The B.B. in the title represents that this is from the archive of the late Bill Bently, who ran a flathead Q&A informational site before he passed away. All threads from this source will be titled using the B.B. identifier on this site. We’re archiving some of the threads, so that his work is not lost or forgotten and so they will continue to educate flathead enthusiasts for years to come.
SLEEVES: Removing the cylinder sleeves increases the bore 0.082″ (0.041″ on each side). Ford used to carry pistons with this increased bore.
ASSEMBLY OF BLOCK: Most of us build an engine far in advance of when we’re going to install and run it. Many of us use engine oil during engine assembly like we did in the earlier times. Then came special camshaft lube and we began using it on the cam and lifters, but stuck with the oil for the rods, mains, and cylinders. Well, about the time we get around to running the engine, most (if not all) of the oil has dried up and disappeared. Which shouldn’t be a problem if we pre-oil the engine before we fire it the first time. But the majority of flatheads are not pre-lubed because their design prevents turning just the oil pump and not the entire engine. Wouldn’t it make more sense to use some lubricant that lasts? I used STP for a few years since it would last a few years. Then I tried assembly lube. I think assembly lube is best. It’s a grease and not near as messy or sticky as STP. I use it on the lifters, guides,valve stems, all bearings, a few spots on the timing gears, and packing the oil pump drive gears. It won’t disappear and is available in handy tubes. I use Lubri-Plate brand assembly lube if anyone is interested. I use special cam lube on the cam journals and lobes as well as on the top and bottom of the lifters. Pistons, with their rings on, are dunked in a coffee can of motor oil. The cylinders are wiped with motor oil before installing pistons. I know this oil will disappear before I fire the engine the first time, but I pre-oil all engines just before they’re fired the first time so don’t worry much about it. More on this later. If I know it’ll be a few months before I start the engine, I wipe STP on the cylinder walls after the pistons are installed and before I button down the heads.(From rod nut on 1/30/03. “For faster ring seating, lightly oil the cylinder walls and piston skirts. Leave the ring packs dry. This is recommended by most ring manufacturers.)
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