The Flathead Forum Discussions on Classic Car Forum

distributer hold down wont work

bomar89 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:29:30 +0000

I have a 53 flathead that had eab heads and i replaced them with edelbrock aluminum heads and replaced my stock distributer with a mallory electronic dizzy and now my distrbuter wont bottom out on front cover

1950 Plymouth Oil Filter

Demkiw — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:46:12 +0000

I have a 1950 Plymouth Deluxe & I'm having trouble finding an oil filter. It's a cartridge form with a nipple on top that an oil line screws into. Any item#'s or manufactures id's would be helpful

Thanks

Flathead motor swap questions

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 06:24:13 +0000

I have a 41 Plymouth Deluxe 4 door sedan with a 201 cubic inch flathead 6 motor. The motor is knocking so I figured I would swap it out with a slightly newer motor from a 1949 Dodge Pickup. The dodge motor has a "Spitfire" head. I was under the impression that any mopar flathead motor would directly bolt in to all 36 and later Chrysler cars.

Now for my questions.

1. The 49 dodge flathead 6 cylinder "spitfire" motor is about 2.5 inches longer than the 201 cubic inch motor in my 41 plymouth. Can I install this dodge motor in my 41 plymouth? How do I install it given the length difference?

2. What is the "Spitfire" head? What are the performance gains, if any?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Gregg

Identification Help

flatford — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:11:53 +0000

I know you guys get alot of this but I was trying to get a birthday for my Flattie. The block code is a "C1BA" meaning a 49-51 Ford, the head code is "8RT" meaning a truck. I would like to figure out the actual date of build. The code on the right side of the engine by the intake manifold is " PA42 684* " the end marking is a star. I have been trying to use this site http://flatheaddrag.com/birthday.html but have had no luck because the code does not follow suit. Any help would be great.

49 F1 Fuelpump

jogunne — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:30:53 +0000

hi y'all, I've got a 49 f1 w/ a 239 flathead and I'm trying to get some info on the installation of a stock fuelpump, the original was replaced w/ an electric which that has died so I want to go back stock I have a singlestage fuelpump, a f.p. stand, a pushrod and a pushrod bushing, I know how to put it together I just don't know where the bushing goes.:confused: can someone please help? thanks JoJo

48 Dodge 218 cylinder pressure

double-vern — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:48:50 +0000

[object]I recently aquired a 1948 Dodge B-1-B Pilothouse in very good cosmetic condition. It has only one small dent, and very little rust. The odometer shows about 53,000 miles. I traded a straight, clean, 1972, 1 ton, crew cab Ford, with a puffed motor, that I paid $250 for, even up. I think personally that it was the deal of the century. It's been sitting for 15 or more years. Before I even tried to start it, I replaced the points, condenser, rotor,cap, coil, plugs, and plug wires. When I tried to start it, it acted like it wanted to start so bad, but wouldn't. I know flatheads are famous for sticky valves, so I decided to do a compression test. Pressures are as follows- #1=45, #2=35, #3=40, #4=35, #5=40, and #6=50. According to the block numbers this is a 218 c.i. engine. These pressures seem pretty low to me. I know this is not a high compression engine, but although I am 55 years old and have done a fair amount of wrenching in my life, this is the first flathead I ever compression tested. I squirted a little Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder and turned it over a few times in hopes of lubing a sticky valve. I will test it again in a day or so, but would like to know what the pressures should be. Any knowledge would be appreciated.

Federal Mogul Thermo Flow Ford heads

twostick — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:37:53 +0000

New here. Anybody ever see a set of these? They have no water jacket and are made of solid copper. A buddy of mine just had a set given to him and is looking for info on them. One of the casting marks at the lower edge says "FUEL ONLY" We wondered if these were for Nitro?

Here's a link to a picture. Look at the bottom left of the page. http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b136/TopEndSpeedShop/V8%20Flathead%20Race%20Motors/ They must be pretty rare because if you Google "Federal Mogul Thermo Flow" you get exactly one link for results.

