Saving a vintage Chrysler Flathead 6 Engine for my Dodge Power Wagon - Restoration Part 10

Restoring this vintage Mopar flathead for my 1951 Dodge Power Wagon. We had zero compression in cylinders 1 and 6 and only around 25psi in 2-5. I discovered in the Part 8 restoration video that we had the first and 12th valve stuck open which was causing the zero compression. However, since the other cylinders still had to low of a compression (we need at a minimum around 65-70 psi in each) I test today to see which valves are not seating properly causing them to leak and the low compression. Hope you enjoy :) Thanks for watching!!!
#Flathead6 #Dodgepowerwagon #Mopar

[@DIYSCOTT]

THE NEW VIDEO IS NOW UPLOADED... SPOILER ALERT: SHE RUNS LIKE A CHAMP!!! :)

[@dcanaday426]

You made the right choices. You’ll enjoy the truck more if the motor is strong.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Still wish I could've done more myself but yes I am keeping this truck forever so I want to give the engine the best chance to make it another 70 years. Hope you enjoy the project and thanks for watching :)

[@DoctorWonka]

Really cool truck! I love (and prefer) these mechanics videos with the average guy with average tools working on a vehicle. As opposed to someone with unlimited funds getting all the work done in high-dollar shops (or simply dropping in crate engines).

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks!

[@nordicgod32]

You definitely made the right decision to pull the engine and get it rebuilt. Aside from the fact that you will have more confidence in it, it probably will have some kind of warranty included. And, as you said, the likelihood of having to do something else after grinding the valves and putting the head back on was high. It’s not such a complicated engine, but it’d be demoralizing to get it back together just to have to take it apart again...

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thank you for reassuring me! :) I would've given it another shot if I had the time and correct spring compressor tool to put the valves back in but since I didn't I think getting it rebuilt is really going to pay off in the long run. (If not in money then in my happiness lol). I am really excited to see and hear it finally run!!! Thanks for watching

[@buddyaspden338]

love this series keep up the good work. those old flatheads are awesome

[@DIYSCOTT]

Glad you're enjoying them! The flathead is so cool, I can't wait to see it running :)

[@glennredwine289]

Would a 225 slant 6 go in there w/o much problem? I am very impressed w/that engine..

[@elderfarms]

Good job man! This thing is cool. Keep up the videos.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks dude!

[@DIYSCOTT]

New video just uploaded :)

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

This project made me curious so I looked up the '51 Straight 6 flathead engine and it apparently made 103 hp? Less with a bent valve of course. Cool project!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Haha yup that sounds about right. The engine is actually a 1955 so the original one must of been swapped at some point. Glad your enjoying the project it has been really fun and I have learned a ton. Have a good rest of your day!

[@houstonhensley9324]

But I makes a bunch of torque so you can haul just about anything

[@adamjohnson7832]

Ready to see her up and running! Great job on saving her she looks great!

[@DIYSCOTT]

The wait is over :) New video just uploaded!

[@jorgemilan8020]

I've got one of those. I'm restoring it right now

[@barryphillips7327]

Once the engine starts and runs, allow it to warm up and cool down repeat a few times this will free up piston rings etc from YEARS of Not running.

[@stevemcnamara4568]

good idea to get a rebuild!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes very happy I did!

[@dnovello]

You're on your way 👍👍

[@trickygaming773]

Amazing project!! Watch it all in 1 go😅 i hope there is more to come!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha glad you like it. There is definitely more to come!

[@DIYSCOTT]

The more to come just got uploaded :)

[@jonoffensend7519]

Good choice on having the engine done at a shop. They have the knowledge and proper tools to do everything right. You might get a similar engine and do it yourself for the experience.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes I definitely want to rebuild one myself at some point because it's really interesting to learn about all the different components and how everything works together. This old flathead though is going to the pros at the end of march!

[@JDawghasaTruck]

You don’t necessarily need a machine shop to put rings in. Depends on actual wear on cylinder walls.

[@DIYSCOTT]

One thing I have never really understood is if the cylinder walls are fine could you just put new pistons back in the same bore?

