Is there still some love for the good old flathead layout?

[iamnotahippee]

The flathead is good for compact size and nostalgia. That is about it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Compactness, and some nostalgia, sure drive me toward the flathead layout. Even though I was born in early-90's I like some old stuff. But it still seems to be a sensible for some equipment which is either operated under severe inclination variations such as some lawn and garden equipment, aircraft, and eventually agricultural machinery when the usage of gaseous fuels is viable.

Originally Posted by freebeard

Fords ran hot because they didn't always get all the casting sand out of the water jacket.

It was just one of the reasons why it ran too hot. Cadillac V8 flatheads and many inline flatheads from other manufacturers were less prone to overheating than the Ford V8, and having the exhaust running adjacent to the intake instead of through the block was a reason for that. BTW that 12-cyl boxer flathead is awesome.

[Frank Lee]

Unless it has tech like the Honda 4 stroke trimmer engines, a 2 stroker is best for severe inclines.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Unless it has tech like the Honda 4 stroke trimmer engines, a 2 stroker is best for severe inclines.

Sure, but with a 4-stroke it's easier to meet current emission regulations without having to resort to direct injection.

[freebeard]

The White flat-12 was only offered for a few years. Lubrication problems or something.

When I was in college I had a 1959 Rambler American. The carburetor bolted directly to the flat head and the exhaust pipe was strapped to the side of the block.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The White flat-12 was only offered for a few years. Lubrication problems or something.

It is kinda hard to justify any engine with more than 8 cylinders anyway. I'd rather look for an 8-cyl instead of a 10-cyl or 12-cyl in the same displacement range anytime.

[D.O.G.]

Is there still some love for the good old flathead layout?

Well, I still love my old Norton Big 4.
633cc of side valve single fun.

It's not practical, it's not economical, it's not fast, but I still love it.

[freebeard]

https://www.google.com/search?q=beast+of+Turin& has a 28-liter inline four. It ran at Goodwood this year, but I think it's OHV.

If I had a running flat 12, I'd want it mid-rear in a bobber truck.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Sure, but with a 4-stroke it's easier to meet current emission regulations without having to resort to direct injection.

Countless four stroke lawnmower engines have been destroyed by oil starvation on inclines. I don't think we'll see direct injection lawnmowers anytime soon.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Countless four stroke lawnmower engines have been destroyed by oil starvation on inclines.

Blame it on the splash lube.

I don't think we'll see direct injection lawnmowers anytime soon.

Though direct injection wouldn't become available in lawnmowers so soon, it was the only way to keep 2-stroke engines competitive in emissions-regulated markets for other applications such as outboard motors.