Kevin

hydraulic lifters for 51'lincoln

tchindemi — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:55:09 +0000

In a bit of a pickle , I need new lifters for my 1951 lincoln cosmopolitan with a 337 8EL flathead. Can't seem to find them anywhere! Does anyone know where to find any. Oh pretty sure they're hydraulic. thanks Tom

Flathead and Pertronix

bowman — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:40:11 +0000

I am new to the forum and have a question about spark in general and pertronix igniter modules specifically.

My 48 Ford F1 died today and when I looked for spark at the plug, Nothing. SO I suspected the Pertronix unit since I have heard they go out completely sometimes. However, I wasn't getting spark off the coil either, I went and bought a chinese (!!) coil. Nothing again.

I then looked around on the internet and found a test for the module http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/PerPosGndTest.htm. Mine passed the test.

I get 6 volts coming from the ignition into the module and when I got my 7 year old son to crank the truck so the magnet would spin, the voltage went from 6 to 0 and back over and over.

Any ideas anyone. I drive this truck to work everyday and am hoping someone can help,

Bowman

Need help with my flattie

spoons — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:31:54 +0000

I've got a 47 Merc. W/a stock 59A motor. Car was sitting for a good 2+ years before I drug it home. Got it running and now have a problem getting it restartred after it has run for a few minutes. Act's like the timing is too far advanced (ie. slow cranks).

Starter, generator, carb, all rebuilt...

I put a new condensor on it (The only one I had was from a SBC) to get it to start. Could this be the problem (because it's not for 6V)??

Looking for a little help or where to go next....

Spoons

53 Merc. will only idle ?

hot428ford — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:17:31 +0000

Flathead will start great , If you give it any gas it falls on its nose ? Had the carb rebuilt & added a electric fuel pump but still falls down ?? Help..

1947 pontiac ignition problem

gregory — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:02:00 +0000

Hi,

I am the proud owner of a 1947 pontiac, 4 door sedan, with a streamliner straight 8 L head under the hood. Problem: car has no plug wires. I know the firing order, but not where #1 cylinder is located on the distributor. Could some kind restorer help identify this location on the distributor cap and I can take it from there. I am looking forward to trying to start the engine in the future. Was told it did run smooth when parked years ago. Also, just to be sure, the battery ground is negative?

Thanks for any advice

Greg

Oil Question

philipk65 — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:23:19 +0000

I have a '49 Ford F-1 with the original flathead in it. My question is what should I do about oil with this new problem with today's oil not having the right amount of zinc and phosprous in it (ZDDP)?

Lincoln 337ci

Garage Concepts — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:56:14 +0000

I'm in Santa Ana Ca. Looking for someone with a very good reputation to build my flathead for me. Anybody?

flathead bearings

aryan1300r — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:47:12 +0000

Hey....has anyone heard of using connecting rod bearings / main bearings from ford tractors in there flatheads? An older gentleman told me that he used to use the bearings from a ford tractor ( I believe he told me from a from 8n )because they were easier to obtain and that they were cheaper. I looked into the price and they are deff cheaper but I seen they were .004 different. He said if he had a crank that looked good and didn't want to have it turned down he would use these and the difference would take up the difference. Not sure about this but his fords run and sound great and they both carry these bearings. Whats your imput!

~Another Rookie Needs Help~

Tue, 06 May 2008 01:46:58 +0000

Hey guys Just picked this 41 ford up a couple weeks ago and amazed by how complete it is, the motor cranks but the wires were shot and so i took the plugs and wires out and ordered new ones, but the problem im having is where can i find those distributor cap"S" I guess they are called? All i can find are the 48-53 crab style. Am I forced to change over to that style or is there a company out there who still makes the two caps style?? Thanks for your help guys I'll be hanging around the site soaking in all the knowledge! click the link for pics

http://s69.photobucket.com/albums/i47/zeitlerusmc/1941%20Ford%20Sedan/

51 mercury truck..help

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:31:07 +0000

Hi, I just bought a 51 mercury 1/2 ton and found it has a ford flathead v8 in it .At least the heads have 8ba on them and the heads and block are bronze in color. I want to start this engine up but the fuel pump and the part that is between the pump and the intake manifold are missing. I need to know if the motor can run with the opening on the intake manifold capped and an electric pump installed. I am new to these motores so any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help...Jim

