Posted by Matt Wilson on Saturday, November 04, 2000 at 11:44:28:
In Don Bunn's book "Dodge Pickups - History & Restoration Guide 1918-1971," there is a flathead engine section written by David Pollock. Mr. Pollock suggests several mods to improve engine reliability.
Does anyone have any experience with these mods?
These mods include: increasing size of grooves in main bearing shells. This is supposed to increase oil flow to the bearings. If this is done, he says you should plug the squirt holes in the rods, as there will be enough oil throw-off due to the increased flow to supply the cylinder walls. He says leaving the squirt holes unplugged after opening up the grooves in the mains will deflate the oil cushion in the rod bearings.
He also recommends increasing clearances if you plan on any performance mods. He says to allow 0.004" for piston skirt clearance and between 0.0015-0.002" for bearings, and set tappets at 0.002" over factory specs.
I know this is a lot of info, but does anyone have any thoughts/experience on this stuff? I'm leary of some of these things, but if it will actually improve longevity, I'll try it.
Any help is appreciated.
Matt