hey, im new here but there seems to be alot of good information.this is a good board. my problem is my 239 in a 49 f1 is blowing smoke out of the breather while running and and after shutting it off. Is this a stuck valve or ring? It also is smoking (blue)from the exhaust. I also picked up a mecury flathead for 15 dollars from a car. If i'm going to have to rebuild my ford anyways would you guys rebuild the merc and put itin(assuming the block is good) thanks for any info

 

I've noticed a small bit of smoke from my breather too (also a 239) -- hoped it was normal...

 

A little smoke is probably ok, a lot of smoke is a worn engine, bad seals, etc. Does your engine have good oil pressure, power, starts good? If it does I wouldn't worry too much about it, but if you want to rebuild the Mercury has a stroked crankshaft, which is more desirable.

 

I have a restored 48 f-1 and I always get a bit of smoke for the breather hole....no problem. I think it is just the nature of the beast. You might want to do one thing though if there is too much smoke coming....replace your thermostat or check to make sure you motor isn't running too hot.

Trucks in those days did some fairly funny things and the smoke is just natural...jim

 

It almost never fails that when ever the car comes out of the garage and gets run a little bit I am going to be wiping just a small trace of oil off of the firewall. Every flathead that I have ever seen that runs smokes just a little bit. I have always just assumed that it was normal.

"Flatheads Forever"
"Real Hot Rods Don't have Fenders!"