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12-15-2022, 02:02 PM | #1 |
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Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
There's many steps involved in checking a blocks condition to be sure there's no hidden surprises. After checking the surfaces for cracks with the mag checker the next extremally important test takes place. Here's a picture showing this important next step.
Pressure Testing some recent arrivals in the shop. Here's how its being done this plate is universal can be used on 21 and 24 bolt blocks. No need to remove studs for this test on any 1948 and earlier blocks. Ronnieroadster
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH |
12-15-2022, 02:30 PM | #2 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Yes, I learned that lesson the hard way. I now have my own testing plates too. I like the one you have there. Do you do a leak down test or are you using a soap bubble method too? How high do you pressurize the blocks?
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12-15-2022, 02:45 PM | #3 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Ronnie
Here is the pressure plates and neoprene gaskets one of my good customers water jet cut for me for 21 stud, there shouldn't be a problem laying a 24 stud gasket over and drill holes for that as well, right??? That way I have both bases covered. |
12-15-2022, 03:19 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Quote:
The plate I use if you look closely has pipe plugs along the front and rear that close off the holes in the locations of the block water holes. The holes on 24 pattern on this plate in the water hole area have pipe plug threads so four plugs on the plate are moved to the four holes needing to be closed off.
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH |
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12-15-2022, 03:21 PM | #5 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Soapy water bubble method works ever time I use 30 PSI I have found that's plenty to find any issues.
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH |
12-15-2022, 03:48 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
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12-15-2022, 05:22 PM | #7 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Curiosity question here... Perhaps for Ronnie.... My example, 59A, and the leak (big leak) is in the exhaust port, right front, up in where you know the leak is there, but you can't see it. So, the conclusion here has been that it is 'fatal', non-visible, non fixable. Other opinions?
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12-15-2022, 07:54 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Quote:
Sadly if its up in the port there's no fix for that. The block would be good for a competition application where the block is filled solid for additional strength thus running a dry block only cooling would be in the head's. Ronnieroadster
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH |
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12-16-2022, 01:48 AM | #9 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Thank You
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12-16-2022, 05:12 AM | #10 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Ronnie, would it be possible to post a bigger version of your block off plate picture? Even full size it is still not very easy to see the details.
If you could, that would be great. Thanks. Mart. |
12-16-2022, 06:18 AM | #11 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
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12-16-2022, 12:46 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Quote:
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12-16-2022, 01:00 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Quote:
Ronnieroadster
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH Last edited by Ronnieroadster; 12-16-2022 at 04:12 PM. |
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12-16-2022, 02:37 PM | #14 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
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12-17-2022, 03:47 PM | #15 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Here's some pictures of the universal Ford flathead pressure testing plate for 21 and 24 stud blocks. Note along the front and rear edges the various holes required to accommodate the differences of the water holes and bolt patterns between the 21 and 24 stud blocks. Three holes on each end require a pipe plug thread to seal the plate correctly against the water hole differences.
Ronnieroadster
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH Last edited by Ronnieroadster; 12-17-2022 at 03:54 PM. |
12-17-2022, 07:53 PM | #16 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
The blocks I need to test are all 24 stud blocks. Would a plate made for 24 studs work for both 59ab style as well as 8ba? If not, what would I need to address? A friend of mine has a plasma table and can cut up to 1" plate. I'm guessing 1/2" would be plenty.
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Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson) |
12-17-2022, 08:00 PM | #17 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
There is the difference in the front water passages on the 8BA, but if you make the plate to cover that it probably would work on both 59A and 8BA. A cardboard template and a block of each type should tell the tale.
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12-17-2022, 08:26 PM | #18 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Have him use a 8BA head gasket to cut your plate and you can do both 8BA blocks and 59a blocks.
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12-17-2022, 08:33 PM | #19 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
First photo is a 59a head on a 8BA and the second is the speedway plate that has the tab on the front to cover the 8BA extra hole or use on a 59A block.
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12-17-2022, 09:40 PM | #20 |
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Re: Checking blocks for condition Pressure testing
Excellent, thanks guys. His wife runs the table and does all the programming. Once it's in the computor can she make a bunch more by pushing a few buttons? Also what's a good thickness plate?
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Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1947 Tonner Pickup (red) mostly stock with exception of a cummins 6at turbo diesel, 1946 Tonner Pickup (green) with 226 cu in 6 cyl flathead, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, completely encased in 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. Ok, cornbinder rear fenders..... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson) |
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