The Ford Barn

expavr · 11-12-2023, 05:26 PM

I started a teardown of a 59 engine taken from a 1945 AF Crash Truck. In the process discovered cracks in 2 locations (photos attached). These locations are on the Left Bank. It was my intention to do a mild performance build: 4" Merc Crank, Edmunds Custom Heads, Edmunds Custom Intake Manifold and 3/4 Cam. QUESTION: Will the location of these cracks be an issue with the intended build? Can they be fixed or dealt with? If so how? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks. Les Williams

petehoovie · 11-12-2023, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expavr

I started a teardown of a 59 engine taken from a 1945 AF Crash Truck. In the process discovered cracks in 2 locations (photos attached). These locations are on the Left Bank. It was my intention to do a mild performance build: 4" Merc Crank, Edmunds Custom Heads, Edmunds Custom Intake Manifold and 3/4 Cam. QUESTION: Will the location of these cracks be an issue with the intended build? Can they be fixed or dealt with? If so how? Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks. Les Williams

Shu47 · 11-12-2023, 07:50 PM

Those type of cracks are extremely common and not a problem. Cracks to the cylinder wall and valve seats are when you have a problem.

ford38v8 · 11-12-2023, 07:54 PM

As cracks go, those are in good locations. You will have an increased likelihood of water seepage at those studs, so be sure to use a good sealant. The unknown is whether you’re going to be able to torque those nuts without widening the cracks. I would say this would be the priority issue to deal with before dropping a wad of money on it.

T Scott · 11-12-2023, 08:07 PM

I think I saw in previous posts that those cracks are so typical that they actually have a Ford part number.

47topless · 11-12-2023, 10:12 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by T Scott

I think I saw in previous posts that those cracks are so typical that they actually have a Ford part number.

So funny! Really cracked me up.

Ol' Ron · 11-13-2023, 10:50 AM

I only torque My heads to 45 ft/lbs in 3 heat cycles, so never gave them a thought!
G

mcflash · 11-13-2023, 06:12 PM

Don't skimp on the quality of sealant you use.

51504bat · 11-13-2023, 06:45 PM

The 8ba in my '39 p/u had several of those Ford part number cracks. Used #2 Permatex on the head bolts per the machinist who built the short block. No issues.

11-12-2023, 07:50 PM	#3
Shu47 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maltby, Washington Posts: 187	Re: What Have We Here? Those type of cracks are extremely common and not a problem. Cracks to the cylinder wall and valve seats are when you have a problem.

11-12-2023, 07:54 PM	#4
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,646	Re: What Have We Here? As cracks go, those are in good locations. You will have an increased likelihood of water seepage at those studs, so be sure to use a good sealant. The unknown is whether you’re going to be able to torque those nuts without widening the cracks. I would say this would be the priority issue to deal with before dropping a wad of money on it. __________________ Alan

11-12-2023, 08:07 PM	#5
T Scott Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: East Boothbay, Maine Posts: 279	Re: What Have We Here? I think I saw in previous posts that those cracks are so typical that they actually have a Ford part number.

11-13-2023, 10:50 AM	#7
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: What Have We Here? I only torque My heads to 45 ft/lbs in 3 heat cycles, so never gave them a thought! G

11-13-2023, 06:12 PM	#8
mcflash Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Northwest Arkansas Posts: 20	Re: What Have We Here? Don't skimp on the quality of sealant you use.

11-13-2023, 06:45 PM	#9
51504bat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal-Redlands Posts: 3,024	Re: What Have We Here? The 8ba in my '39 p/u had several of those Ford part number cracks. Used #2 Permatex on the head bolts per the machinist who built the short block. No issues. __________________ Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.