New Flathead owner with questions

ddove1972 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:30:54 +0000

I just picked up a flathead from an estate sale. It is almost complete (missing belts and water pump) I was trying to figure out what year it was . It is a 24 stud motor, I looked everywhere for casting numbers and the only thing I could come up with was on the heads (81A-6050A) and on the top of the bell housing inside a circle it looks like P(at 12 position) 114 (from 9 to 3 position) and a 1 (at the 6 position). Does anyone have any ideas? It also came with the pressure plate, flywheel and clutch.

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

New guy with a question

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:59:52 +0000

Hi, my name is Erik and I don't mind being called Wanna-b. I'm going to take possession of a '49 Lincoln Cosmopolitan within the next year and I was wondering if anyone here might know where to find spare engine parts for that monsterous 337ci 8EQ that comes in that old gal.

Need help identifying ford flathead

RonTheDon — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:52:00 +0000

And a few more shots...

Need HELP: flywheel for a Mercury flathead 1CM 1951

Jean Philippe LLORET — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:47:01 +0000

Hi, i recently buy this Mercury( truck or car?) flathead engine 1CM 1951 in France (Le Mans town).

For my hot rod plan i want adapt a T5 manuel gearbox.

actually i try to find the flywheel, the bell housing & the clutch which are missed. but at the end of the crankshaft is fixed this metallic plate. I do not know for what it serves: belonged it to an automatic clutch of origin?

it can come out.

is what I can fix the flywheel directly on this clamp?

i join 4 pictures of my engine.

Can i adapt a 8BA Ford 40 - 48 or 49-53 on my engine (i think it must have 120 teeth?)

thanks in advance for your answer and to help me to find technical drawings or pictures of the original adaptation and for my future adaptation plan.

sincerelly.

Jean Phi

53 merc compression

rustfixer — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 05:57:20 +0000

how high can I bump the compression and still run on pump gas and not over heat my flattie ? Im new to the flathead world and I have a good running stock 53 merc flathead that Im thinking about hoping up. any help would be great..... thanks..

Help identify Mercury flathead engine (pictures joined)

Jean Philippe LLORET — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:35:02 +0000

Hi, i recently buy this flathead engine in France (Le Mans town).

the two v8 cylinder heads are engrave EAC mercury usa with 24 studs (8 lower studs) .

so it's for me a Mercury 1951 - 1953, ......but:

the flathead date code is not describe like in the www.vanpeltsales.com pages :

- near the right cylinder head with the number 3 , letters B & E ...no line up and a 8 in a circle square.

- near the left cylinder head, the complete number: 68001PSCAL and a little far the number 7.. ?... in a circle square.

At the rear of the engine, near the bellhousing: B1891.

The carburator is a ZENITH 32 NDXIR like on the french army flathead, perhaps a repair change; what's the original carburator.

this engine was on a vintage coca-cola business car ..destroyed since!!

if somebody can help me to confirme the idenfification of this engine and what is exactly is the manufacturing date.

what clutch & transmission can i adapt on it.

thanks in advance for your answer.

sincerelly.

Jean Phi

Electric fuel pump

nightstick — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:58:19 +0000

I have a 50 ford. The car has been wired for 12volt. I want to install a electric fuel pump. The engine and carb are stock for a 239 engine. Does size of the fuel line matter? I will wire to a post,that only gets hot when ignition is turned on.

Due to my medical condition,i cant put the pump back closer to the tank,and on the firewall is perfect for me. I am also pretty far from any auto shops.

someone please walk me thru this. I want to use inline filter and fuse for the pump.

I really enjoy trying to work on my ford. I want to do a good job,I am just not sure what to do.

What do i do with the old pump.

