Well, it has been awhile since I have posted and I have done very little with my 48 pick-up. I originally wanted to change the engine to a 239 flathead because of the ease of the changeover. Buying a secondhand 239 is a little scary because of the inherent problems and buying a professionally rebuilt one seems very expensive. Then I thought, a newer small block ford or gm v8 but that means a complete change out of the drive train.

Personally I would like to stay with the 226 Flathead six! So the question is ... how rebuildable are they? I see the main engine components in the catalogues, but I don't see valves or lifters. Am I missing something or are they not available?

Can anyone help?

Cheers,

Dino

 

I do not know if they are available or not but I have a good set if you ever need um.

 

I don't have one, but from everything I've seen on here and elsewhere, certain parts are really tough to find for the flat-6's -- water pumps are one. I snapped one up at the local U-Pull rather than see it get crushed. It's a shame because by all accounts they are a great engine, just don't have the "legend" of the V8's.

Flathead engines seem to be easy on valves and lifters, much less stress. I wouldn't assume you'd need them for a rebuild. Since they are adjustable, you could get the lifters refaced if necessary and not be in trouble.

 

Check with your local NAPA or good locally owned parts store. They might have what you're looking for or be able to order them.

Kanter also lists kits to rebuild the 226:

Kanter Auto Products - Classic Antique Auto Restoration Parts

BTW, the 226 is a great engine. It only has 5 less hp than the V8 and will take a beating. The delicate V8 is sexier but IMO is not the worker as the flat six.

 

I rebuilt one about 3 years ago now and I think I got the kit from kanter. I had new unleaded seats put in at the machine shop. It was a great engine easy to take apart and put back together. It was not much for speed but had lots of torque. I think they are great engines.