[OldGold360]

I have contacted most the rebuilders mentioned in this thread and every one of them, so far, has seemed to know what they’re doing but each have a different approach to rebuilding these old flatheads. A couple want to replace the crank with either a later model factory crank, one guy wanted to buy an all new crank, rods, cam, etc. and some are fine with using the factory internals. I still have yet to determine if this engine is a 221 or a 239 but I’m sure it’s a 1941, possibly a 1942 based on what I’ve learned from previous engine identification discussions. The consensus with all the builders is that determining whether the block is good is the first step and that a visual inspection for cracks doesn’t tell the whole story since cracks can show up during the magnafluxing as well as after the machining operations. There does appear, from what I can see since it’s still assembled, is that there is a bit of rust and corrosion inside the heads, water pumps, and I’m assuming it carries on throughout the block. I know this will need to be cleaned out and pressure tested. Is there anything wrong with running the factory crank? Are floater bearings that bad or are they just a paint to deal with. If this motor seems solid and cannot visually find any cracks, is there any reason why I shouldn’t just replace some gaskets, oil, clean out the rust and see if it’ll run? Prices on a rebuild so far are $5k - $11k. Most likely, I will have the machining done by someone qualified and assemble the motor myself, to not only learn more but also to save a few bucks. I still have plenty to do on my ‘36 pickup so I’m not in any hurry on this engine, but still wanting to get an early jump on it. I appreciate all the advice.

Tim, I am in Silver Creek... about an hour south of Olympia. Let me know what you’ve found out. Thanks.