Problems w ~ 51 flathead in 46 Mercury Woodie

[ThirstyThirty]

Originally Posted by Carlsoncg

Bought 46 Merc Woodie. Had throw out bearing that rattled w clutch depressed. So took to my mechanic to change bearing clutch pressure plate and disc and pilot bearing. Reassembled car and same rattle. Mechanic says it has probably rattled since 51 motor was installed. He says either live with it or drill the fly wheel to fit the 10” 38-48 clutch.
What do you think?

Interesting situation you have there. I am looking forward to learning what the problem is or was! I installed a 1953 Ford FH in a 1930 Ford A coupe in times past. Had a 48 Merc or Ford in (front distr) it when I acquired it. Also had a cracked block!! I had an immediate 'clutch problem' when I went to start it up after reassembling everything. "What do kids know" lol... So after some thought on matter, decided to try something. Dang! worked perfectly and I enjoyed many 'trouble free' miles in the 'ol A/V8 coupe.



My solution probably worked 'cause I just went and tried it, never knowing if it would or would not. Did not ask for any 'advice' lol. But pulling it all apart again and dropping trans, bh, clutch etc to get to pressure plate was not exactly a lot of fun. But gettin 'a win!' sure was...


some interesting stats:


A cost: $125 (had juice brakes!)
FH cost: $35/exch, delivered from salvage yard
cost to fix: $0, just some wrenchin' time...

[Carlsoncg]

Thanks all for the great response. Especially that redrilling the 51 flywheel to accept 38-48 10 inch pressure plate and disc should work (thanks Cadillac512). Eases my mind as that is what I told my mechanic to do. Perhaps the rattle was non fatal and there since the 51 engine was installed with 49-53 9.5 inch pressure plate as my mechanic thinks, but hopefully I will not have to try to live with it if above solution works. I will let you know.

How do I post pictures?