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Old 03-10-2016, 06:22 PM   #1
Randy1944
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Default It's alive!

I wanted to share with everyone - that my engine started today. It is in my 39 PU. The engine is a 45 - 48 Flathead that had not run since 2002. I just ran it a few minutes because I don't yet have the radiator installed. It sounded great and smoked very little.

Many Thanks to all who helped.
Randy
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Old 03-10-2016, 06:38 PM   #2
Barry-ct
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Default Re: It's alive!

Congrats! Get the radiator in and get it running so you can dial it in!
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Old 03-10-2016, 07:24 PM   #3
JSeery
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Great!
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Old 03-10-2016, 07:44 PM   #4
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Awesome! I know you are Excited! Congrats!
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Old 03-10-2016, 08:12 PM   #5
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Default Re: It's alive!

Glad you got'er going Randy, and your hard work in starting to pay rewards.
I'm sure you'll have fun when you get to drive it and work all the bugs out.









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Old 03-10-2016, 09:54 PM   #6
GB SISSON
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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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Old 03-10-2016, 09:54 PM   #7
Mike in AZ
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Congrats!!...good to have another flathead running again.....keep on having fun...Mike
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Old 03-11-2016, 06:41 AM   #8
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Default Re: It's alive!

alright, success celebrated in the form of pride and happiness!
Good for You.
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Old 03-11-2016, 07:36 AM   #9
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Default Re: It's alive!

Way to go! I am so looking forward to that day... soon I hope. Any gotchas I should be looking for on that first start? Lessons learned? I have done a lot with OHV engines. My first Flathead. Good times
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Old 03-11-2016, 08:40 AM   #10
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Fantastic!
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Old 03-11-2016, 01:50 PM   #11
Randy1944
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A friend of mine helped me get it running. The engine turned over very slowly and would not start. My friend suggested that we use two six volt batteries and sure enough, that gave it extra boost and it ran, as soon as it got gas. Now I have to put in the wiring harness and the radiator and hookup the gas line. at least- now, I know it will run - and not sound bad at all.
Thanks again for the patience and help from everyone.
Randy
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Old 03-11-2016, 01:56 PM   #12
Joe Immler
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Once you got it running smoothly isn't that one of the best sounds around? Congrats.
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Old 03-17-2016, 10:02 PM   #13
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Latest update. Today, I installed the radiator and hoses and filled it up with water. BIG PROBLEM! Water started going all over the floor. I was able to get partly under the front of the truck and see that the lower left water hose was leaking. I then found that the right water pump was leaking across the top seam - where I used a new gasket and also form-a-gasket. The water pumps were new from Carp. I made a point to tourque the bolts (grade 8). The main leak was up behind the right side water pump and was pouring down onto the front axle. I was so tired and worn out, I just cleaned it up a little and stopped for the day.
Maybe, I will have the first air cooled Flathead!
Any suggestions and did any of this stir your memory?

Thanks, Randy
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Old 03-17-2016, 11:17 PM   #14
JSeery
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Default Re: It's alive!

I would remove the pump and see what is going on. Sounds like something is keeping the pump from seating down against the block. Check both surfaces (pump and block) to assure the are flat and nothing is interfering with the gasket surface.
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Old 03-18-2016, 07:00 PM   #15
Clem Clement
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Default Re: It's alive!

I have a '39 pickup as well. Sure are fun to work on and drive. Keep on it.
does your truck have a name>
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Old 03-19-2016, 07:35 AM   #16
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Makes a Papa proud, don't it? Just something about those flatheads!
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Old 03-19-2016, 08:31 PM   #17
Randy1944
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Question? Still wondering about my motor. I plan to remove right water pump on Monday. My motor is a 1946 - 1948 and I would like to know if it has "freeze out plugs"? I found two water drain plugs on the front of the motor and both still had plugs - no pet cocks. There is no drain on the radiator. Makes it a little tough to drain water. Anyway - can someone help with info about the freeze out plugs?

Thanks
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Old 03-21-2016, 05:22 PM   #18
Randy1944
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Jseery, Today was a great day. Removed radiator and generator fan and then the right side water pump - there was the problem. I somehow had allowed the water pump gasket to slide down and it had caused all of the problem. Got everything buttoned back up and - success. The motor started and ran great. Got to drive the truck out on a country road. It sure was sweet. The motor starts on second turnover and the truck doesn't handle badly at all. Very satisfied with the way it drives. I have a hard time understanding how an engine is not started for at least fourteen years and maybe more and starts and runs so well. I love it. Thanks to everyone for their help.
Now to finish the wiring and redo the dash.
Randy
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Old 03-22-2016, 07:39 AM   #19
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Thanks for the update. Enjoy the adventure.
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Old 03-22-2016, 07:46 AM   #20
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Great work - another flathead back on the road ....
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