BLock Issues

Everyone,

Well, we were right the block bore is wore and we can not get OD SLeeves unless we have a company make them. $100-$150 per sleeve. Anyway, Does anyone have a use for this block or is it junk? I always hear of guys just running a piston on the block bore without a sleeve is that possible? IF so what do you have to do differently?

I would try and find a good used block. Boring your current block oversize may weaken the block
and finding new os pistons may be a problem.
Hal

You might call Howards Enterprises and ask if they have oversize sleeves for your application. I just got a complete overhaul kit through them for a different model with oversize and no where near the money you were talking. They are a wholesaler only, but will answer your questions and tell you who the nearest dealer is. There phone # is 800-342-2545. They might be able to help. Butch

Can't remember for sure, was the tractor a farmall H? If so and its not a early H and the block and coolant areas look good I would consider putting a SH sleeve set in it. You can get the sleeves pistons and rings for $300 to $400. Extra cost would be added to bore the block for the sleeve fit, unless you have a well equiped shop. Counterbore would need machined also or top of sleeve turned down to go in. If the casting looks good in the sleeve bore pistons can be run without sleeves. Prepare for the pistons used just like you would a sleeveless engine. Best to make filler rings for the counterbore. Can be made out of old sleeves on a lath. Take the ID of sleeve top ring out to whats needed and the rest will be cut off. This is for modest overbores. 3-9/16 pistons for a SH or 300 tractor would work right in on the block if the bores not to big now. It probably would be to big after truing up and honeing. Can't remember for sure but think the H block bore measures around 3.562 to 3.563. If the block bore is to much for 3-9/16 pistons you could bore the block around 1/16 bigger for the use of 3-5/8 300 or 350 pistons on the block. If you use the SH piston and sleeve set the block will need bored around 1/8 inch. If a 300 or 350 P&S set is used the block bore would have to go about .187 bigger. Sleeves and piston pin heights are the same for those engines. They did use 2 piston pin sizes. H has the big size and replacements can be both. If you get pistons with small pins they will work by using adapter bushings in the connecting rods, but the bushings add to cost. Depending on pistons or head used smoothing the combustion chamber left edge may be needed for clearance. Another thing to consider is the engine if original has a serial # that matches the chassis number. It may or may not matter to someone later.