Flathead carnage

[36coupe]

I picked a low mileage late model flathead that I think was starved of oil to the crank although the pump looks new. They must of drove it for fair distance.
Cam shaft broke. Hole in the bottom of the block. Connecting rod in 3 pieces. Holes in the oil pan.
I was hoping I could salvage the crank but I don’t think so.
The 4 remaining 60 over mercury pistons are like new. Maybe I can find 4 pistons. The 4 surviving rods all have a few dings, don’t think I’ll trust them. I should be able to salvage the valve train, 15 adjustable lifters, all look new. 6v pertronics, 2 new water pumps. Intake & carb, generator and starter.

What would have failed on a new rebuild to do this damage?

[36coupe]

I didn’t take the engine apart to see all the pieces.

[jetmek]

Seized up rod and it let go. Took everything else with it

[36coupe]

What might cause it seize?

[jetmek]

Incorrect clearance, or contaminated oil.if a recent rebuild maybe they didnt clean the crank after machining

[Ken/Alabama]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

That’s nasty.

[alanwoodieman]

yep, this looks similar to my 81 engine which let go a couple of weeks ago, new oil, running cool, good oil pressure and slowly accelerating from 35 to about 38 when it let go

[36coupe]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

yep, this looks similar to my 81 engine which let go a couple of weeks ago, new oil, running cool, good oil pressure and slowly accelerating from 35 to about 38 when it let go

Wow I never knew that much damage could happen so quick.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

About sums this up.

GB

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 36coupe

I picked a low mileage late model flathead that I think was starved of oil to the crank although the pump looks new. They must of drove it for fair distance.
Cam shaft broke. Hole in the bottom of the block. Connecting rod in 3 pieces. Holes in the oil pan.
I was hoping I could salvage the crank but I don’t think so.
The 4 remaining 60 over mercury pistons are like new. Maybe I can find 4 pistons. The 4 surviving rods all have a few dings, don’t think I’ll trust them. I should be able to salvage the valve train, 15 adjustable lifters, all look new. 6v pertronics, 2 new water pumps. Intake & carb, generator and starter.

What would have failed on a new rebuild to do this damage?

Kind'a looks like #7 rod possibly seized on crank, came apart somehow, and got up into the cam, which helped break it both front and rear, and with additionally-created spare parts flailing-around, penetrated the block and oil pan. That made some racket during the sudden disassembly! Coop

.

[Ziggster]

That is brutal. Really sad to see. I’m curious to know if the oil pump has a gasket installed on the gear cover plate. Hard to tell from the pics.

[36coupe]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

That is brutal. Really sad to see. I’m curious to know if the oil pump has a gasket installed on the gear cover plate. Hard to tell from the pics.

I’ll check this morning.

[mfirth]

Maybe the drivers foot "failed" to come off the throttle soon enough. ???

[alanwoodieman]

engine had been in my wagon for over 20,000 miles. I did not build it, came out of a coupe from Alabama that received a small block brand X. The one in there now was built by a very good friend, who has since passed away, and I over 10 years ago. Hopefully this one will last 20 years!

[Lawrie]

That must be more common than you would;d think, I have four blocks dropped in my shed the other week and one looks just like that.
Lawrie

[36coupe]

Originally Posted by Ziggster

That is brutal. Really sad to see. I’m curious to know if the oil pump has a gasket installed on the gear cover plate. Hard to tell from the pics.

Yes. I spun the pump by hand and it pumps okay. Mellings M19

[KiWinUS]

She dun blowed up.

[Als48]

I blew a galley plug once on an O..s engine. its amazing how fast you can lose all of your oil pressure and most of your oil that way.

Al Hook

[Mart]

The flailing rod takes out the cam.
Had it happen on a 390 FE motor.
Rod broke and flailed around. Took out cam, hit piston and other end of rod sideways and took out the cylinder wall then exited the block.
Car just stopped in a cloud of coolant.

[Kurt in NJ]

That hole in the block can be fixed, a piece of metal can be stitched in