48 Oldsmobile 98 engine build

[samwitt]

This is my first flathead engine build. I bought this car a few months ago and I ended up pulling the motor because of some scoring in one of the pistons. As I was taking it apart I noticed some heavy rust on the water jacket to was so bad I have a hole in one of the wall in the water jacket. It looks like the hole goes to a different part of the jacket. I ran it for about 45 minutes before I took the engine apart and it seems to stay at operating temp. I was wondering if I need a new block or if I I should just run it? I'm also having a difficult time finding a valve spring compressor and I don't want to buy one that doesn't work. Any help is greatly appreciated. 

[Bloo]

What are we looking at in the first picture? Is that the water pump mounting surface?

 

If so, you need a new water distribution tube. Have a look at this Pontiac thread. No parts interchange, but the design is similar. It should give you a good idea what comes next. Welcome to the forum!

 

 

 

Edited November 14, 2022 by Bloo (see edit history)

[pont35cpe]

Here is one for a flat head engine..  https://www.ebay.com/itm/384501674867?hash=item598615f373   There are several for flat head engines, check " vintage valve spring compressor".