Should we fill the block on a V4F flathead?

[V4F STR 60]

Should we fill the block on a V4F flathead or will that lead to valve issues?

I know filling the block with Hardblok is pretty routine on OHV motors, as you can still cool the valves by running water in the head only.  This obviously won't work in a flathead motor.  Has anyone out there had FIRST HAND experience in running a filled block on a flathead?

Would a partial fill (leaving water around the valves only) be of any benefit?

For reference, we are talking about a blown vintage flathead four cylinder on gas.

Thoughts?

[desotoman]

I don't know about filling the block with hardblock.

The late Tom Eiden (sp) ran a Flathead ford with the block filled with Aluminum. He had the block cleaned and took it to a place that would as I recall heat the block then pour it full with aluminum and let it set for a couple of days cooling off.
The block would have to be re machined as thing would move.

The car was called "A Mothers Worry", driver was Tom Evans, and was run with a 6-71 blower and Nitro. It still holds a record at El Mirage at around 172 mph.

Another team to try and contact would be McCain and Houtz, as I believe they have done the same thing with good results on their Flathead Fords.

Tom G.

[Tman]

Roseville Carl here on this board and the HAMB runs his Ford Flathead in his digger partially full of Hardblock. Might shoot him a PM.

[Bob Drury]

  I certainly am no expert, but I wouldn't fill it higher than the wrist pin heighth at the bottom of the stroke.
  As Tom mentioned, you should do it before boring, honing or align honing the main journals, all of which may be affected by the chemical reaction (heat) ad the block filler hardens.  Bob

[zenndog]

Go for it! I would PM Rich, I am sure he has an opinion on it.

[fordboy628]

We have run hardblock or epoxy in the majority of the water jacket on 4 cyl fords to no ill effect.   (although they are ohv.)  Just be sensible about providing some cooling to the valve area of the block.  We have done the same thing to heads as well.....

Fordboy

[V4F STR 60]

Thanks for the input everone!

[NathanStewart]

We don't.  We need/want as much cooling (aka coolant) flowing through the block as possible.  YRMV.