Yesterday I found Flathead block with heads and internals from local scrap metal yard. The first thing that I saw was cracked upper bellhousing. Anyway, I got pretty good deal and rescued it from there. If the block itsself is salvageable (I know, it's only a small hope), what about the bellhousing? Could the crack be repaired? What about the structural integrity after repair? I will try to make some pictures later, but the crack's lenght is about half or little less of the bell's witdh. I have pretty hard times to identify the year of the engine too - I haven't found any stampings or castings from the block itsself, only small "H" on top of bellhousing. The heads bear 9T casting mark, as I have read, those belong to before WWII manufactured 239 CID truck engine. I haven't found much info about blocks the heads were typically bolted on - I know, that 99T castings are pretty sought after because of higher nickel content and thicker bore walls. I guess the engine is made by Ford Germany, because I found "Zyl 1" marking on one head?
I was gonna say that a good arc welder who knows about pre and post heat would be able to do this job for you.
Well, I know, it is possible to arc weld cast ion. But how strong the seam would be? I think that bellhousing is pretty structural part of engine and trans assembly?
I took my Dodge block to the welder after UPS cracked the bellhousing flange. He welded it and it's fine. Cost $100.
Get a picture up when you can - all cracks can be repaired, how durable the repair is and the location of the crack will dictate what can/can't be used. As a general guide, I'd say it will be able to be used afterwards (with lots of disclaimers).
As far as strengh, consider the location like flat ernie said. If its cracked because somebody threw a 59A block on a standard engine stand, you will just have to make sure it's in the right place prior to welding. A good welder will know what he's doing. The 59A bellhousing wasn't meant to be a structural member as much as it was meant to align and place the transmission. Since iron doesn't typically bend, I think a good welder could fillet the crack, drill the ends and weld it up with no issues. I wouldn't worry too much about it but I also wouldn't be suprised if something happened. I would take the gamble and do it if it were me. If the crack was in the combustion area, it would be a different repair altogether but that would also be feasible if you wanted to save the block and build one.
I have welded up dirt moveing equipment in the past that held together, I doubt that your flatty will ever see the stress of a dirt mover. I would have to see the crack but in general it sould be something that can be welded.
Few pics (I hope these are not too big): Cracked Bellhousing: Marking "Zyl 1", German head?: Serial #?:
A59a block is not hard to find get another.It will be cheaper than welding and no disclaimer.Flathead s are not rocket science just old.If you are just doing this as a future project an 8 ba is a much better choice.The valve train in a 59a is a turd.It needs to be updated to 48 and up.Crank and rods are more cost to do without an upgrade the list just goes on and on. T
As I live in Estonia, it's almost impossible to find decent engine from here. Shipping it from US would cost way much more than the block itself. Could anybody decode from pics what year that engine could be? As it's got 24 stud heads, it should be made after 1938, right?
Its a german Ford 29GT. I think its from 43-44 from the casting numbers. Here is some pics on mine, ita have 8BA stamped on the rods so its later . http://www.brandow.eu/div/29GT/index.html I would drill hole at each end of the crack, clean it up a bit and use brass filler and brazing upp the crack.
Thanks for information, Mr 42 At the moment I have busy times removing the cylinder heads, as usual these are stuck as hell. I sprayed the studs with some penetrationg oil every day since Monday and hope that eventually the rust breaks loose.
No problem This is how i removed my 59B heads http://www.brandow.eu/album/59ab/index.html Is there any Russian GAZ fourcylinder engine's in Estonia?
You mean Gaz A/Gaz AA flathead four bangers? These are rare, but not too impossible to find. If you are interested more about these engines, ask from user Altraditional, I'm pretty sure he could help you.
I live in a farming community. There's a place in town that fixes almost anything, including all kinds of castings. Blocks, heads, bellhousings, etc. They pre-heat the part in a purpose-built fire-brick oven made for each particular piece, depending on its size. The heat is introduced with a large torch...or two. Once the part is hot enough, they weld it, and re-machine if necessary. Everybody around here goes to them. They're always busy.
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