The Ford Barn

luvmyclassics · 10-16-2017, 06:12 PM

I was planning on using the original crankshaft on my engine rebuild. There was a small chunk missing on an end lobe. The machinest who worked on the engine removed some material to balance the crank. I am not trying to build a high performance engine but do not want any issues either. I have been advised not to use the crankshaft by a couple of hobbyist machine builders.

Need some guidance. Thanks.

Brian · 10-16-2017, 06:15 PM

I understand Ford cast their cranks four at a time; they were joined at some lobes. Subsequently separated and roughly fettled. Where they have been separated at the lobes is quite often fairly rough looking. No issues though.

19Fordy · 10-16-2017, 06:36 PM

Pictures tell the story.

Capt Kirk · 10-16-2017, 07:16 PM

I'm by no means an expert on flatheads but, in my thinking, you've got an original crankshaft and don't plan on racing. If that's the case, the crankshaft has already proven itself sound with normal operation. If the bearing surfaces are good, or can be made good, I'd use it with no worries. The "chunk missing" that you're talking about has probably been missing for 50+ years and that crank, if good, can probably survive a few more years.

JSeery · 10-16-2017, 07:41 PM

It's fairly common for Ford cranks to have a chuck or two missing.

flatjack9 · 10-16-2017, 07:43 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Missing chunks are the norm. All Ford cranks have them.

Step-down · 10-16-2017, 08:00 PM

My 59 with 8ba crank has a chuck missing and balanced out good ....

3twinridges · 10-16-2017, 08:11 PM

Probably a casting sprue flaw, I wouldn't worry about it if your machinist gave it a thumbs up.

JB

V8COOPMAN · 10-17-2017, 01:15 PM

If it looks anything like this one, it's normal.....run it! DD

luvmyclassics · 10-17-2017, 01:18 PM

That picture looks like my crankshaft.

revkev6 · 10-17-2017, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

If it looks anything like this one, it's normal.....run it! DD

those are HORRIBLE and mean you have to replace the crankshaft!

if you are talking to the seller... lol

Paul Bennett · 10-17-2017, 08:58 PM

Here's min in situ. Engine runs quite smooth. Apprecciate bringing this thread to light as I had some concerns. Even checked the pan for a chunk.

JSeery · 10-17-2017, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Bennett

Here's min in situ. Engine runs quite smooth. Apprecciate bringing this thread to light as I had some concerns. Even checked the pan for a chunk.

Meer flesh wound!

Ol' Ron · 10-17-2017, 10:21 PM

Not a problem.If your worried about it, have it nagged. They all kook like that. With one exception, in lhe 52 and in some 53 engines, Ford experimented with a chell molded crankshaft which was used in the 54 and up Y blocks. These are supposed to be much stronger.

10-16-2017, 06:12 PM	#1
luvmyclassics Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 193	OK to use my crankshaft? I was planning on using the original crankshaft on my engine rebuild. There was a small chunk missing on an end lobe. The machinest who worked on the engine removed some material to balance the crank. I am not trying to build a high performance engine but do not want any issues either. I have been advised not to use the crankshaft by a couple of hobbyist machine builders. Need some guidance. Thanks.

10-16-2017, 06:15 PM	#2
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,832	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? I understand Ford cast their cranks four at a time; they were joined at some lobes. Subsequently separated and roughly fettled. Where they have been separated at the lobes is quite often fairly rough looking. No issues though. __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

10-16-2017, 06:36 PM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,930	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? Pictures tell the story.

10-16-2017, 07:16 PM	#4
Capt Kirk Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Clarkston MI Posts: 830	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? I'm by no means an expert on flatheads but, in my thinking, you've got an original crankshaft and don't plan on racing. If that's the case, the crankshaft has already proven itself sound with normal operation. If the bearing surfaces are good, or can be made good, I'd use it with no worries. The "chunk missing" that you're talking about has probably been missing for 50+ years and that crank, if good, can probably survive a few more years. __________________ 35 Ford Cabriolet 56 Chevy Pickup 63 VW Bug Empty wallet

10-16-2017, 07:41 PM	#5
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? It's fairly common for Ford cranks to have a chuck or two missing.

10-16-2017, 07:43 PM	#6
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Missing chunks are the norm. All Ford cranks have them.

10-16-2017, 08:00 PM	#7
Step-down Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Hat City (Danbury CT) Posts: 647	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? My 59 with 8ba crank has a chuck missing and balanced out good .... __________________ "I can't cry as long as I know the Lord has risen "

10-16-2017, 08:11 PM	#8
3twinridges Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 547	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? Probably a casting sprue flaw, I wouldn't worry about it if your machinist gave it a thumbs up. JB

10-17-2017, 01:15 PM	#9
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,107	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? If it looks anything like this one, it's normal.....run it! DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

10-17-2017, 01:18 PM	#10
luvmyclassics Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 193	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? That picture looks like my crankshaft.

10-17-2017, 10:21 PM	#14
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: OK to use my crankshaft? Not a problem.If your worried about it, have it nagged. They all kook like that. With one exception, in lhe 52 and in some 53 engines, Ford experimented with a chell molded crankshaft which was used in the 54 and up Y blocks. These are supposed to be much stronger.