ATTEMPTING To Repair A CRACKED 1953 Mercury Flathead V8

Can We Fix It?

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#flatheadv8 #antiqueengine #history

[stevengrate]

Hey guys I wanted to follow-up on your request for information regarding cast iron crack repair methods. My 87 year old father had a Automotive machine shop in central missouri that he shut down when he hit 70. I estimate he stitched 20 to 25 old cast iron blocks, as far as I know they are all still running without issue. The sealant that you use was not available 25 years ago. If he had a slow leak he would apply vacuum just like you did, heat the block and use a special low temp lead filler. (I still have 4 sticks in my toolbox). I also made some special peening punches for him. I will be 65 this September. I am a certified master mold maker. I have welded many different ferrous and non-ferrous metals and tool steel alloys that I doubt you have had the pleasure to work with. For large cast iron parts I use thermite, the information on how to make and use thermite was in the Machinery's handbook until 1944. I have welded hardened boat crankshaft journals. Everything I have watch in your videos are correct in my opinion. During my career I have been exposed to alot of unicorn chasing experts that talk a big talk but don't have the ability to do it. God bless you keep it going.

[stevenm]

As a retired machinist I will say, this is a tuff one. The fix is apparent. Heat and cooling is going to tell the story. Send the block to the heater and let it cool, then pressure test it again. Keep up the amazing work. Do magic!

[mikehackman]

I worked at Finning the worlds largest Caterpillar dealer. Years and years ago a fellow by the name of Axl would replace sections of engine blocks that had thrown a rod or whatever and put a hole in the block. He had an inventory of old blocks to choose from and he would cut out the damaged area and replace with undamaged area from his block inventory. These repairs often included oil galleries. He stitched them together with the tapered plugs, ground them flat and then stippled the repaired area. When finished and painted you could not see the repair. He was truly a master of his craft.

[tstevens]

“I shake every can I pick up”…I almost spit my drink across the room when I heard it. Y’all have a helluva sense of humor!

[joelwaldrop]

Those old flatheads used a 4 pound pressure cap. . I am 82 years old and love to see you work on these old engines.

[leskobrandon]

In 1993, Working at So Cal Edison as a power plant operator @ Long Beach Gen Sta.. we had a 1932 70mw GE steam turbine develop a vacuum leak on the cast iron exhaust hood.. GE sent a Retired GE Metal Smith on contract to repair the 2.5ft crack by metal stitching technique.. it hasn't cracked any further and is still in use today as it is rhe oldest still in use GE turbine in the world.. Its sister unit is at the bottom of the black sea from being sunk by german u boat.. it was part of the Lend/Lease act for WW2... That Power plant has be in multible movies and tv series.. its most famous movie was "Its a Mad Mad Mad World" at the end with the chase scene over the floating bridge, the Hay Day of the Generation Station in Long Beach Ca with all 3 plants on site generating power, Plant 1, Plant 2, Plant 3...

[cmichaelhoover]

Please, Please, Let us all know how this engine runs when it is finally complete. I was shocked, amazed and incredibly interested in your repair using those tapped in studs. Simply amazing craftsmanship.

[dougsmaintenanceshop]

I enjoy watching you guys piece stuff back together. My grandparents were depression-era, and I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood. People used to fix things with the skills and materials they had. Youtube didn't exist. As a kid I built a minibike engine that had been through auto shop 1 students. The block had holes drilled in it and someone beat the power output side of the briggs rototiller engine with a hammer. I drilled and tapped the holes and repaired the hammer damage with jb weld, paying close attention to surface prep. I got that 5 hp briggs running and running well.
I enjoy watching you guys do these repairs because it scratches that small-town, neighborhood inginuity itch. The days of repairing things are disappearing along with the public sentiment that sees that as a reliable necessity. It would seem the world is addicted to planned obsolescence. So I enjoy seeing you guys go at it. I think the world needs more of this---probably why Youtube is so popular. There is a need and a desire to refit and repair. Thanks for sharing your shop with the Youtube world!!!

[FuelMan]

Not a mechanic myself but very proud of you for stepping out of your comfort level and trying something different to try to save a rare piece of history.
Good work gentleman.

[ilyedtou]

I like the way your father isn’t a “Fake YouTuber” he comes across as a normal, down to earth, everyday average older guy. It’s actually refreshing!! It’s like we’re eavesdropping on his normal conversations with you. You’ve earned the subscription!!

[chiplangowski]

My wife and I were just talking as we watched this episode. This channel and many like it are absolutely invaluable to young people trying to figure out what they want to do in life. If they are thinking about becoming a machinist (or anything else), they can watch these videos and see what it is really like, and decide if this type of work is right for them.

I am about the same age as the cleaning guy. When I was in high school, the guidance counselor would have us fill out some hopelessly outdated survey and based on our responses, recommend a few career paths. We had no idea what that meant or what the jobs were like. It was only after you signed up for college, trade school or if really lucky, landed an entry level job that you got to see what you got yourself into. You guys are providing a service that goes so far beyond the work you are doing for your customers.

[XHikotheproX]

No telling how many more years we can watch a skilled family of Machinists tackle stuff like this let alone a flathead ford engine. Nothing but enjoyable and informative to watch.

[donaldroblyer]

I"m 76 years old and I have done some the crazyist stuff imaginable because I never had the money to do it right. Necessity is the mother of invention as they say. What you are doing is well thought out, working with what is available. It should work fine. Remember, this engine will not be used like a new car. It probably will not see 500 miles in a year and not hard miles. I think it has good odds. Also, I give away a lot of my time these days just to see if I can do it.

[shuntawolf]

There's a company called Lock-N-Stitch who several years ago put a vid out about a HUGE cast iron valve housing repair they did. That was the first time I'd seen that type of repair done and it was pretty interesting. The ONLY thing I may suggest (based on what I learned from their video) would be to heat the block you're working on and keep it hot while doing the repair, (300+ degrees if possible, yeah I know it would suck doing the work at that temp) and then when the work cooled, it would ensure you were compressing your repair studs as tight as possible, plus if it was hotter than what that engine would ever normally get to, then an "expansion - leak- while-running" leak wouldn't be an issue. Very nice repair for sure!!!!
It's amazing what the Cleaning Guy can accomplish when the Boss isn't around....
Thanks for the vid guys!!!!

[victoramato]

You did a great job. As a 50yr machinist it's great to see that just about anything can be repaired. It doesn't hurt to try. That prepped block worth a minimum $1500. Empty. Fix all of the old ones! They don't make 'em anymore!

[PhilKetchen]

Machinist at GE 42 years in the tool room. I have repaired many cracks in cast iron. Your method is second to none. I applaud your process.

[kellyappel]

Dad seems to have the world by the tail here. Farming a bit (most likely paid for), continuing to work with his son doing what they both love, and right at home! Without a doubt, Dad has earned the right to be where he is, at this point in his life.

[gingyberrie]

this channel should have 5 million subs .

[tojopara]

Worked in a speed shop. Never done this type of repair on a flathead. Have done that stitch procedure to save an ultra rare numbers matching head. It worked and held up for several years. It may still be holding up. The customer moved to the western side of the country. Every thing I saw here was done with judicious care and should make for a happy customer. Have been enjoying watching your channel. I would not even think twice about you doing machine work for me or family.

[Joshhalley]

I’ve done a lot of crack repairs with lock and stitch, I always install every other plug then put an intersecting plug in between. I believe that is what lock and stitch recommends.