IHC LB 3-5 HP engine

Tom Fleming

Well-known Member
Hi guys, I hang out mainly over on the Farmall forum, but am working on a IHC 3-5 LB engine. Here is my dilemma. The cylinder is very badly pitted in the ring travel area on only the bottom 10% of the cylinder. Sides and top are in excellent condition.

I have new rings, and can cut the ridge, no issues. I am worried by how deep the pitting is at least 1/16 to 1/8 in the ring travel area. While I know these are low RPM and low compression, should I go ahead and clean it up best as I can, or should I start looking for a new block. I would consider having a sleeve made, but it doesn't look like there is enough "meat" in the casting to bore it out and install a sleeve.

Thoughts or comments are welcome.

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The pitting you're describing sounds severe. I
assume you've honed it best you can. What are you
going to do with this engine, will it be a working
or show engine?

I don't see it as a working engine for long. If a
better block can be found, would be a better
choice.
 
Thanks Steve, it will be mostly a show engine. However, I was going to run a buzz saw with it at the shows and fairs just for demo purposes. It's days of working for a living are pretty much over. I want it to start and run, and maybe turn the saw for short demonstrations.

I got it cleaned up as best I can. It is a shame, as the rest of the bore is actually excellent. the good news is, the pitting does not go as far as the oil ring, so she shouldn't smoke too bad. She will have a bit of blow by I am afraid..........

I'll keep an eye out for a block, and hopefully she will run acceptably until I can get one.
 

It would be a shame to ask new rings to run across those pits. Not any more pressure than those engines make you would not need much cylinder wall left in the block. The sleeves in an early 8N Ford were 0.040" thick and the later ones were increased to 0.090". That gives you an idea of the wall thickness for sleeves. I have one of those engines, I have never checked how much material is in the block but I would think it would allow for a sleeve. L A Sleeve company will make custom sleeves.
 
Are you SURE that the 'pitting ' is in a ring area ?? Sorta doesn't look like it. If not, clean it up with a hone and 'go for it!!'. HTH
 
Tom I have a old engine like that and it had a bad pits in it also. the old guy down the road that works on them. suggested sand blasting the pits and wipeing jb weld in to the pits. then honing it . its been25 yrs ago and it,s stills running. good luck Bob
 
Well guys, after a couple of false starts, she is now running strong. After the assembly lube burnt off, no smoke either. I'll try to post a video on youtube, and link it here.

thanks to all for the suggestions and comments......
 

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