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Dahliafilms

Possibly big trouble but I dunno. This is my first flattie and I'm just tring to figure out what is wrong exactly. I have a 230 ci, 1950 straight, flathead 6 in my dodge meadowbrook. About a month ago on the ferry home from the islands I got a slew of white smoke from the tail pipe. it dissipaed on the drive and I though a batch of bad gas or something. It has come back in spades accompanied by water drops spitting out of the tail pipe. Blown head gasket-ville... I know. Here is my question. I am going to try the repair my self as I like getting dirty and learing things. Given that the engine still runs at normal temperature and really hasn't lost much if any power what are the chaces that this is just going to be a gasket problem and not a cracked block or warped head? I looked into the cylinders and I have water in the 3 and 4 pistons so I'mn thinking the breach is between them, where the gasket is thin. More than anything does any one have any tips for an overhead valve grease monkey venturinig into flattie country? Thanks for any help.

Jack

[Deleted User]

Dude, my dad is a plumber and he has some really mondo silicone:D

[Deleted User]

If you can find yourself a book it may help you. But what I have always done is to just tear into it. When I did take a class I was ready for it. It taught me more than any class ever did. I know not every one is the same but if you are mechanicaly inclined I have faith in you.

Don Coatney

Dahliafilms wrote:

Here is my question what are the chaces that this is just going to be a gasket problem and not a cracked block or warped head?Jack

Jack;

It is somewhat common for flat 6 Mopar engines to lose the head gasket between the cylinders where the cylinder walls are close together. Should be a straight forward repair. Good idea to have the head milled once you have it removed to insure it is flat and true. You can take close to one hundred thousands off of these heads without major problems but I would only take enough off to insure it is flat and true. You will gain a bit of horse power doing this as your compression ratio will increase. Dont forget to follow the correct sequence to torque the head bolts and re-torque the head after the first heat cycle. If you do not have a good manual that covers this engine you should get one before you start this project.

Don Coatney

Oldcar_Mechanic

Don's post is a good one and I agree that your first step should be to buy a manual for the car so you can familiarize yourself with what you have to do. This is a pretty straight forwad job but like so many things in life, we are sometimes reluctant to tackle the unknown. Take your time and examine everything as go.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Ron

Dahliafilms

I'm feeling bold enough (or dumb enough... we'll see) to tackle this gasket and make her go again. thanks all.

Can anyone recomend a manual? I have the dodge shop manual which really doesn't tell much of anything except specs and head bolt tightening order. What is the best reference out there for this operation?

I won't be starting this for about a month so keep the good advice comin' abd of course I'll let y'all know how she survived.

Jack

Dahliafilms

I wish my engine looked liek that!!!!

Don Coatney

Thanks for the compliment on my engine. For a lot more pictures visit my Photobucket at the following URL.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v65/DonCoatney/?action=logout

For a good manual do a search on eBay. A MoTors manual can be a good buy and they cover a lot of makes and a lot of years. I have several in my collection and they span the years from 1920 to 1975. Here is a link to one on the bay now at a good price. This is not my auction.

Don Coatney

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-Motors-Auto-Repair-Manual_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6762QQihZ015QQitemZ250003749978QQrdZ1

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