uh6077 Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 My 41 took a dump a few weeks ago (but as you see fro the pic at least it looked good while waiting for the tow truck, haha). Lots of nice, could barely keep it running on what felt like 3 cylinders. Compression check was miserable on all 6, 0 on #3. Got the head off and sure enough a few pistons broke apart. Could not find any pieces but the bent valves tell me where they went. Engine is coming out for a rebuild. It has always smoked a bit so it was time anyway but I was hoping to hold off till winter but oh well. This will be my first flat head rebuild. Any pointers, local machine shops recommended (Rochester area), parts I may not have thought of? So far the list is pretty straight forward Hot tank the blockCheck cylinders, bore if needed or just honeCheck valve seatsReplace all pistons, rings, valves and springsNew rod and main bearingsHave dizzy rebuiltRecore radiator (noticed some slight seaping on the bottom)Replace water distributor if neededNew water pumpProbably missed a bunch but I don't have the list in front of me The engine is ready to come out this weekend. Where is the best lifting point on it? Just engine, not tranny. I have priced everything and looks like the best prices are kind of spread out between Andy's, eBay and NAPA. Most engine components from Andy, gaskets from NAPA and odds and ends from eBay. Any other suppliers you recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cocuzza Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Look at Egge Machine. They sell parts for your engine.Have the head checked and planedHave the crank shaft checkedReplace timing gears and chainI would absolutely replace the water distribution tube - NOW - once everything is back together and in the car it becomes a real pain to do I have hoisted these engines out by using the 4 corner head bolts attaching chains to them. I will probably catch a ton of flack for that but it always worked for me with no damage. I would use different bolts than the head bolts (unless you are replacing them) so as not to damage them.Of course, if you wanted to use a "sling" you could wrap it around the bottom of the engine and do it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uh6077 Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 Looks like the tranny is tough to get off because some of the top bolts are hidden up in the tunnel. Is there enough room to take the engine/tranny out together? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cocuzza Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I am not sure about 41 DeSotos but most Chrysler product cars of the 40's had a "bolt-in" front floor. Pull the carpet up and see if the floor pan is bolted in. If so, just remove it and then you can get to the tranny bolts easily instead of trying to remove eng/trans together.It will make life so much easier and lessen the risk of damaging the front end of the car.Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bob Call Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 For an additional source of parts try Northwestern Auto Supply in Grand Rapids, MI, (northwesternautosupply.com). They don't have an online catalog so you have to phone. Older guys that actually know stuff about cars. Also don't forget Rock Auto (rockauto.com) for stuff like belts, hoses, points, brake cylinder kits, wiper blades, switches, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uh6077 Posted June 7, 2015 Author Share Posted June 7, 2015 Bolt in floor boards? Dang, didn't even think about that. I will take a look and keep my fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countrytravler Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Update Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uh6077 Posted October 19, 2015 Author Share Posted October 19, 2015 Haven't done anything else to it, just collecting parts. Got a NOS set of pistons (with pins and clips) still in original Mopar box and and NOS head gasket. The goal is to use as many original Mopar parts as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 I would take it apart first.I don't buy parts until I know what I need.I understand your theory, but how will you know what size pistons you will need, Bearings as well?You even mentioned checking the bores in your first post. Just my .02 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uh6077 Posted October 22, 2015 Author Share Posted October 22, 2015 The engine is all stripped and the head is off, just haven't pulled it form the car yet. Still need to disconnect the shift linkages and it will be ready to come out. Bores measured within stock range and no lip so it won't need to be bored, just a good honing. Obviously it will need bearings but won't know what size until it comes apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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