The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 engine mount plate

I’m working on sealing my new ( to me) 235. I’ve pulled the cam and removed the mount plate ( what I’m calling it) all past gasket gunk is off- lots of old silicone between the front bearing block and the plate and now I think I know why. It appears as if this plate is bent pretty good. If you look at the phots you can see what I mean. I’m assuming the plate needs to be flat but before I go smacking it around ( somebody before me already had) I want to confirm it needs to be flat. I’ve got it mounted in a vice at work and using a beat up ruler to show the gap. Thanks for your help!

Think a press would be the tool of choice. Plan an attack...........Then some careful adjustments............

I wouldn't bother trying to fix that. Metal does not just get bent. It also gets stretched. That is hard to undo especially when it is that thick.
I can't picture what would have bent it that severely. Any ideas?
I good used replacement shouldn't be that hard to find
Carl

Theres only a very thin paper gasket that seals that plate to the block. Im not sure if the assembly manual recommends gasket sealer or not.
I sent you a P.M.

Well, if you are going to replace it... nothing to lose by trying to flatten this one
It’s a free learning opportunity
Heat and a hammer, beer optional
-s

I've got a couple of those plates stashed away from junked engines if you decide you need a replacement. Drop me a PM.
Jerry

Judging by the look of that plate, one hell of a front end collision, I'd check the threads and block too to rule that out.

How about a fall from a Mickey Mouse flimsy engine stand with the front of the engine hitting a concrete floor? It wouldn't be the first time a stand designed for a small block V8 and a stovebolt six didn't play well together!
Jerry

Another possibility is not finding the secret squirrel flush, countersunk, gunk covered screws and trying to pry the plate off with a crow bar.

Hmmmmmm- - - - - -"Wreck it Ralph" builds engines?
LOL!
Jerry

Its like my smart aleck youngest son once proudly proclaimed at age 12, "Dad, I'm getting pretty good at taking stuff apart..."
He had a bedroom full of taken apart stuff. He's grown up now and builds computers from scratch.

Yes, I could quickly see the cheapy three wheeler stands are not for a long inline, good call

I’m on board for the short fall from an engine stand. I had a much more burly man than I use his bear paws and a vice to gently persuade the plate a lot closer to flat. I got the front two bolt holes that are in the front bearing block tapped for bolts from the front.

I have also procured the crank threading setup from 12bolt. Anybody tapped their crank for a harmonic balancer bolt?

Also- I do plan on using permatex ultra black on either side of this gasket ( between plate and engine block) the gasket that was in place was slobbered up pretty good with silicone. There was a thick bead between the front bearing block and this plate so whatever caused the bent plate happened when this engine was put together last. Maybe the bolts and screws pulled the plate closer to flat? In any case i’ll Have a flat plate going back in with a schematic of ultrablack for good measure.