another next week, just in case. I have another flathead 8 I think its a 8AB but I'm not sure where. I wont have time to check because this is Massillon - MCKinley Week 10 of our High School Football Season. I have to do a dinner for 350 tonight, Lunch for 150 tomorrow, and another order for 180, so that leave no time for the trucks until Sunday.

 

I'm with Dick on the prognosis. It depends where the cracks were. Some running from valve pocket to cylinder can be pinned as long as you can get to both ends of the crack. Some have even been sealed successfully with block sealing products like waterglass (sodium silicate solutions) because these systems use such low pressure rad caps it is an outside option.

The pn cracks are those that run between head bolt holes and the water jacket holes. No need to do anything with these.

About the only cracks that are fatal are freeze cracks along the oil pan rails and involving the main crank webs.

 

While we're talking flatties, I thought you guys might enjoy this. I got the brakes working on the panel, I had to replace all the wheels cylinders because even thought the brakes had 0 miles, it sat for 10+ years and the wheel cylinders got gunked up with crud. Anyways, I got the brakes done and had my camcorder handy and a little time.

Now for a little motor music

 

Yeah, Bobby!!!! That sounds sweeeet!!!

 

You guys talk about casting cracks. Have you ever looked into "spray welding" or what some refer to as a powder torch. I had a cracked head on a 2.9L Bronco II (they're notorious for it) that went from one valve cover lip to the other. I repaired it with spray weld and my nephew is still driving it today (5 years later). Have even considered setting up a shop specializing in it. Generate a little retirement fund for the 52!