Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-18-2011, 11:37 AM   #1
Ed Pitts
Senior Member
 
Ed Pitts's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Irving, Texas
Posts: 598
Default Flywheels

I am putting a '46 engine in my '36 and the flywheel that was in the car has a better clutch surface than the one that came out of the 46. Both use 10 inch clutch plates. Can the earlier flywheel be used in the later engines?
Thanks, Ed
Ed Pitts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2011, 12:08 PM   #2
Karl Wolf
Senior Member
 
Karl Wolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mill Valley,Ca.
Posts: 1,509
Default Re: Flywheels

The dividing line is 1948-1949, anything before 1948 will work- except that the 11" clutch may not fit in the confines of the earlier engines- a choice not many would make anyway- Karl
Karl Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 06-18-2011, 02:05 PM   #3
Ed Pitts
Senior Member
 
Ed Pitts's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Irving, Texas
Posts: 598
Default Re: Flywheels

Thanks Karl. Any pros or cons with using the earlier one? You're right about the 11 incher. Just took a 39 big truck block with the big flywheel apart and it is a tight fit. Ed
Ed Pitts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2011, 03:52 PM   #4
Karl Wolf
Senior Member
 
Karl Wolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mill Valley,Ca.
Posts: 1,509
Default Re: Flywheels

Sounds like you have two of the same, off 59ab... Or something like a truck... In my narrow range of experience, 36 would have used a 9" on a flywheel with a large outside step flywheel (not a very good description, all I can think of the moment)... Lots of guys have sugested using this combination (9"), and cut off the large step on the outside of the flywheel... I tried this on one, found that the weight was about what the 59ab flywheel was, and just used that, cause I had a new 10" clutch... And I like the 10"... Karl
Karl Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2011, 05:08 PM   #5
fordscript
Senior Member
 
fordscript's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oamaru, New Zealand
Posts: 416
Default Re: Flywheels

A problem that might arise is 'balance'. The 59ab flywheel might have have had weight removed to balance the rotating/reciprocating parts of the 59ab engine. If you put that on your 36 engine, it might vibrate badly. I think I would get the 36 flywheel re-faced.
fordscript is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2011, 06:42 PM   #6
Karl Wolf
Senior Member
 
Karl Wolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mill Valley,Ca.
Posts: 1,509
Default Re: Flywheels

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
The flatheads all were internally balanced, Again MHO... Karl
Karl Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2011, 08:03 PM   #7
oldford2
Senior Member
 
oldford2's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: pittsfield, MA
Posts: 2,086
Default Re: Flywheels

$35 to $45 to get your original flywheel ground. John
oldford2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2011, 10:11 AM   #8
Ed Pitts
Senior Member
 
Ed Pitts's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Irving, Texas
Posts: 598
Default Re: Flywheels

Here are the two flywheels. The 37 flywheel is on the left and the 46 flywheel is on the right. Both weigh the same and will locate on the crankshaft so the ring gear is in the correct position. The 37 flywheel uses a different pressure plate than the 46 but both use a 10 inch clutch plate. Any ideas on why the change was made? Ed
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2563.JPG (202.1 KB, 112 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2564.JPG (157.2 KB, 85 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2565.JPG (156.7 KB, 79 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2566.JPG (88.8 KB, 91 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2567.JPG (212.3 KB, 102 views)
Ed Pitts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2011, 12:45 PM   #9
Karl Wolf
Senior Member
 
Karl Wolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mill Valley,Ca.
Posts: 1,509
Default Re: Flywheels

The one on the left is, in my opinion, a 49-53 Merc flywheel- the equal spaced pressure plate bolts... The other, Ford- the bolts are in 3 patterns of two... I would use the Ford, the clutch pressure plate is more common... Oh, yes, the ring gear is in a different position... These do not interchange... Karl
Karl Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2011, 06:44 PM   #10
Ed Pitts
Senior Member
 
Ed Pitts's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Irving, Texas
Posts: 598
Default Re: Flywheels

Thanks Karl. Man, I would have never guessed the one that was in the 37 engine was a later Merc. The starter never spun like it should, that must have been the reason. Will get the 46 surfaced. Thanks again for your help. Ed
Ed Pitts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2011, 07:17 PM   #11
33cabriolet
Senior Member
 
33cabriolet's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Graham WA
Posts: 424
Default Re: Flywheels

The flywheel on the left is a 49 or later and will not work right on the earlier engine starter will hang up,surface the earlier flywheel and match the pressure plate to it.
John
33cabriolet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2011, 10:54 PM   #12
Pinewood
Member
 
Pinewood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 42
Default Re: Flywheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Karl Wolf View Post
The one on the left is, in my opinion, a 49-53 Merc flywheel- the equal spaced pressure plate bolts... The other, Ford- the bolts are in 3 patterns of two... I would use the Ford, the clutch pressure plate is more common... Oh, yes, the ring gear is in a different position... These do not interchange... Karl
Yes, I would agree that this is a 49-53 Merc flywheel. I know because I just pulled one off of my 49 Merc. (Below in the picture)

I have a question though, can I use the early Ford flywheel on my Merc motor? Basically opposite of what the original question is. My ring gear was shot on mine so I obtained a Ford flywheel, however I noticed a different thickness in the flex plate itself. Does that matter?

