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Old 06-11-2021, 03:30 PM   #1
demingboy
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Default flathead refresh

So I know this is not the best way by any means to do this but we did it once back in 1970.
Looking just to "re fresh " my 1951 ford 59AB.
Darn thing runs so good and motors are so hard to find I want to just -re ring it and change rod bearings. Possibly lap valves if it works out.
I am going to do it in the car. What my question is this. I cannot remember how far we had to jack it up to remove the oil pan. Or if I need to remove the fuel pump.
Don,t beat me up too bad as mentioned its not the preferred method by far. I just want to cruise around a little .
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Old 06-11-2021, 04:23 PM   #2
Jack E/NJ
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Default Re: flathead refresh

>>>Darn thing runs so good>>>>>> just want to cruise around a little>>>


Sounds like it really doesn't need a ring, valve or bearing job for what you want.
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Old 06-11-2021, 04:44 PM   #3
Krylon32
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Why?
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:18 PM   #4
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Are you sure you have a 59Ab? That engine was discontinued after '48. Anyway the way it sounds it should run fine for a long time
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:27 PM   #5
19Fordy
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Don't do it. Leave it be if it's running good.
Otherwise you are about to open your wallet needlessly.
51 Ford engines were 8BA's.
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:29 PM   #6
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Default Re: flathead refresh

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"If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

However, the fact that the O/P says he has an "1951 ford 59AB", should raise some red flags and caution the rest of us of the situation.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:10 PM   #7
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Default Re: flathead refresh

I think the 51 may be a typo, the picture is of a 41.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:49 PM   #8
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Sorry about that it has a 1951 ford motor. It does run really good just smokes. I am going to try the pcv thing I purchased to see if that helps first.
65 lbs compression across the board. 15 lb vaccumn steady.
Sorry mind fart on motor description.
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Old 06-11-2021, 06:57 PM   #9
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Default Re: flathead refresh

OK, it is an 8ba engine then. No experience, but read that the PCV setups works fairly well on the 8ba.
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Old 06-12-2021, 01:20 AM   #10
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Default Re: flathead refresh

To start with, I was a mechanic, from '62 - '70.

1. If it smokes and uses oil, the rings are probably worn, quite a bit.

2. If that is the case, it most likely has a ridge, at the top of the cylinder. You can cut that out, to remove the pistons but, the top of the cylinder is now worn, larger.

3. The new rings, will now have to much gap and you'll still have some reduced compression and blow by. With the new oil ring or rings, it may use less oil but, the oil will get contaminated much faster.

If a cylinder has .005 taper, at the top, the ring gap, will open up .015, over the factory gap, if .010 taper, it will have .031 more gap, that's to much!

So, the very first thing you have to do, after the head comes off, is get a inside mic, and measure the the bore, at the under side of the ridge.
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Old 06-12-2021, 09:27 AM   #11
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Ahh ok, makes sense. So really only proper way to fix is re bore. I guess I kinda knew that just fighting it is all. Thanks
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Old 06-12-2021, 09:47 AM   #12
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Default Re: flathead refresh

I did the same thing on a 1950 Dodge Flathead motor. That was not running when I bought it. I did a ring and valve job (engine out of car) with all new bearings. Cost over $1000 just for the parts and valve machine shop work. Reinstalled the engine in 2016. Runs, starts, had good compression, pulls the truck (48 Power Wagon) down the road a 60mph. Last year it began to smoke a little but still drives fine and turns heads and I enjoy it. If the engine gets tired it will need a rebuild which will be more than $1000. I plan to keep it just as it is as long as I can. Drives 300-500 miles a year. PS 52 Ford with 8BA getting engine work done now over the COVID year. The more classic vehicles you have, the less each gets driven. I need a barn and an understanding wife. I have the understanding wife. She named the 56 Chevy "Newwife".
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Old 06-12-2021, 04:18 PM   #13
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Wait a minute !

How do you know it needs a rebore ?

Reread post #10,,,,,,,there are a lot of “Ifs “,,,,,in every line there .
And besides,,,,,a little smoke is not necessarily a worn out engine,,,,maybe,,,maybe not .
Before I would give up and spend a fortune,,,just do some checking .
Many,,,,many ,,,engines have been torn down ,,,,pistons cleaned thoroughly,,,,rerung,,,,,bearings replaced and are running perfectly today .
These flatheads will run when other engines won’t .

You say it is a great running engine,,,,,just smokes a little,,,and has low compression from your test .
I really don’t think a complete rebuild is required,,,,,rings,,bearings ,,,and valve job .
You might be good to go .

Tommy
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Old 06-12-2021, 05:52 PM   #14
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Default Re: flathead refresh

As I said in my last sentence, you need to mic the bore.

You can do some hand fitting, if the taper isn't more than .008.

You can hone the cylinder, .003 - .005 over (a lot of work), knurl the pistons and gap a set of .010 over rings, for min gap, at the bottom of the cyl. A ball hone, won't work.

Each cylinder can be different, try to keep the taper at no more than .005.
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Old 06-15-2021, 11:01 AM   #15
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Well you guys will think I am an idiot but I installed the PCV conversion and no more smoke. I was so happy I posted that on another post.
As suggested to me earlier in this forum just drive it. Will do!
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Old 06-17-2021, 06:24 AM   #16
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Also, look out for another motor to overhaul since time is on your side.
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Old 06-17-2021, 09:41 AM   #17
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Default Re: flathead refresh

You might even be lucky enough to find an engine that has already been rebuilt.
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Old 06-17-2021, 10:24 AM   #18
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Since this has already been done 1 time before, as already stated, the taper in the cylinders must be pretty significant. It wouldn't be as successful as the first time for sure if you did that so invest the same amount of time instead by removing the motor and doing a complete job. If it is running fine wait until it isn't. Do it over the winter.
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Old 06-17-2021, 01:12 PM   #19
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Default Re: flathead refresh

I found NOS 5 over piston (ebay) $95. and ball hound the bore . That was 6 years ago ��
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Old 06-03-2022, 05:45 PM   #20
demingboy
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Default Re: flathead refresh

Finally getting to motor repair. Had a hard time with bonded title here in New Mexico. So far only pulled intake and one head. There is a ridge but not terrible. I believe it is a 51 8Ba as the valve turn easily just by hand. I will get it miked to check for taper and hopefully its not too much.
I just finished reading all these answers I got last time.
If ridge is too big is there such a thing as a 5 over piston?
Good news is no broken head bolts and no visible cracks in block. I about had the overheating cured so I figured I might be ok.
Only other question so far is if ridge is not too bad and taper measures ok do I just order standard rings?
Will know more tomorrow but want to start ordering parts.
Thanks
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