[@oliverroedel1111]

@@DIYSCOTT if the cylinder is perfect round and not totally "polished" nor have any scratches you can change only the rings. but this engine is really in a bad condition. it´s a good idea to let the shop analyze every part and then they do it piece for piece. at the end you mount the engine, will be much cheaper, but without warranty. if they do it 100% it´s expensive but they have to give warranty. in my garage I mount the engines and the shop only do what need to be done with special equipment.

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@oliverroedel1111 Yes I agree the shop I am using has done a bunch of older flatheads before so I am gonna have them go through it all then make recommendations on the best things to do. The machine shop also has a regular mechanic they work with who will probably drop it back in for not much. I will have to see on what kind of warranties they have. Thanks for the advice!

[@oliverroedel1111]

@@DIYSCOTT perfect! that engine will run more 50 years onl changing oil!

[@JDawghasaTruck]

@@DIYSCOTT if cylinders are ok then pistons are probably ok. What you need are rings and that’s pretty easy. Do you have a ridge on the top of your cylinders? I wish I had done more detail in my rebuild videos🤔

[@cuttysupe7749]

Just found your channel today. Binge watched the Power Wagon build start to current. Looking forward to hearing that beast rumble to life. Subbed and waiting for the update!! CHEERS!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hahaha. Glad to hear you like it! I'm excited to finally hear it too!!!!

[@DIYSCOTT]

The wait is over... just uploaded :)

[@dnovello]

Love these videos!

[@mikelachendro488]

Awesome channel, hello from the host of 2 Dudes Audio! Besides being into KZbin, I am restoring a 1984 Ramcharger W150 Royal SE prospector edition. Love your build. Helps motivate me to get mine done. Admittedly I've rebuilt nearly everything on it so far🤣

[@DIYSCOTT]

Thanks! Just looked up sa 1984 Ramcharger W150 that's a pretty cool rig!

[@punxsutawneyareabmxriding598]

I put dap wheel bearing grease hold the keepers up in the valve spring retainer.

[@DIYSCOTT]

It's fully rebuilt now! Hopefully will have it run and drive soon

[@glennbelldc1651]

for in the future. keep the amber cab lights . they look good there they are vintage and part of the trucks history. love the build.

[@DIYSCOTT]

The marker lights on top? Yeah I got to finish wiring up those and the cowl/parking light on the sides

[@davidkolbo5747]

Good choice rebuild shop can check for cracks in the block and head too

[@DIYSCOTT]

If it's cracked I'm screwed right? From everything I've seen no cracks 🤞

[@DIYSCOTT]

The next video guaranteed will have this old flathead running. Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss it!!!!

[@bobr7449]

Also buy a valve spring compression tool for a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engines. Order a wiring harness from Wiring Harnesses of Maine. It will set you back $550. Don't screw with the bed strapping. Order new ones from a place in Tulsa Ok. They come in steel, stainless Steel, or Chrome depending on your budget.

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@bobr7449 What is "the bed strapping"? You mean like the bed strips that go in between the pieces of wood? I find wiring things kinda fun so I already did most of it myself following the original owner's manual.

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@bobr7449 Also thanks for the tip on the spring compressor! I was trying to use the completely wrong type haha

[@lunchbox2784]

Bummer. You were so close. It could have only cost you the price of one new valve and a water pump, vs $2k +++. I don’t think it would take 20 hrs to lap the valves and reassemble everything, maybe one whole day. How do you know the compression rings were no good? Is there some existing original cross hatching on the cylinder walls? Any gouging? A ridge on the top near the head surface? I thought the whole point of DIY is to learn as you go. This is probably one of the best types of “first” engines a DIY person could jump into. So what if it needs more work after you reassemble it and fire it off for the first time? At least you would have learned something about your motor (and yourself) at the end of the day, instead of giving up and trusting a “pro” to do it all for you. I’m sure a machine shop will be more than delighted to take your money and slam out this block. It’s your truck and your money, I was just hoping to watch you amaze yourself with your own skills. Good luck!

[@RAMB0RGHINI]

Machine shop shouldn’t be that much. Even if they grind new seats. Would have been a much easier DIY with an OHV head and manual lapping. I learned that and he will too. Next time!

