flathead runs, now what
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 19
From: scotia. NY 12302
flathead runs, now what
am taking my 49 f-1 out of 22 year storage. starter not quite working, but oiled up cylinders and bump started it. it started easily and eventually would idle down pretty good. it was rebuilt in '77 prior to 8 years as a daily driver. it smokes quite a bit out of the crankcase vent pipe. we will check compression etc to see if it is saveable, but in the meantime, is there anyting we can do to loosen it up (or maybe tighten it up)? any additive to loosen up the rings, etc. or am i just dreaming?? i probably should be thinking rebuild or replace, huh? dick r.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,292
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From: NM
Did you change the oil before starting it? I hope so. Add a can of SeaFoam to the crankcase, it is very good at dissolving varnish, but you don't want to leave a full can in the crankcase for more than 5 or 6 hours' run time. I wouldn't take it on the highway either. Flatheads build varnish in the crankcase, especially the valve chest, and SeaFoam will do as good as anything to dissolve it. But then, you need to get it out of there!!
If the rings are sticky, you can pull the plugs and put a couple tablespoons of SeaFoam in each cylinder overnight. Crank it over with the plugs STILL OUT (it may spray some Sea Foam!) the next morning, then put in plugs and start up.
Smoking from the filler tube isn't that unusual when you aren't moving (driving). By the way when you change the oil, I'd use Delo400 (diesel engine oil), it has stronger detergents than current gasoline engine oils.
If the rings are sticky, you can pull the plugs and put a couple tablespoons of SeaFoam in each cylinder overnight. Crank it over with the plugs STILL OUT (it may spray some Sea Foam!) the next morning, then put in plugs and start up.
Smoking from the filler tube isn't that unusual when you aren't moving (driving). By the way when you change the oil, I'd use Delo400 (diesel engine oil), it has stronger detergents than current gasoline engine oils.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,572
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
A good suggestion in the previous post, after that drive it for awhile as the rings maybe sticking. Give it some driving time and then see how it runs as it maybe still be a decent motor.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 19
From: scotia. NY 12302
thanks albuq f-1 and fomoko1. we'll follow all the suggestions. we did change the oil before we started it. nothing sounds like a flathead, it's good to have it running again. i'm glad to hear that there is a chance it will still be good. dick r.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 3
From: Friendswood, Texas
"flathead runs, now what??"
Strap it to a pallet and send to me, Texan2004. I'll take it from here.
All kidding aside, good luck with it. I never get that lucky. Anything I have that sat for 20 years is usually totally trashed when I try get it going agin. Glad to hear you got her lit off.
Strap it to a pallet and send to me, Texan2004. I'll take it from here.
All kidding aside, good luck with it. I never get that lucky. Anything I have that sat for 20 years is usually totally trashed when I try get it going agin. Glad to hear you got her lit off.
