Looking for '49 wheat pennies

[CJStefan]

Anybody have a pair they want to part with? Time to block those crossover passages. I'll use a different year than '49 but...well, you know

[19Fordy]

If you don't find any wheat pennies, Canadian pennies were 98% copper during these years. I think Canada stopped minting pennies a few years ago.
1982–1996 2.5 g 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc
1980–1981 2.8 g 98% copper, 1.75% tin, 0.25% zinc

There are 1949 Lincoln wheat pennies on Ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...penny&_sacat=0

[51 MERC-CT]

If you are not worried about the engine swallowing the pennies and causing internal damage, by all means use them.
Otherwise all that I have ever done is bend up a thin piece of (tin can) sheet metal that can be slid in to install or removed if not wanted without removing intake.

[19Fordy]

Now there is a very good idea.

[Newc]

Copper- use a piece of copper plumbing pipe smash it flat, and cut out what you need. two thicknesses available at any store. Newc

[51woodie]

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I'm sure this question was asked many times, so what is the purpose of blocking off the crossovers? Less heat on the carb?

The pennies in the manifold reminded me of to two dimes under the bridge of my dad's fiddle. When asked why they were there, he would reply, "So I can say I'll never be broke."

[petehoovie]

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by CJStefan

Anybody have a pair they want to part with? Time to block those crossover passages. I'll use a different year than '49 but...well, you know

CJ, if you haven't found any '49 wheat back pennies yet, and still want to go that way to block heat riser holes in intake manifold, send me a Fordbarn pm with your name and address, and I'll send you some.

[RKS.PA]

I know the "traditional" way to block off the heat risers was to use pennies corresponding to the year of the car. But, I liked '51 Merc's idea of a piece of sheet metal. I bought two cheap stainless putty knives at Harbor Freight and "sacrificed" the handles. Worked very well, more than covered the holes, and won't get sucked into the engine, being held in place by the intake manifold.

And....I really do like the way she raps through my dual Smithy's !!! (Have acknowledged that at my age, there's no hope of my outgrowing the love of a "modest" sound of power!!!)

[36coupe]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

If you are not worried about the engine swallowing the pennies and causing internal damage, by all means use them.
Otherwise all that I have ever done is bend up a thin piece of (tin can) sheet metal that can be slid in to install or removed if not wanted without removing intake.

Will that interfere with the gasket sealing?

[Bored&Stroked]

I prefer a thin piece of stainless sheet metal - it won't rust out due to water vapor and other such fun . . .

[Russ/40]

The high zinc pennys were 1982 and after. Use any before then

[ford38v8]

Pennies won’t get sucked up, the holes are exhaust, not intake.
1/8” holes drilled in the Pennies keep the carb warm enough.
I’d also be concerned about vacuum leak by using a stainless shim.

[RalphG]

I must have missed the part explaining why you would want to block those passages. I think cold performance would be better with that crossover working the way it was designed.

[tubman]

"RalphG", it sounds like you're one of "those guys" who think the Ford engineers knew what they were doing. I'm one as well.

I don't see why this is necessary except for an all-out race engine. The proper manifolds for those don't have a provision for manifold heat anyway, so why bother?

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by tubman

"RalphG", it sounds like you're one of "those guys" who think the Ford engineers knew what they were doing. I'm one as well.

I don't see why this is necessary except for an all-out race engine. The proper manifolds for those don't have a provision for manifold heat anyway, so why bother?

I would think that hot exhaust air would aid in preventing carburetor icing which can be a real problem here. My 52 Merc still has the heat riser valve in the right hand exhaust manifold.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by 51woodie

I'm sure this question was asked many times, so what is the purpose of blocking off the crossovers? Less heat on the carb?

The pennies in the manifold reminded me of to two dimes under the bridge of my dad's fiddle. When asked why they were there, he would reply, "So I can say I'll never be broke."

Originally Posted by RalphG

I must have missed the part explaining why you would want to block those passages. I think cold performance would be better with that crossover working the way it was designed.

Originally Posted by tubman

"RalphG", it sounds like you're one of "those guys" who think the Ford engineers knew what they were doing. I'm one as well.

I don't see why this is necessary except for an all-out race engine. The proper manifolds for those don't have a provision for manifold heat anyway, so why bother?

Originally Posted by RalphG

I would think that hot exhaust air would aid in preventing carburetor icing which can be a real problem here. My 52 Merc still has the heat riser valve in the right hand exhaust manifold.

Blocking the heat riser holes with pennies so far as I know never had anything to do with improving or modifying engine performance.
It was a fad that intended to change the exhaust sound that some thought was "cool"

[Gene1949]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Blocking the heat riser holes with pennies so far as I know never had anything to do with improving or modifying engine performance.
It was a fad that intended to change the exhaust sound that some thought was "cool"

Period correct pennies sounds just a bit anal

On a more serious note, as cranky as a flat motor is (timing, carb adjustment, fuel distribution and engine temperature) the very last thing I would do is remove the heat under the carb for a "cool sound".

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Gene1949

Period correct pennies sounds just a bit anal

On a more serious note, as cranky as a flat motor is (timing, carb adjustment, fuel distribution and engine temperature) the very last thing I would do is remove the heat under the carb for a "cool sound".

But if you were experiencing 'vapor lock' it may be a step toward reducing the problem.

[JT FORD]

I always used a stripe cut out of a tin beer can. You don,t have to remove the manifold just loosen the bolts, raise one side and then the other side and sllip them in. I all ways removed them in the winter time.........