Posted by John M on Sunday, November 19, 2000 at 00:46:47:
In Reply to: Flathead engine longevity posted by Matt Wilson on Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 00:03:21:
I bought a 1952 230 from a Panel truck. I tested it and it ran with minimal smoking. It was not strong running and I knew I had to rebuild it when I bought it. I was amazed to find the factory original bearings and rings still in the engine. Thats 48 years of running (though not very well at the end). As a side note, even though the engine ran, the crankshaft was cracked and not rebuildable. I get the impression that these engines are relativly bullet proof if you take care of them. The best advise I received is not to over rev them. The red line is relatively low and one should not push it. If you are going to rebuild one, make certain that you have the rotating parts balanced.