flathead 8BA

[fordmerc]

Hi Fordfriends.
Does anyone know if it`s possible to replace the oiltube that provides oilpressure to the camshaft bearings on flathead 8BA engines?
I have a good block with a bad oilpipe and a cracked block with a good pipe.
Thanks.
Rolf in Sweden.

[Mart]

I've never done it but I believe people here have said they have done it. I think people say it is better to pull the tube out. It looks like it is threaded but they are not threads, just a series of circular marks, probably to provide a high spot at each part where it fits the block. You could pull the good pipe from the bad block as a test. It might be possible to thread a tap into the pipe and use a bolt as a puller. Or maybe drill a hole in the pipe in a place that is easy to access, insert a bolt from the end and weld it in through the hole. Once fitted in then new block the weld could be drilled out and the hole welded up.
Like I said, I've never done it but wanted to share some thoughts. Hopefully someone with direct experience will speak up.
Mart.

[pistonbroke]

I would start cutting the casting away to get the good tube out being carful not to damage the tube. Once it is out you'll have a good idea how its put in and how to ge the defective one out of your good block without damaging the block.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by Mart

I've never done it but I believe people here have said they have done it. I think people say it is better to pull the tube out. It looks like it is threaded but they are not threads, just a series of circular marks, probably to provide a high spot at each part where it fits the block. You could pull the good pipe from the bad block as a test. It might be possible to thread a tap into the pipe and use a bolt as a puller. Or maybe drill a hole in the pipe in a place that is easy to access, insert a bolt from the end and weld it in through the hole. Once fitted in then new block the weld could be drilled out and the hole welded up.
Like I said, I've never done it but wanted to share some thoughts. Hopefully someone with direct experience will speak up.
Mart.

I recently had an 8ba block thoroughly cleaned by my machine shop and yes, the tube was threaded and I presume a bolt was used as a puller. I was told it wasn't a big deal.

[Mac VP]

Create a modified slide hammer type of puller. You’ll probably want to tap the threads a little deeper for the puller tool. You shouldn’t have to go crazy wacking away with the hammer….just be patient with normal pulls on the slide. It should walk right out. This information came from a machine shop owner who has done them before. Sometimes the block has been sitting with water in there but most likely the world of mice has lived in there. Mouse pee is nasty stuff……the oil galley pipe doesn’t survive it well.

[pistonbroke]

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When you do get them out please post some photos and tell use about it . First hand knowlage is good stuff.

[Ronnieroadster]

As written above its not that hard to remove the tube. When I did this a job myself a few years ago on two 8BA blocks I simply taped deeper into the tube so there was a good amount of threads to pull against. Then I used a slide hammer to remove the tube. Just to be sure the tube would come free heating the center casting was also done overall it was easy to do.
Ronnieroadster

[fordmerc]

Thank you all for all good advice.
Rolf in Sweden