The Ford Barn

cdan34 · 03-21-2021, 06:43 PM

Maybe some one posted this and I missed it. It looks to me like there wasn't enough thread on those bolts and they tightened up before clamping the main.

As mentioned they could have bottomed out also.

34PKUP · 03-21-2021, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdan34

Maybe some one posted this and I missed it. It looks to me like there wasn't enough thread on those bolts and they tightened up before clamping the main.

As mentioned they could have bottomed out also.

Doubtful, as any 8BA I have seen has the holes tapped right thru (no bottom) and the threads don't start until appox. 3/8" below the surface.

tubman · 03-21-2021, 07:48 PM

Two words : Three mains.

Bored&Stroked · 03-22-2021, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubman

Two words : Three mains.

Just takes a few "band aids" - and then you can throw horsepower at 3 mains.

This is the girdle I designed for our 1940 Flathead Cadillac we run at Bonneville. We've made 650 HP on alky - and the bearings still looked great.

I'm designing one for the Flathead Ford as I write - but it will be for a 5 main crank (with 2 girdle/ghost mains in it).

GirdleAndMains2.jpg

jimvette59 · 03-23-2021, 08:23 AM

Metal fatigue does happen. Has a qualified Metallurgist examined the parts ?

saltracer · 03-23-2021, 10:47 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

We have used these from Ebay on our last few engines. Dave Tatum sells an aluminum version also.

Scotty's 52 F3 · 03-23-2021, 04:09 PM

A pic of the fracture face will tell a lot.

Ronnieroadster · 03-23-2021, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty's 52 F3

A pic of the fracture face will tell a lot.

Ive seen the bearing cap in this post. And also the main bearing that was in the cap. You can see a definite etched mark in the rear of the bearing shell where the crack was located. To make such a mark this crack was there for some time how long is the mystery. The owner came by my shop looking for center main caps I was able to loan him eight caps maybe he will get lucky and find one that will work. If what some have posted a cap form another block will work you certainly need a good amount of caps to try and hopefully get lucky time will tell. The owner also has plasti gauge to check clearances if he finds a cap that appears to work. He understands the complexity of this.
Heck I think he should buy a lottery ticket if he finds a cap that works.
Ronnieroadster

Bored&Stroked · 03-24-2021, 06:15 AM

Thanks Ron - from lookin at the picture and seeing a 'shiny area' around the cap break - suspected that the cap cracked first, then finally the bolts let go. If the guy gets away with finding the "magic cap" and the crank isn't hurt - then he is a whole lot more fotunate than I'd expect to be! I'd probably be collecting the lower end of the engine in a wheel barrow! LOL. Give Laura my best - hope you are doing well!

Ol' Ron · 03-24-2021, 06:51 AM

I sent him 5 caps and some stock bolts.
Gramps

03-21-2021, 06:43 PM	#41
cdan34 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mill Valley, Calif. Posts: 120	Re: Center main blowout Maybe some one posted this and I missed it. It looks to me like there wasn't enough thread on those bolts and they tightened up before clamping the main. As mentioned they could have bottomed out also.

03-21-2021, 07:48 PM	#43
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,304	Re: Center main blowout Two words : Three mains.

03-23-2021, 08:23 AM	#45
jimvette59 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Perry OH Posts: 1,329	Re: Center main blowout Metal fatigue does happen. Has a qualified Metallurgist examined the parts ?

03-23-2021, 10:47 AM	#46
saltracer Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Lafayette, La. Posts: 100	Re: Center main blowout Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) We have used these from Ebay on our last few engines. Dave Tatum sells an aluminum version also.

03-23-2021, 04:09 PM	#47
Scotty's 52 F3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Marana, AZ. Posts: 414	Re: Center main blowout A pic of the fracture face will tell a lot.

03-24-2021, 06:15 AM	#49
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,062	Re: Center main blowout Thanks Ron - from lookin at the picture and seeing a 'shiny area' around the cap break - suspected that the cap cracked first, then finally the bolts let go. If the guy gets away with finding the "magic cap" and the crank isn't hurt - then he is a whole lot more fotunate than I'd expect to be! I'd probably be collecting the lower end of the engine in a wheel barrow! LOL. Give Laura my best - hope you are doing well!

03-24-2021, 06:51 AM	#50
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Center main blowout I sent him 5 caps and some stock bolts. Gramps