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Old 09-21-2018, 10:46 AM   #1
Low-Blow
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Default Crankshaft Question

I am currently building an 8BA out of a '53 Customline.

(Side Note: I have posted a Want Ad for a stock camshaft to be used as a core for regrind.)

I purchased this 4" Merc Crank from a guy last year. I was in the process of moving and the 8BA build was on hold for the time. So, I never really took time to unbox the crank when it arrived. I had a good conversation with the gentleman I purchased it from, and he seemed to be very trustworthy. The story was that it had been to the rebuild shop and was cut to .010/.010.

Well, the 8BA build is starting to progress again so I am gathering parts. I decided to take a look at the crank this morning. I am not sure what takes place during the rebuild of a crankshaft. There were some things that looked a little concerning to me, however. So, I wanted to post these pics and get your input as to the overall condition and looks of the crankshaft. Any feedback you have would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Crank 3.jpg (61.3 KB, 194 views)
File Type: jpg Crank 1.jpg (37.0 KB, 200 views)
File Type: jpg Crank 2.jpg (36.4 KB, 189 views)
File Type: jpg Crank 4.jpg (57.4 KB, 197 views)
File Type: jpg Crank 5.jpg (41.3 KB, 213 views)
File Type: jpg Crank 6.jpg (51.9 KB, 208 views)
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Old 09-21-2018, 10:59 AM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

What are the questions, the casting flaws? Looks like a fairly normal flathead crankshaft. The holes are how they are balanced.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:03 AM   #3
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

I guess the casting flaws were the main concern. I appreciate the input.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:18 AM   #4
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

make sure to clean out the oil gallerys and install plugs after. that large piece missing would have me concerned wether the crank can be balanced.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:27 AM   #5
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

The chuck missing is from the factory. The cranks were cast in groups of four (I think it's 4) and then busted apart. It is common to see the parting flaws. If it would not balance properly it would not have left the Ford factory.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:28 AM   #6
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

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Those "casting flaws" are normal. All 8BA crankshafts have them. I know I was surprised the first time I saw them. A couple of casual observations : 1. It looks in one picture that it has socket head plugs installed in the oil gallery holes; that means that it has been worked on before. 2. It looks like those holes are 3/8", which usually indicate a Ford (3 3/4" stroke) crankshaft. Merc's usually have 5/8" holes.
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:34 AM   #7
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

I have one with 3/8 plug holes but the wide counter weights and 4” stroke. You need to measure the stroke to make sure. I agree the casting flaws aren’t a bad thing..... Mark
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:40 AM   #8
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

I read that the measurement across the thick throw on a Mercury crankshaft should be about 6". As opposed to the Ford crankshaft which is about 5 1/2". My crank measures about 6".
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:49 AM   #9
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

The middle picture in the bottom row concerns me. It looks like an open, or porous, fracture in the side of the casting, and maybe a crack half way through the top flat part. Also, maybe it is the picture, but it looks like a step where the radius should be.

At any rate, your machinist should be able to make determination about its condition. You say you are looking for another crank, have you determined it is bad?
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Old 09-21-2018, 11:58 AM   #10
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by 40cpe View Post
You say you are looking for another crank, have you determined it is bad?
Actually, I am looking for a stock camshaft to be reground.
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Old 09-21-2018, 12:17 PM   #11
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

I agree with "40cpe". I got carried away looking at the big rough area and missed the one he mentioned.
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Old 09-21-2018, 02:52 PM   #12
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Again, this passed Ford quality inspection, it is not something that would be difficult to see. But I agree, it is not pretty!
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Old 09-21-2018, 03:35 PM   #13
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by JSeery View Post
Again, this passed Ford quality inspection, it is not something that would be difficult to see. But I agree, it is not pretty!
A lot of years and miles (not to mention at least one regrind) from the time it left the factory. A lot could have happened in the interim period.
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Old 09-21-2018, 04:25 PM   #14
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Nothing to get excited about - standard Ford stuff.
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Old 09-21-2018, 07:20 PM   #15
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

The Canadian 4" crank has 3/8 clean out holes in some of their cranks, With out the natching rods you;ll have to have the assy balanced. I always keep the rods with the crank, the factory balance is hard to improve on. Piston weight is not that important for a street engine
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Old 09-22-2018, 05:42 PM   #16
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Looks like all the Merc cranks I've seen
The bearing journals look pretty good.
If it has a 6" wide big throw it's a Merc for sure.
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Old 09-23-2018, 01:33 PM   #17
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Cranks were cast in multiples so the were connected by sprues for transfere of molten metal throughout the mold. After the castings were removed from the mold, they were broken away from the sprues and likely set in a shaker box to break away the mold cores. The one spot on there is a surface inclusion that was determined to not be structurally deficient by Ford. I imagine that the crank was run for many miles like that already.
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Old 10-15-2018, 11:22 AM   #18
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Is anyone aware of a shop in the Dallas / Fort Worth area that I can take this crankshaft to and have it completely checked out before putting into my 8BA?
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Old 10-15-2018, 02:40 PM   #19
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

Please disregard the above question. I found a place about 20 minutes from me.
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Old 10-18-2018, 03:35 PM   #20
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Default Re: Crankshaft Question

.




As I understand, those cranks were cast in pairs and had to be broken apart, resulting in each having a rough area. A new pristine Scat crank can cost $1300 and does NOT have nasty cast marks.
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