Untouched Engine

[RobertKB]

Untouched as in never opened up. I believe the engine from my '51 Canadian Dodge D39 project is not only original to the car but has likely never been apart. Original to the car because its serial number starts with D39. All pistons are marked DPCD and have a C marked on them except for one with a D. No indication they are oversize. Two pistons show damage as seen in the pictures. All gaskets have the DPCD logo as well. My guess is the engine is apart for the first time and is a prime candidate for a rebuild. I have yet to check the bottom end but my guess is it will be untouched also. If possible, I like to have the original engine in a car. Some of my cars do and some don't. Just a case of what the car came with or in one case, came without.

 

I am presently debating if I want to attempt to do this myself or have it professionally rebuilt. I have never rebuilt an engine so am a little leery about trying. I would save money but at the same time I would like the knowledge that everything was done right. I got a quote for a rebuild from an old time machine shop in town and the owner (only employee) used to rebuild these engines for a company a long time ago and is very familiar with them. He can tank and magniflux the block and head. He ballparked total cost at around $3500.00. I didn't think that was unreasonable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 17, 2015 by RobertKB

[Don Coatney]

If you are uncomfortable doing the rebuild then farm it out. It sounds like you have found someone knowledgeable with these engines. But you will be missing out on a lot of fun.

[Tom Skinner]

Amen,

Don is Right!

My fondest memories are re-building Chrysler Flathead's back as far as 1974.

Got Manual GO FOR IT! IT IS AN EXPERIENCE TO LIVE FOR!

Go slow use good Tools (measuring, etc). You would probably do it for a Third of that quoted cost.

Good Luck!

Tom

Edited July 17, 2015 by Tom Skinner

[Plymouthy Adams]

I agree it looks to have never been molested..at least you know why it was parked now.....

[RobertKB]

I agree it looks to have never been molested..at least you know why it was parked now.....

 

Although hurting, it may have been running OK. I have seen threads on here showing worse damage and posters saying the car was running fine but burnt a bit of oil and had low compression. This car had actually started to be restored probably 20 years ago and then sat outside in a field for just about as long. It had been painted black and someone had actually had a headliner made, seats covered, etc. Although the upholstery was stored inside, it was poorly done and not a material I would have chosen so I will redo it all. Engine probably sounded OK at that point but obvioulsly had issues as you mentioned. The can of worms has been opened and must now be dealt with either by me or an engine rebuilder. Likely the rebuilder.

 

As found. I tried to buy it for 15 years and eventually got it. The windows look frosty and they were as it was a cold day the picture was taken. Sure glad the back glass was good as it would be hard to find!

 

[Tom Hartman]

Good luck on your project

[Dodgeb4ya]

Just don't use chinese or other cheap import engine parts or you will be doing it over.

There have been too many engine failures I've been seeing reports of on this forum and am not sure why... but possibly todays modern inferior quality replacement parts?

[RobertKB]

Just don't use chinese or other cheap import engine parts or you will be doing it over.

There have been too many engine failures I've been seeing reports of on this forum and am not sure why... but possibly todays modern inferior quality replacement parts?

 

Couldn't agree more. I am going to try and source NOS or NORS parts made in either the US or Canada. I will also ask the rebuilder, if he does it, to do the same. There is a waterpump on another thread I am going to look at but would like to find out where it is made before buying.

[RobertKB]

Just thought I would do an update on this thread. I decided to go with the engine rebuilder who is very familiar with these engines and runs his own automotive machine shop. I took him the engine and asked him to do what he thought needed doing. He said he would make sure it was well done as he has to stand behind his work and is also a perfectionist. I have had the engine back for a month or so and it runs absolutely perfectly as it should after a major rebuild. I am very pleased!

 

The work done is as follows: (All parts made in USA or Canada)

 

- Block and head tanked and magnafluxed

- Block bored 40/1000 and line bored

- Crank turned 10/1000 for rods and mains

- Head and manifold made true (18/1000 off head)

- New pistons, rings, and pins

- New main and rod bearings

- New cam bearings

- New timing chain and gears

- New valves and valve guides

- Lifters resurfaced

- Flywheel resurfaced and installation of pressure plate and disc I provided

- New pilot bearing

- All new seals and gaskets

- Probably more I have forgotten to mention.

 

However, you can see this old girl had a great rebuild and should be good for 100,000+ miles so will certainly outlive me. First picture shows the engine before it was pulled. Last two show it now. The green on the firewall is the colour the car will be when painted, hopefully next year.

 

 

 

Edited November 17, 2015 by RobertKB

[55 Fargo]

Looks great, only thing I may have done extra, was had the head planed a little more, just for a little more umph. Everything looks good.

[dale]

Hope he replaced the cam and lifters.. Wonder if a higher cam is still available for this motor.  Be nice to soup her some.. Twin carbs and dual exhaust would be cool too.  She is looking good though !!!

[55 Fargo]

Hope he replaced the cam and lifters.. Wonder if a higher cam is still available for this motor.  Be nice to soup her some.. Twin carbs and dual exhaust would be cool too.  She is looking good though !!!

Sure it's available, so is having that cam regrind to higher lifter/longer duration. I know Rob well enough though, He will prefer stock.

This engine is most likely a long block 218 OEM HP rated at 98 hp, 1 of the shortest stroked engine in the Canadian Mopar Flathead 6 lineup.

[RobertKB]

Cam was in excellent condition and lifters were re-faced. Fred is right, I am not interested in more horsepower, just longevity. It is a long block 218 as mentioned and I plan on driving the wheels off this car when it is finished. Dash is totally ready to go in. Paint next year hopefully. Wiring, upholstery, and anything left over the next year. I am 66 and want it done in two more years so I have lots of time to spend behind the wheel. I have never understood people who have a nice driveable old car and let it sit in the garage. Lots of time to not drive when my ashes have been scattered!

Edited November 17, 2015 by RobertKB

[Royal C18]

So cool to find a vehicle that old and unmolested. Agree with the guys glad you are doing the rebuild. The satisfaction of starting her after you rebuild is worth all the time you put in it!!!

 

My '38 Chrysler engine is all original with all the original accessories. All numbers match!! The only thing i had to change til I get it fixed was the head. It developed a slight crack on top that seeped coolant. Pistons and head gasket were clean and original!!

 

And I also agree keep it stock. They run forever when properly maintained!!! Good luck with the build, you have a nice platform to start with!!!

 

I have a fiend that has a nice '28 Buick and '28 1 ton Chevy truck that sit in the garage. He drove them all the time til the novelty wore off. Now I think the last time he drove them was about 2 years ago. I try to get him to take them out, but he always has an excuse. He won't sell them ether!!! 

 

She is going to look good when finished!!!