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Old 03-23-2021, 09:46 AM   #1
justin.acome
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Default chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Hi, all; I'm a semi-long-term reader but, for my first post: I'm hoping to get some wisdom on the status of this flywheel and crank (both of which are from a 59A, in case that's relevant).

It looks like a chunk's been broken out of the shoulder on the crank throw, and I don't want to waste money at the machine shop if this is too much of a red flag, either because this say something about past trauma or because it might mean the whole thing will be so far out of balance that it will shake itself to death. For what it's worth, the engine didn't look like it had any bottom end problems, but I don't know anything of its history other than it was rebuilt at least once.

The pressure plate on this flywheel looks fine, but the disc was warped and had a few broken fingers so I'm guessing it got hot or something bad happened downstream in the drivetrain. I can't tell if the area where the flywheel is cracked is relevant to its function or structure, though.

Many thanks in advance to anyone with any advice.
Justin
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File Type: jpeg flywheel2.jpeg (43.8 KB, 192 views)
File Type: jpeg flywheel1.jpeg (48.5 KB, 212 views)
File Type: jpeg crank1.jpeg (52.1 KB, 192 views)
File Type: jpeg crank2.jpeg (47.9 KB, 183 views)
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Old 03-23-2021, 09:50 AM   #2
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Crank looks OK. That chunk is a casting part. Mag it to be sure.

Flywheel? Toss it. Never take a chance with something that is approx. 30 lbs and is spinning at 900-5,000 rpm at your feet. That's a potential grenade waiting to happen.

Flywheels are very easy to find.
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Old 03-23-2021, 10:02 AM   #3
19Fordy
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Are those welding beads on the flywheel?
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Old 03-23-2021, 01:08 PM   #4
Desoto291Hemi
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Those marks are where the cranks were separated after the casting process.
They were cast in a large mold,,,,4 ,,,,together at a time,,,,,and then popped apart .
Some had unusual separation marks,,,,but are still perfect in every other way .
It’s really fun to see the old film of the casting and how they made these crankshafts .
Some really good work back then,,,,,quality work .

Tommy
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Old 03-23-2021, 04:52 PM   #5
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Tommy is right about the crankshaft. I wouldn't use that flywheel on my ex-wife's car.
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Old 03-25-2021, 08:24 AM   #6
justin.acome
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

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Thank you, all! Very helpful. I'll get the crank magnafluxed. The shells were only .010 under so I'm hoping it will clean up and am glad the casting issue isn't an up-front deal breaker. And thanks Tommy for the tip - gonna hit up youtube for some old crank casting footage.

I had to go check again on the flywheel but no, those aren't weld beads. Just residue from the prep/etch I sprayed on everything after degreasing. So, good news about the wisdom of whoever was last in here? Either way, yes, I'll be sure it migrates forthwith to a new life as shop art and/or toolbox ballast.

Thanks again!
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Old 03-25-2021, 08:36 AM   #7
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Flywheel is probably OK. Just have it cleaned and Magged for cracks.
Gramps
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Old 03-25-2021, 01:23 PM   #8
Desoto291Hemi
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

That video is on YouTube.
It is titled,,,,trip through the river rouge plant,,,I am guessing from the mid 30’s .
The block still has the cast bell on back,,,,,,the crank uses insert bearings like the 8BA.
I am guessing about 1937,,,,somewhere around there .
It is about 30 minutes if I remember correctly .
It shows from bringing in raw ore on ships,,,,,to a finished car.
Really amazing footage,,,it has sound and is narrated by Lowell Thomas I believe.
There are many videos like that on there.
Type in the search,,,,,vintage auto assembly line,,,,,there are a ton of old videos there.

Tommy

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Old 03-25-2021, 01:33 PM   #9
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Ditto, what Ron said about the flywheel. As for the crank, I'd probably toss it. Too easy to get one of those, free, at least in my area. If it's 59A, as you posted, I'd offer a free crank, if we were closer.
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Old 03-25-2021, 02:24 PM   #10
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobH View Post
Ditto, what Ron said about the flywheel. As for the crank, I'd probably toss it. Too easy to get one of those, free, at least in my area. If it's 59A, as you posted, I'd offer a free crank, if we were closer.



Why toss out a perfectly good crank?! That rough spot is part of the manufacturing process and is on every flathead crank made (unless aftermarket).
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Old 03-25-2021, 03:10 PM   #11
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Same question, what is wrong with a .010 under crank?
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Old 03-25-2021, 05:59 PM   #12
bobH
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Posts 10 and 11.... Maybe I'm not seeing the same as you guys. The op mentioned a chunk missing. And, what I think I see, is a substantial chunk missing on that 'shoulder'. I'm thinking possible balance problem, and possible weak area prone to future failure. So, please educate me. Am I seeing it incorrectly? I don't see this on the (few) cranks I've have or had.
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Old 03-25-2021, 06:37 PM   #13
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Bob, looks like a normal crank to me. They were cast in groups of 4 and busted apart. Ford balanced them at the factory. The only balance issues would come with modifications from the original assembly.

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Old 03-25-2021, 07:24 PM   #14
bobH
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bob, looks like a normal crank to me. They were cast in groups of 4 and busted apart. Ford balanced them at the factory. The only balance issues would come with modifications from the original assembly.
thank you
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Old 03-30-2021, 08:11 AM   #15
justin.acome
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

A Trip Through The River Rouge Plant for the full video; engine assembly starts just shy of minute 18.

Crank casting is minute 8; spud bars and sledge hammers come out around 9:01.

The gentleman just after minute 20 makes me feel like I've been approximately 1000% too careful with every camshaft I've ever touched.

Thank you again, Tommy. My employer thanks you as well.

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Old 03-30-2021, 08:17 AM   #16
justin.acome
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

... and while I'm back, another request for advice, this time on cracks at two of the four cam gear bolt holes. Are these problems?
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File Type: jpeg cam_1.jpeg (36.3 KB, 51 views)

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Old 03-30-2021, 09:59 AM   #17
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Quote:
Originally Posted by justin.acome View Post
... and while I'm back, another request for advice, this time on cracks at two of the four cam gear bolt holes. Are these problems?
I'm amazed how many parts are cracked on this motor. I may be overly cautious, but any part that is spinning around and can cause damage to the motor or the driver, I would not use it.

If that cam lets loose, it could destroy the motor if a piece get jammed up in the cavity.

Cams are easy to find, give yourself peace of mind.
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Old 03-31-2021, 08:20 AM   #18
justin.acome
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Default Re: chunks, cracks, and engine parts viability?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Ayers View Post
I'm amazed how many parts are cracked on this motor[...].
Indeed. I have been feeling a bit lucky lately.

Quite right, though, Tim, and thanks. Point taken.
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