My next flathead build?

[Ziggster]

Acquired this 59A? industrial engine yesterday. Posted a few pics in this thread.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338208

It was used locally as a ski lift on some private property probably 70 yrs ago or more according to the seller (son of the original owner/operator). He says it ran when “parked”, which I’m guessing was close to 70 years ago. He says though it was always covered, and there was a large steel cover that seemed to fit the engine stand, but they were keeping it. He felt positive that it wasn’t seized, but we’ll see. I will start digging into it over the next few weeks as time permits.

[Ziggster]

Some more pics. Has some sort of belt-driven “governor” (last pic) that is connected to the throttle. If anyone knows what it is, or how it works. Please chime in. I’m hoping the aluminum heads are salvageable. If they are, I might swap them into my other flathead. This just might be another gem in the rough. Weird how I ended up with two flatheads used as industrial engines.

[Ggmac]

Thats a complete and interesting set up . Good luck and I’ll be following.

[Bored&Stroked]

Best of luck with it . . . looks like some fun! That is one big ole' industrial generator - have never seen one like it. Hopefully you can get the heads off of it without too many swear-words . . . that will probably be a bit of "fun" to say the least! I'll be watching and working with you vicariously! LOL

[cadillac512]

That governor is similar to others added to automotive engines used to power farm equipment or other steady rpm applications. Inside the gov unit are weights attached to a shaft,balanced by a spring, and when the weights spin they pull against the spring which in turn opens or closes the throttle to maintain preset rpm. That way varying load doesn't change engine speed or require an operator to control the throttle.

[Ziggster]

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Ok. Thanks. That makes sense based on its’ use.

[Ziggster]

There seems to be a thermostat(s) under all that rust. Nuts came off the head studs easily on the PS along with some studs. Qty 10 studs came out with the nuts. All the threads on the studs are in great shape so far. Next are the plugs.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

There seems to be a thermostat(s) under all that rust. Nuts came off the head studs easily on the PS along with some studs. Qty 10 studs came out with the nuts. All the threads on the studs are in great shape so far. Next are the plugs.

[GB SISSON]

I had an industrial flathead on a trailer mounted welder in the early 90s. It was always overheating. During one of those times when "I'm gonna get out of this flathead thing" occured, I gave the engine to a local guy for his '40 ford. Turned out to be crack free and had that beautufully executed factory relief. I'm hoping your's has it too. I may still have some of the 'industrial' parts for it in my attic.

[Ziggster]

The PS head started coming off easily towards the front of the block, but of course there had to be one stud with crud/corrosion around it. I slowly worked my way towards the rear of the head, prying on it while driving in some slim carpenters tool (not sure what they’re called). I could see the stud was moving with the head, while all other studs remained still. Placed the nut back on the problematic stud and began tapping it with a small hammer. That loosened up some crud, and now I could see a gap around the stud and the hole in the head. However, prying on the head still causes the stud to move with it. Not liking what I’m seeing, I decided to call it quits for the day. Thinking I might just weld the nut to the stud and hope it comes out easily like some of the others.

[Ziggster]

Some pics of the plugs. All look good except second last one from rear of block.

[GB SISSON]

You're gonna leave us dangling til tomorrow to see what's under there? I probably know what most of those carpenter tools are, but I use a series of hardwood wedges. Just be mindful that there will be some open valves you can hit with a tool or a wedge.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

The PS head started coming off easily towards the front of the block, but of course there had to be one stud with crud/corrosion around it. I slowly worked my way towards the rear of the head, prying on it while driving in some slim carpenters tool (not sure what they’re called). I could see the stud was moving with the head, while all other studs remained still. Placed the nut back on the problematic stud and began tapping it with a small hammer. That loosened up some crud, and now I could see a gap around the stud and the hole in the head. However, prying on the head still causes the stud to move with it. Not liking what I’m seeing, I decided to call it quits for the day. Thinking I might just weld the nut to the stud and hope it comes out easily like some of the others.

[38 coupe]

When you get a chance can you post a couple pictures of the big generator and matching regulator? I have a small collection of big generators for the 8BA era stuff, but nothing from the 41-48 era.

[Ziggster]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

When you get a chance can you post a couple pictures of the big generator and matching regulator? I have a small collection of big generators for the 8BA era stuff, but nothing from the 41-48 era.

Are you referring to the “regular” generator above the intake?

[Ziggster]

Got a bit further, but still haven’t tried to get the head off. Surprised at how easily all of the bolts/nuts are coming off even though some look really corroded. Thought the intake you just pop off, but it’s stuck on the two locating dowels/pins. Being really stubborn. Going to leave it for a bit.

[Ziggster]

Just about have the DS head off, but she’s stuck on one stud. Always one problem child…

[GB SISSON]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

Just about have the DS head off, but she’s stuck on one stud. Always one problem child…

As a father of four, I can relate

[Ziggster]

Haha! I only have two (girls), but they’re good for the most part (now that they are out of the house). Well, technically, youngest just finished first year of engineering, and is back for the summer.

Good news! Got the DS head with a piece of wood used as a lever. What do you folks think?

Of course, being the idiot I am, I left one bolt on the intake manifold, once removed, it popped off. Yep, I even said to myself beforehand to make sure I got them all.

[Ziggster]

Damn! What happened to the pics? Too many attachment windows open.