This website uses affiliate links. When you buy something through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

< Overview >

Mercury - V8 Flathead and Y-Block engines: repair manuals

A service manual on the engine of your Mercury? Here are repair and overhaul manuals on Ford V-8 Flathead (1932-1953) en Y-Block (1952-1964) engines. They provide detailed instructions to solve technical problems yourself and to repair or replace parts.

Ford Flathead Engines (1932-1953): How to Rebuild and Modify - Step-By-Step Rebuild Procedures

Although not the first V-8 engine ever produced, Henry Ford's side-valve V-8, launched in 1932, certainly qualified as the first mass-produced V-8 sold to the public.
Because of Henry Ford's stubbornness, the first versions were less than ideal. The technology was in its infancy and cost-cutting measures limited the output and reliability of the early models.
In this book veteran author Tony Thacker and flathead guru of H&H Flatheads, Mike Herman, take you step-by-step through rebuilding a vintage flathead.

One of the most important steps is to actually find a good, usable core; many have been sitting for a very long time and the engine design is prone to cracking. Running changes are also an important consideration when selecting a core, and include cooling system, ignition, and transmission mount.

After you have selected a core, Thacker and Herman take you through the entire process of a rebuild, including teardown, parts inspection, machine shop processes, replacement part selection, re-assembly, start up, and break-in.

Also covered is a unique performance build completed at the H&H shop for legendary race car team manager and all-around enthusiast Ray Evernham. It all adds up to more than 500 color photos and insider tips on building what could be called the most iconic engine ever built, the Ford flathead V-8.

Click here to know more about the CarTech S-A Design books

Author:Tony Thacker, Mike Herman
Specs:144 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 1 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.39 in, paperback
Illustrations:500 colour photographs
Publisher:CarTech Inc (USA, 2016)
Series:S-A Design (SA379)
Book: Ford Flathead Engines (1932-1953): How to Rebuild and Modify - Step-By-Step Rebuild Procedures

Ford Flathead Engines (1932-1953): How to Rebuild and Modify - Step-By-Step Rebuild Procedures

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon.com

How to Rebuild and Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines

The last commercially produced Ford Flathead V-8 was cast over 60 years ago. Simple by today's high-tech standards, during its performance reign from the late '30s through the mid '50s, the flathead was unsurpassed for go-fast power on the cheap. It spawned the modern aftermarket speed-equipment industry and became a favorite of bootleggers, dry-lakes racers, dirt trackers, street racers, and a whole generation that just wanted fast cars.

Whether you're restoring a classic Ford, building a traditional hot rod, or creating a period custom car, you'll want to get the most out of its vintage flathead V-8. In "How to Rebuild & Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines", authors Mike Bishop and Vern Tardel, two of the most highly-regarded experts in hot rodding, give you the detailed and accurate information you need to build, restore, or just daydream about the engine that gave birth to hot rodding.
Every aspect of buying, building, and owning a flathead V-8 engine is extensively covered. Go through the basics of selecting the right engine for the right project, building and rehabilitating engines, and final tuning. Diagrams and color photos bring these legendary engines to life for the hands-on hobbyist, collector, and aficionado.

Author:Mike Bishop, Vern Tardel
Specs:208 pages, 27.5 x 21.5 cm / 10.8 x 8.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:8 b&w and 531 colour photographs
Publisher:Motorbooks International (USA, 2015)
Series:Workshop Manual
Book: How to Rebuild and Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines

How to Rebuild and Modify Ford Flathead V-8 Engines

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Ford Y-Block Engines (1952-1964) - How to Rebuild and Modify

As Ford cars grew in both size and weight after WWII, the need for a more powerful and robust engine than the aging Flathead was becoming apparent. The successor of the Flathead engine, the Ford Y-block V-8 engine delivered far better performance and it doesn't have the inherent oiling problems of the Flathead.

This engine featured deep skirt block design, and its layout resembles a "Y" and hence the Y-block name. Manufactured displacements of 239, 256, 272, 292, and 312 cubic inches, this stout engine grew in displacement over the years to meet demands for more power. It powered a variety of Ford trucks and cars from 1952 to 1964, including the Thunderbird, Edsel, and the famous 53-56 pickups.

In this comprehensive rebuild and high-performance build-up guide, a step-by-step rebuild of two stock engines is provided complete with explanatory text and captions as well as full-color photos.
During the rebuild process, you learn the unique features of this engine series and how to build a strong and reliable engine. In addition, author Charlie Morris profiles the building a modified supercharged 292 engine that uses the latest performance parts and technology developed specifically for this engine series.
You are shown how to machine and prep the block, refurbish the cylinder heads, and select the optimal rotating assembly for a particular horsepower level.

Click here to know more about the CarTech Workbench books

Author:Charles R. Morris
Specs:138 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 0.8 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.31 in, paperback
Illustrations:417 b&w photographs
Publisher:CarTech Inc (USA, 2013)
Series:S-A Design Workbench (SA257P)
Book: Ford Y-Block Engines (1952-1964) - How to Rebuild and Modify

Ford Y-Block Engines (1952-1964) - How to Rebuild and Modify

Language: English

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon CA
Buy from Amazon.com

Related titles:

[C] Ford V8 Engine Overhaul Manual

Ford V8 Engine Overhaul Manual (1961-1993)

English | paperback | 272 p. | 2001

How to Rebuild the Small-Block Ford (1961-2000)

How to Rebuild the Small-Block Ford (1961-2000)

George Reid

English | paperback | 144 p. | 2008

Ford Small-Block Engine Parts Interchange

Ford Small-Block Engine Parts Interchange

George Reid

English | paperback | 146 p. | 2015

< Top >


The TMB Bookshop offers not only technical books about Mercury. Click here to discover all books about Mercury (including make histories, type overviews, books about certain models, road test collections, etc.).

Years: 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964


Last update:15-04-2024