Quote:
Originally Posted by Ol' Ron
This is an excellent post, gives the phrase "plan Ahead" some real meaning. Building an engine is different than putting one together. In this case I just cut the pulley to fit, but sometimes that doesn't work, but I've had no trouble with that solution. However. I prefer to use the GM harmonic balancer, bored for a press fit to the crank then add or make a pulley. But planning this is the important part of building an engine.
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So true. I have done several flatheads, but on each of those, I started with a complete engine that went back into the same car, so I had no problems with mismatched parts. This one was different. I basically put it together from parts I already had on hand; a block from here, a crank form there, etc. Bottom line though, the parts needed to get this together are fairly easily available, and with the right advice (from here), it's not really a problem.I'll bet most flathead enthusiasts don't know about all of the differences in front covers and distributors; I didn't until I ran into a problem a couple of years ago. Thanks to "V8 Bob" for the pictures which explain it all.
I just ran into another problem, this time at the back of the engine. This engine is going into a "Hot Rod" with a 1950 Ford drivetrain. When I went to put the clutch assembly together, I thought I had everything I needed. When it came time to install the throw-out bearing assembly on the clutch fork, I found that the throw-out assembly I got from my parts stash just wouldn't fit the fork. I know I got it with a flathead I bought years ago. I think it is probably out of a truck because I bought a couple of truck engines then. Luckily for me, 8BA car throw-put bearing collars are easy to find and reasonably cheap, so I'm still in the game.