[@DIYSCOTT]

I know I was... Trust me there is nothing I wanted more than to get it running myself. I truly just ran out of time (I am back at college now) and didn't want it to just sit with nothing being done to it for months. If I had the right type of spring compressor then it would’ve been easier to take them out and I would've lapped the valves and gotten the retainer clips back in put a new head gasket on and tested it. The cylinder walls looked surprisingly really good no gouges or scratches. Didn't look for a ridge so not sure on that. I did still learn a ton and I know I could've lapped the valves and got them back in but I really don't think it would’ve worked. If you watch the part 7 video (start at 3:41) the mechanic shows the compression and leak down test. The 0 compression in cylinders 1 and 6 was from the stuck open valves that I freed up. Cylinders 2-5 were at 25-30psi which could be explained by the leaking valves. The compression test wasn't my worry it was the leak down test (when they force compressed air into the engine). Even with stuck open and poorly seated valves air should not of been leaking out of the dip stick. The only explanation for that (as far as I understand) would be bad piston compression rings or poor valve guides. The valve guides seemed good (besides the first one possibly). So that is what lead me to think it is the piston compression rings. At the end of the day like you said it would've awesome to fix it myself and not give away my money but I want to have it all redone and turn back the hands of time on the engine so I can keep this engine and not have to ever replace it because there really isn't an exit plan with this project... I really want to keep it for as long as I live and pass it on to my kids. Sorry that was a lot hahaha. Please don't hate me :) I truly appreciate your feedback, it is really helpful. I have definitely learned the most from peoples comments. I can't wait to have a running engine and we can all pretend like I "did it myself" 😉 Thanks for watching and I hope you have a good rest of your day!

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@RAMB0RGHINI That ballpark price includes reassembly which pretty standard for most shops here in southern California. Yes the valves and my wrong tools were the death of me hahaha. Next time it is! Coming into this project I don't think I could've told you the difference between valves and pistons so I have definitely learned a ton! Thanks for watching!!!

[@dnovello]

Sensible decision!!

[@patrickwelch620]

I have a 230 dodge. What is that silver painted box just behind the water pump that says hy-lo on it? Thx

[@DIYSCOTT]

Hey! That is an extra hydraulic pump that was used for a snow plow.

[@patrickwelch620]

@@DIYSCOTT thanks. Hope your 230 is doing well. It's a great motor. Been driving my m37 for 8 years now no problems.

[@tomdamon7208]

you have the wrong spring compressor . You can borrow one from parts store . aren't you going to replace the exhaust seats for unleaded fuel ? what about guides ?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah the wrong spring compressor was really the death of me. We got the entire block rebuilt. All new everything. I still need to double check and make sure they used hardened valve seats for modern unleaded fuel. 🤞 Check out the most recent video for an update!

[@PzychoFilms]

When will the next video be?

[@DIYSCOTT]

NOW!!!

[@curtrhymer4691]

what is the engine color? I am looking for it for my Dodge

[@DIYSCOTT]

www.duplicolor.com/product/engine-enamel-with-ceramic/ It must of been the Cast Coat Iron or the New Ford Gray cause those are the only grays I see online. I got it from Pep Boys

[@DIYSCOTT]

I think I kept the can because I liked the color so much. I could tell you for sure what it is when I'm home this weekend. Thanks for subscribing!

[@curtrhymer4691]

@@DIYSCOTT Thank you so much

[@DIYSCOTT]

@@curtrhymer4691 Yes of course. To confirm I just checked and it is New Ford Gray.

[@AlaskianBushPilot]

You got Instagram?

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah but I don't post anything on it. Thanks for subscribing!

[@mattlombard2919]

Do it right the first time or you will be doing it 3 x over. Right choice.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yes! We just got the engine back in and running. Check out the newest video for an update. Thanks for watching!

[@tomdamon7208]

You shouldn't be using gasoline . Too dangerous ! Use alcohol !

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah gasoline wasn't the wisest for sure. Alcohol it is in the future.

[@robertparrish5542]

You realy need to read a book and talk to some older mechanical guys. Or your going to messthings up bu not doing correct way and not using corect tools. You will have to upgrade your rings to run unleaded fuel. Yes take to a shop that is special in old flaght head eng.

[@DIYSCOTT]

Yeah I ended up getting it rebuilt at a shop. The proper tools and knowledge would've helped a lot