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Rusty_OToole

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Posts posted by Rusty_OToole

  1. Try Mike and Neil Butters in Cobourg Ontario.  They specialize in one off, small castings especially Graham products but do other makes as well.

     

    https://www.grahamownersclub.com/uploads/1/9/1/5/19154273/grahampartslist.pdf

     

    These are only a few of the more common parts that people inquire about. If you do not see the part
    you are looking for, there is a good change that we have it. By chance that we do not have a part and
    you have your old original part, even BROKEN, we will invariably be able to make an excellent
    reproduction. All of the parts are individually custom cast so please allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. For
    price information or other information please contact us:
    Michael or Neil Butters
    1063 Ontario St
    Cobourg, ON K9A 3C8
    Canada
    (905) 372-6926
    e-mail:
    nbutters@eagle.ca

  2. How is the oil pressure? Have you done a compression test? If oil pressure is not too bad, chances are the crankshaft is in decent shape. If the cylinders are not too worn maybe rings, valves and bearings will set you up for another 50,000 miles.

     

    You could take the head off and check the cylinders for taper, or how much ridge is at the top. Summit sells engine rebuild kits for not too much money. Even if you have to have the cylinders bored and install new pistons it won't be that expensive. In the end you will be glad you did the job right.

  3. If it is that bad, take off the oil pan and scrape out the sludge. While you are in there make sure the oil pump screen is intact and clean.

    If I did not do that, I would not do anything other than change the oil and filter. With a normal old engine, you might want to change the oil every thousand miles the first one or two changes.

    It is bad practice to try and clean out an engine with solvent or diesel. You can do more harm than good.

    • Like 3
  4. 10 hours ago, Mr. Don said:

    Drivers? B. Oldfield, Foyt, Unser, Parnelli?

    This reminds me of a funny story Tom McCahill told in his MI column. In 1953 reigning Formula One champ Alberto Ascari made his first visit to the US. In New York he bought a new car and drove it to California. Talking to a group of sports car enthusiasts, he was raving about this great car, they expected him to name some exotic sports car but it was a six cylinder, 1953 Chevrolet convertible. Nothing exciting but just about ideal for a coast to coast pleasure trip.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
  5. 7 hours ago, 29 Chandler said:

    I wish it was that easy. The front cover was repainted a darker color some time in the past 🫤

     

    good idea though 

    Are there any other small, removable parts that have the original color?

  6. If you clean the engine can you find any of the Pearl Gray ? This may be the only way to know what they considered Pearl Gray in 1914, even though the paint has probably dulled and darkened over the years.

  7. There are numerous videos on Youtube about this very subject. Experienced engine builders and mechanics having problems with cam and lifter failure on rebuilt engines, always flat tappet cams, who never had such problems before. In some cases using cams and lifters from a previously reputable company. It seems like quality lifters are no longer available. So many engine builders are using roller cams exclusively.

    • Like 1
  8. Daimler made luxury cars and limousines for the wealthy, for years they were the official car of the English royal family. They specialized in sleeve valve engines. I believe for technical reasons, a sleeve valve engine will be longer than a conventional engine and this was Daimler's largest engine model. It surprises me that all the Double Six cars I have seen pics of, do not have very large passenger compartments. I would have expected most to be really impressive limousines. But the 2 shown here are a coupe and short coupled sedan.

    • Like 1
  9. An old trick is to paint the head gasket with aluminum paint to help sealing. Another thing we used to do is soak it in hot water overnight. But usually if you put the gasket back the way it came off it will work, as long as it is not blown or damaged. Do not use silicone or gasket shellac.

    • Like 3
  10. Flatheads often get stuck valves when they sit around. Sometimes you only have to oil the stem and give them a tap, other times it's more complicated.

    Here is a video you may find helpful or at least amusing. Don't let the casual approach fool you, this guy knows what he is doing. He just doesn't like to spend money. He has many videos on reviving various flathead Chrysler products and others if you search cold war motors on youtube.

     

     

    • Like 5
  11. I should have added that in 1938 most gas was low lead or no lead. Only the premium or hi test was sure to have lead in it, and then it was not very much. The heavily leaded high octane gas was a thing of the fifties.

     

    Your Dodge was made to run on low octane unleaded gas, with hardened valve seat inserts from the factory.

     

    Today's gas is higher octane, unleaded, and is also dry compared to the old gas. Gas used to be yellow and oily, if you got some on your hands it left an oily residue, today's gas is dry and leaves your hands dry with a white residue especially if it contains alcohol. For this reason, some say it is a good idea to add some Marvel Mystery Oil, Redex, Bardahl or your favorite upper cylinder lubricant. Even a shot of 2 stroke oil. This will help prevent wear of the rings and valves, and prevent sticking valves.

  12. The rule of thumb is, your octane should look like your compression ratio. A 1938 Dodge came with 6.5:1 compression and at the time, regular gas was about 65 octane. Your car will run best and develop the most power on low octane regular gas. You could even toss in a little kerosene to lower the octane, if you have trouble with vapor lock in the hot weather.

    The go juice won't hurt anything but it isn't necessary. If you like, you can add some Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas for extra valve and ring lubrication. This will prevent valve sticking and give longer engine life.

    • Like 1
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