My father has the 50 F6. He uses it for tree work, it has a boom and winch mounted on it. It recently started making a knocking noise. He said he started it the other day, after sitting for several months. It didn't start knocking again until it got warmed up. Dad is 81 and has been doing tree work since the 50's.
Not always exclusively, but as a supplimental income. He's torn between replacing the truck and fixing this one, but at his age does'nt want to spend alot of money say buying a new engine.
This truck like I say is the f6 with the flathead 6. He just replaced the hydro-booster, and has the 2-speed rear.
If I could ask, what might the problem be. It knocks all of the time. He says it still has oil pressure. Not sure of how much. The truck is 25 miles from me.
How do I check to see what the size of the engine is? From what I've read, it sounds like maybe a 226 "H".
Any help on ID'ing the engine would be much appreciated. Also, would like to know what people think is the problem and the cure. To me, it sounds like a bearing problem of some sort.
He's had this truck for over 40 years. Thanks in advance, Bob!!

 

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...0to125late.htm
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...ialnumbers.htm

 

It would prob be a 226 yes that was a very common motor in its day.

 

The 226 should have OHA or 7HA cast on top of the head. The 254 will have 8HA cast on the head. On the block between the generator, and the oil filler tube, just above the pan rail, is the block number. The first of the engine serial number will be 7HA if it's a 226, or 8HA if it is a 254. If it's a 254 grab it, there is a rather small almost cult like following for this Flathead 6. Some say they were Henry's best kept secret, and the way my 226 has continued to suprise me I have no reason to doubt that statement.
Good Luck

 

i got a 226 outta of a 48 1/2 ton that ran perfect when it was pulled about 5 years ago . its inside and has been since being pulled . i dont really know what the hades im doing with it as i got to many things to do on the 53 i drive and seeing as no one wants ol smiley , my 49 f-4 i need to get it up and running so i may sell it, the 6 that it is . i do not get greedy so if i do are ya interested in that 6 ?? its a 226 flatty . later .

 

WOW, thanks so much for all the information all. I'll have to get over and see which engine is in it. And to 55 f350. I very well could be interested in your motor. I need to talk to dad and see if he wants it. Send me either a PM or e-mail with the price. Your engine will work OK in the F6? I know his engine looks small for the size of the truck. As long as it will bolt up to what he's got, that would work I'm sure. So whats the knocking noise in your opinions?

Once again a big thanks to all for your input and information. Bob

 

Should work just fine in the F6.

 

worse case scenario a rod knockin' away . i tried to send you a pm and it says you cant receive them prolly cause yer a newbie . so let me see what im gonna do and i'll be honest probably like 250 -300 at the most . i dont know if its outta line , but its complete save for a broken exhaust manifold now , another story for another time ! like i said give me a couple to figure it out but id say i will i gotz to much stuff stuck here and there now .

 

I just got back from checking out dad's truck. The numbers on the head were: 8 MTH - 6050 - B . So that would be the 254 cube "M" Series, is that correct? He started it and it did start knocking after running about 5 minutes,
or until the oil got warm. So, bearing failure huh? Thats what it sounds like to us. So, would this 226 be a easy bolt-in for this swap. I don't think the difference in power should hurt him much since he don't drive it far from where he keeps it. He uses it to pull trees over, lift logs, and brush. I was reading about the early and late versions of the blocks. One had a thin flange and the other 3" wider. I could use somemore input on this swap
from you guys that are expierenced. And it would be much appreciated. Bob

 

Bob you are correct, that is the 254 Flathead engine. The difference between the 226 and 254 is internal, the 226 should be a direct bolt in. I'm interested in possibly purchasing the 254 from you if you want to sell it. Shoot me an e-mail message Ikkyu5149 @ Lycos . com no spaces

 

I'm sure it will be available as soon as we get another motor. 55 f350
keep diggin when you get a chance. Did you get my e-mail? He told me today he had some other people looking around here, not sure it will pan out. He
found a V8 in a pick-up. But, what kinda hassel would that be to hook-up.
He's got a 39 pick-up radiator, but I'm sure thats to small for the f6. Mounts are different also aren't they? I'm thinking he might want to stick to the 6.
Bob

 

UPDATE: We found a 49 F5 with the V8. If the price is right looks like we're
going to change motors. The F5 has a better body, but we noticed it had the 2 speed rear under it (unhooked). He talked to the mans wife only so far, waiting to talk to the husband about the truck. If looks count, the engine looks real good. But, want to hear it run first. Bob

 

Not going to the V-8. Going to the 48 226 instead. Does anyone know if the f6 transmission is 10 spline? Not sure if the 254 flywheel will fit the 226, or if the 226 clutch set-up is going to fit the f6 trans. Just preparing for the swap and not looking for any surprizes. I know they are about the same engines except the insides. But the crank could be different? HELP Bob

 

I found out the f6 trans is also 10 spline. And the operation is over and complete and now the 1950 f6 winch truck is back on the job. The 226 is running sweet, with more than enough power for the job. Both the 226 and the 254 are very powerful engines. I
honestly can't tell alot of difference. Thanks fella's, thanks 55 f350. That engine is so
much better off in the truck than in your Moton building just sitting.
1950 f6, with a 48 f1 engine. Who needs a 254 to re-build? Hate to send it to the scrap yard. Junks at 260.00 a ton, but hate to see this rare engine go there. Bob

 

you are welcome and contact a guy via pm that goes by cass . he's looking for a six for his f-4 bob .