Information very appreciated.

will

Help identify flathead engine

Jean Philippe LLORET — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:34:38 +0000

Hi, i recently buy this flathead engine in France (Le Mans town).

the two v8 cylinder heads are engrave EAC mercury usa.

so it's for me a Mercury 1951 - 1953, but:

the flathead date code is not clear : near the right cylinder head (see pictures) with the number 3 , letters B & E and a 8 in a circle square.

near the left cylinder head, the complete number: 68001PSCAL.

At the rear at the engine, near the bellhousing: B1891.

The carburator is a ZENITH 32 NDXIR like on the french flathead.

if somebody can help me to confirme the idenfification of this engine and what is exactly is the manufacturing date.

what clutch & transmission can i adapt on it.

thanks in advance for your answer.

sincerelly.

Jean Phi

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC4.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC1.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC3.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC2.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC6.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

[IMG]http:// href="http://photobucket.com"; target="_blank">http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb56/jeanphispectrex/specificationsEAC5.jpg"; border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket">[/IMG]

cooling system

nightstick — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 03:34:23 +0000

I am a new 50 ford flathead owner. I am having trouble keeping the car running cool,and keeping coollant in the radiator. Using a 4lb radiator cap. there are no thermostats,do i need them,if so what temp should i put in. I cannot find any leaks,except what cones out the overflow tube,and that only seems to happen if i fill the radiator all the way.

The engine runs strong,I have a c4 auto transmission installed.

I have had trouble with engine not starting unless its promed. Rebuilt the fuel pump,but still had trouble getting the engine to start after a long drive. I think an electric pump will solve this problem.

any help or information will be appreciated

will conyers

jasper,mo

No Spark 53 pontiac straight 8 flathead

North Coast — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:34:28 +0000

Hello

I have a 53 Pontiac with a straight eight Flathead that has sat for many years. I can't seem to get any spark to the plugs. I replaced the coil. I do have power (6 volt) to the pos side of the coil. I also pulled the dist. cap and have power inside the dist, but no spark between the points. Next sep I Figure is to replace the points and condencer. Does anyone know what the gap for the points should be? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Paul

Anyone using a turbo on a Mopar flathead?

msawdey — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:23:23 +0000

I've been messing around with a 230 Dodge flathead in a 1950 Wayfarer. So far, I've gotten to a split exhaust manifold and a modified intake with a Stromberg WW two barrel on it, plus a '55 head for (slightly) higher compression ratio.

I've noticed some threads interested in forced induction for flatheads. Has anyone got any actual experience with use of a turbo on such an engine? In some ways, it seems a natural way to go: the compression ratio is low, the breathing is restricted--sort of like the first supercharged car in history, the 1906 Chadwick!

From some other sources I've gathered a couple of pieces of information that sound as though they would make sense:

1. Keep the size of a turbo on the small side to aid throttle response.

2. Put the pressure into the carburetor, rather than sucking mixture through turbo.

3. This allows using a blow-off valve (aka pressure radiator cap) on the way to the carb, instead of having to use a waste gate setup on the turbo.

4. "Pressure proof" the carb by using a solid foam float instead of the hollow brass one that will be collapsed by the pressure. The rest of the carb may also need to be sealed against leakage under pressure.

5. Oiling the turbo on one of these old dudes might not be too much of a problem--just plumb it into the external, bypass oil filter and run the filtered oil through the turbo on the way back into the crankcase.

Anyway, that's what I have picked up so far from chatrooms and how-tos.

Any experience or relevant theory would be most appreciated....

Here's to the devolution,

--Michael Sawdey

Engine ID

North Coast — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:33:32 +0000

Hello

I have a 53 Pontiac Chieftain with a flathead 8 cyl. In top of the head it says

"High Compression" 514370 GM6. Can anyone please tell me what engine this is?

Thanks

Paul

Tranny to a pontiac flathead 8

North Coast — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:35:15 +0000

Hello

I have a 53 pontiac with a straight 8 flathead and a 2 speed automatic. I am thinking of converting it to a manual 4 speed. Does anyone know what kinds and years of bellhousings would bolt up to the block? Any tranny suggestions? All help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Paul