Need and educated guess
 

Having problems getting a flathead in a 41 fordor to run right. Did a compression test this AM. All but #2 come in at 90 lbs or better. #2 comes in at a paltry 30 lbs. Added some motor oil, but no change. The test was done cold as we cannot get the thing started right now.

Car sat overwinter each of the last couple of years after purring and running like a kitten 2 years ago. Had similar rough running last two years although this year its particularly bad.

We have poured in some MMO and are going to let it sit till tomorrow. I'm thinking a valve problem, hopefully only stuck open, and not rings. Any words of wisdom?

Would one cylinder with low compression cause the thing to basically run like a piece of.... you know what I mean.?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Re: Need and educated guess
 

I just got one running that had even compression in all but one cylinder. It ran pretty well other than a miss. I ended up having to do some work on an exhaust valve seat. You may have carb issues along with the low cylinder. Might also want to check over the distributor/points and related. It should start even if one cylinder is bad so I would guess you have some other problems.

Re: Need and educated guess
 

Commonest problem with long storage on a flathead is a valve sticking open...peer into plug hole of bad cylinder while someone slowly rotates engine with the crank.
If it is stuck, squirt some oil down that hole and push down with a screwdriver or something, keep rotating and pushing if the thing moves until it loosens up enough for spring to handle it. Put some MMO into oil to promote healing.
Be careful on the pushing...valves are easier to bend than you might think!

Re: Need and educated guess
 

Almost always a stuck valve, if it's been sitting. the MMO should do the trick without putting foreign objects into the plug hole. JMHO

Re: Need and educated guess
 

Thanks very much for the replies. Time and applying your suggestions will tell the end of the tale.

regards

Gitchi.

Re: Need and educated guess
 

You did not state if you ran any MMO & marine grade sta-bil,seafoam or other gas stabilizer thru the engine before storing for the winter.
Your carb & or fuel pump may have issues also along with the stuck valve.

Re: Need and educated guess
 

When you take the plug out, the exhaust valve will be easily visible. You will just be able to see the edge of the intake valve.