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L/F head interchange?

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by toolbox, Dec 7, 2006.

  1. Dec 7, 2006
    toolbox

    toolbox If you get bored, I've got the projects.

    Hamilton, Montana
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2006
    Messages:
    347
    Hey guys!
    I posted this in the other section, but got no response...I bent my crank pulley, timing cover, distributor, and fan (don't ask :oops: ) on my F-Head. I have a chance to get these parts from an L head *cheap*. I was assuming they interchange, but after reading the "F-Head swap" thread now I'm not so sure. Anyone here know for sure? Is there a list anywhere of the differences between the two?
    Thanks!
     
  2. Dec 7, 2006
    TigerShark

    TigerShark Sponsor

    St. Louis, MO
    Joined:
    May 27, 2004
    Messages:
    333
    I'm pretty sure they are not interchangable since the L-Head has all 8 valves in the block and the F-Head has four valves in the block and four valves in the head.

    Jim
     
  3. Dec 7, 2006
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    Walcks' catalog lists one pulley for all '46 to '71, same with the fan. The distributor should fit but make sure you use the distributor number to get points, condenser, rotor and cap. I'd be surprised if the timing cover doesn't work too.
     
  4. Dec 7, 2006
    toolbox

    toolbox If you get bored, I've got the projects.

    Hamilton, Montana
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2006
    Messages:
    347
    Whew...that's good to hear. I can get all that stuff for the cost of shipping from a fellow board member. I've looked at a bunch of pictures trying to find the differences between the two motors, and a lot of this stuff looks the same...of course that doesn't necessarily mean anything. This is all my own fault for being dumb (see this thread http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37754&highlight=engine+fall )
    The less have I to spend on my "idiot" fixes the better...
     
  5. Dec 7, 2006
    Odd Fire Six

    Odd Fire Six New Member

    NH
    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Messages:
    26
    I agree with the others L head parts will fit. Do me a favor and check the inside of the timing cover from your F head. I seem to rember an indent or some sort of shim that kept the cam from shifting. If so make sure the L head cover has the same feature. Don't beat the motor mount on your F head. This steel plate covers the entire front of your engine, and has gaskets to prevent oil from leaking. Take it off then be a gentleman about how you straighten it out.
     
  6. Dec 7, 2006
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    :iagree:

    The engine mounting plate is different between the L- and F-heads also. They will physically bolt up to the block and work just fine from that point of view, but one of the ears that bolts to the frame mounts is bent the opposite direction. HTH. :)
     
  7. Dec 7, 2006
    LarryD

    LarryD Member

    Gallup NM/ 4 Corners
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2006
    Messages:
    637
    I have both, it looks as if the parts will interchange, in my case the timing mark on the F is on the timing cover, on the l it is on the flywheel. They do appear to be the same otherwise. As mentioned above the front mounting plate is different.
     
  8. Dec 7, 2006
    toolbox

    toolbox If you get bored, I've got the projects.

    Hamilton, Montana
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2006
    Messages:
    347
    There's a circular indent in the cover...is that what you're thinking of? It's in both L and F head covers...not sure of it's function though. There's a thrust plate bolted to the block that keeps the cam from going anywhere. I was thinking that the shapes in the cover might have something to do with directing oil flow maybe?
     
  9. Dec 7, 2006
    toolbox

    toolbox If you get bored, I've got the projects.

    Hamilton, Montana
    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2006
    Messages:
    347
    On the cover on my F-Head, the timing index is actually just a little sheet metal tab that is removable from the cover when you take it off. Does that mean that the L head crank pulley doesn't have a timing mark? Not that it really matters to me...I haven't used a light to set the timing on a car in years. I used to try and set it to the specs in the book, but they never ran right. I just set it by ear and take it for test drive. Not very scientific, but it seemed to work better than doing it right :oops: . Maybe it's the elevation here, I don't know.
     
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