Hey everyone, Recently bought a new-to-me 1948 Pontiac with a 239 flathead six. The engine was seized and the head taken off by the previous owner. He got it unstuck though. While cleaning off the carbon and buildup, I noticed a crack going from the valve seat area and down into the #3 cylinder (this is also the rusty, formerly stuck cylinder) How bad is this crack and would StopLeak fix it?
That’s a start looking for a new engine crack. Also, no stop leak won’t fix it. Aren’t old cars fun? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
It can be fixed. Trouble is finding anyone that still knows how to do it. You need to drill holes at the ends of the crack and pin them. Then the crack needs to be welded. You are also going to need a cylinder sleeve. Stop leak is not going to help you here. That's nasty one.
If you sleeve that’s it’s going to open up the crack on the deck surface even more...I wouldn’t fix it and I can do it for free. (For myself) Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
It CAN be fixed, but cost will far exceed value in this one. flathead Pontiac engines can be had fairly inexpensive. stop leak won’t fix it, alcohol will make you feel better about this situation. fill in your profile so we know where your located, much easier to help and maybe someone local to you has an engine there tripping over they can sell to ya.
Look at the end goal. What is a 48 Pontiac worth with the original engine. A GM 6 cyl. will get you on the road a V8 will do it faster. Pat
Where are you. I know of a Pontiac 6 laying around Sent from my SM-G965U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thanks for the advice everyone! I live in Spirit River, Alberta, but I keep the car at my buddy's place just outside of Edmonton. I'll update my profile
since this is a canadian model is the transmission a pontiac or a chev? And would the flathead eight bolt up to it?
As has been said, stop leak will not fix it. You could have it sleeved and hope that the crack in the combustion face doesn't spread into the valve seat. If it doesn't then it could be pinned but chances are that sleeving it will blow it apart and you will be charged for the machine time for the sleeve + the now usless new sleeve and still be without an engine. Check since this is a Canadian Pontiac if the Pontiac V8 will bolt up to your trans. If not then go with a later Pontiac engine and trans which would be your best bet.
The Jalopy Journal
