Hi all,
I have a few cars that have the 346 Cadillac flathead engine. Basically, I want to know how to become an "expert" on these engines without any to-date engine / mechanical training. The manuals are nice but definitely need to learn the basics not covered in those manuals and then take it to the next level. To level set, I have only changed fluids, greased points, and a changed out a fuel pump. My goal is to purchase an extra engine and rebuild it.
Any insight is appreciated!
Dan S.
1937 7519
1940 7519
1941 6733
1941 7533
Hello Dan
There is a gentleman in my region that is an expert on the 346 engine. His name is John Bertolone and he can be contacted after 10:30am EST. He is a great teacher who is kind, gregarious, and generous with his knowledge.
The "Self Starter" has also had a complete blow by blow rebuild series by Walt Brewer. Someone is bound to have it in an emailable condition. Someone generously emailed it to me, from Australia I think, and I printed it out. My wife may know where on the computer it is stored, I don't. In print this is the thing you want I believe.
Jim Stamper, CLC# 13470
As Jim mentioned, Walt Brewer is extremely knowledgeable on the Flatheads, and did a number of in-depth articles, including a detailed series on tear-down and rebuild of these engines.
The Rocky Mountain region of our club has been generous enough to host these articles on their website - you can find them here:
http://www.rmrclc.com/waltsWorkBench.html (http://www.rmrclc.com/waltsWorkBench.html)
These are excellent primers for anyone interested in these engines.
A great resource can be found on the Modified Chapter's website at:
http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/documents/1940s/1944/.
This is a document on light tank service, but the engine overhaul section is better than the 1941 Cadillac shop manual, and the photos are superb. This has information I have never seen in any other publication. Very comprehensive.
Thank you all very much! Will start going through the links this weekend!
Dan