Projects 51 Mercury flathead....

Going to get my 51 Merc flattie running again. Going to convert everything over to 12v. and change all the fluids. It was running a short time ago, no smoke and sounded great. I was wondering if anybody could throw out some helpful part numbers to get me going a little quicker.
Need.....Power gen alternator, distributor, coil and wires. Also what type/brand/weight oil, would be best. Its an original motor never been cracked open. Any anitfreeze better than another?
Any info on keeping the old beast running and swapping to modern electrical will be greatly appreciated.

 

Got a Powergen on my avatar, works great so far. 15-40 Rotella shell oil has been fine in the engine. I'm running the stock loadamatic distributor as well with Autolite 216 plugs. Hope this helps

 

Kendall makes a flat tappet motor oil called "Titanium" you can get in a variety of weights. We use 20-50 in our flathead. Saves wiping out the cam lobes.


I hate Fords so I went out and got me a Merc..

 

rotella oil doesnt have enough zddp any more for flat tappet engine from what i've read...

 

Lucas make a good 20/50 hi zinc I run it in my Flat motor it runs good

 

Contact GMC BUBBA here on the HAMB for a mechanical advance Flathead distributor and 12V Andover coil.

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Thanks.
From what I've seen the zinc is the important part in the oil. So I'll make sure of that when i change it.
Already have a distributor and coil from Bubba on the way. Super nice folks there. Answered a million questions.
Anybody have any thoughts on coolant???

 

This is the best stuff, IMHO..


I hate Fords so I went out and got me a Merc..

 

First thing to do is clean your system.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313771&highlight=coolant

A good exchange on what is the best combination for coolants.
This is all good info here.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=273117&highlight=coolant

 

if it don't freeze where you're at just use water and water wetter..........

 

the only problem with that kind of oil is, from what the manufacturer told me, is that it is designed to thin out fast so that the high reving race engines can run with less friction...

i used 15-40 delco diesel oil. it stays thick and keeps good pil pressure even after running for an hour or more. typical flatheads are low pressure so a good thick diesel oil really helps keep the loose tolerance bearings alive

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=haas_articles A very interesting read!! Pete