Pinewood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2011, 11:32 PM   #13
David J
Senior Member
 
David J's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: St Croix Falls WI
Posts: 2,080
Default Re: Flywheels

First one is 35 and I think 36 also . Anyway this is the big lip talked about . Note 3 pairs of 2 holes for the pressure plate . The second pic is 33 and 34 is the same . Note the 12 bolts around the lip for the pressure plate - like Model A's .
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2745.jpg (60.4 KB, 45 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2747.jpg (64.5 KB, 44 views)
David J is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 06:51 AM   #14
Walt Dupont--Me.
Senior Member
 
Walt Dupont--Me.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Gardiner Me.
Posts: 4,200
Default Re: Flywheels

The 8BA style 49-53 wheel will not work right on any 48 or older engine. the ring gear sets back about 1/4 to 3/8 in. further and the starter drive does not go back far enough to clear the gear. Any 35-48 wheel will work on any 48 and older engine. the 46=48 car was 10in. I like the the 35-41 dish wheel 9in. and chop off the the outside ridge. It makes for a lighter set up. The 11in. is way to heavy for any street car. After chopping lip off the 35-41 wheel, have the wheel and pressure plate balanced. The wheel are never off very much but the preasure plates are always out of balance. Walt
Walt Dupont--Me. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 07:36 AM   #15
Pinewood
Member
 
Pinewood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 42
Default Re: Flywheels

Thanks Walt, but will a 35-48 flywheel work on a 49-53 engine? That's what I want to do.
Pinewood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 07:50 AM   #16
DJ513
Junior Member
 
DJ513's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Spokane, Wa
Posts: 21
Default Re: Flywheels

Ed, I just did the same trade with the flywheel. 36 flywheel to a 46 engine and it works just fine.

Dan
DJ513 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 10:27 AM   #17
Ol' Ron
Senior Member
 
Ol' Ron's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Chester Vt
Posts: 8,842
Default Re: Flywheels

No! A pre 49 flywheel will NOT work on a 49-53 engine.
Ol' Ron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 10:46 AM   #18
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,371
Default Re: Flywheels

Its all about the starter & ring gear location. 48 & earlier (except 48 pickup) have the oil pan as the starter mount so it can't be swapped to the 8BA types and visa versa. The difference is small but enough so they just won't interchange.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 10:50 AM   #19
Pinewood
Member
 
Pinewood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 42
Default Re: Flywheels

Is it because of the starter again or the extra thickness on the flexplate? Thanks-
Pinewood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 10:52 AM   #20
Pinewood
Member
 
Pinewood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 42
Default Re: Flywheels

Oops, thanks rotorwrench, I typed before I saw your post.

So... If I want to use my new diaphragm type pressure plate that has the early mounting pattern to bolt up I suppose I can have my machine shop put them in correct?
Pinewood is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 12:19 PM   #21
Walt Dupont--Me.
Senior Member
 
Walt Dupont--Me.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Gardiner Me.
Posts: 4,200
Default Re: Flywheels

Pinewood, read my post again. The 8BA flywheel will not work correctly on a pre 49 block. If you must use a B-B pressure plate you'll have to redrill the 48 and earlier flywheel. Walt
Walt Dupont--Me. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-29-2011, 02:41 PM   #22
Pinewood
Member
 
Pinewood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 42
Default Re: Flywheels

Thanks Walt but we're having a mis-understanding. I'm trying to do the exact opposite of what you're saying. I want to go pre 49 flywheel on a 8BA/8CM block. Sounds like it doesn't work either direction...
Pinewood is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 07-30-2011, 11:24 AM   #23
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,371
Default Re: Flywheels

If you are using a later Chevy diaphragm type pressure plate, it will bolt up to a Borg & Beck type flywheel from a Mercury car in the 49 to 53 range. You can also have the flywheel drilled for the Borg & Beck 6-bolt even split patern. Center Force makes a pressure plate for flatheads with a diaphragm type pressure plate but they are pricy. A mid 70s Chevy Type can be made to work with the right diaphragm fingers but has to be compatible with the clutch disk size used. Clutch rebuilders can set them up any way a customer wants them.

The old flywheels will bolt up to the 8BA but the starter ring is in the wrong place and it won't work with the Ford or Mercury type starter plate locations. There is a good bell housing thread on this board to compare the different ones made to the later 8BA type blocks that shows the compatibility problems that can arise within the 8BA family of engines. The 59A and earlier ones are all basically the same with the pan mounted starter. The oil pan formed the lower portion of the bellhousing on all the earlier engines.

Kerby
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2011, 07:33 AM   #24
Walt Dupont--Me.
Senior Member
 
Walt Dupont--Me.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Gardiner Me.
Posts: 4,200
Default Re: Flywheels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinewood View Post
Thanks Walt but we're having a mis-understanding. I'm trying to do the exact opposite of what you're saying. I want to go pre 49 flywheel on a 8BA/8CM block. Sounds like it doesn't work either direction...
Your right Pinewood, that won't work either. Walt
Walt Dupont--Me. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2012, 12:35 PM   #25
white64
Senior Member
 
white64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Pittston , MAine
Posts: 222
Default Re: Flywheels

46 flywheel on an 8ba...? found this... does it sound plausible?

I used the flywheel from my 47 on a 51 Merc.
On the side next to the motor were some ridges, they will lock the flywheel to the motor. I had them removed. I made the flywheel flat. I also put a ring , the thing that goes on before the bolts, on before the flywheel. That way I could use the flywheel,clutch,and pressure plate from the 47. I also used the starter from the 47. This way I could use what I had. I do not know which bellhousing I used, the one I had worked.
It might have been from a truck because the old man I got it from had several trucks."
white64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:55 PM.