wd 45 crank installed in wd block

I am sure this question has come up before but please forgive my lack of knowledge. Can I install a wd 45 crank in a wd block. I know the 45 crank has a 4.5 inch stoke instead of a 4 in stoke. I know the pistons will fit in both the wd and the wd 45. Will it fit? About what would the compression be if I use wd pistons? What other problems would I have to deal with? I want to used the tractor to rake , build fence and plow on plow days at locate antique tractor show. 

It will be too heigh for what you want to use it for. Some where between 9 or 10 to one. Take the pistons out and cut some off the tops.   MACK

Mack, I now show .750 from deck to top of piston. I assume when I install the 45 crank . I will get about .500 piston to top of block. My manual shows 5.75 compression ration on wd engines. I am calculating about a 1/3 increase in compression or around 8.3 or 8.4. Am I calculating wrong. I have a lathe and can trim the top of the piston but how much before the piston will not be thick enough? Ted

Dr. The sleeves and pistons on the wd have very little wear. I intend to ball hone the sleeves. If i see any ridge then I will replace with  new pistons and sleeves. What do you think of grooving the main bearings and 170 governor springs? Ted

friend that use to race old Plymouth engines in stock cars cut a X groove in all his bearings, starting at oil hole and wideing out to lower shell then back to center in lower shell. Grooves met at center of lower bearing then back up to top half. so 2 small groofes down each shell to common point. Those little Ply 6 cyl flat heads would run away from the V8 fords on the track, and turn some wild RPM with no bearing problems.

Does anyone on here have a picture of M&W pistons that they can post on here for a WD45?

According to my numbers, with a 4 inch bore and stroke and .560" deck clearance (including a .060" head gasket) the compression ratio would be 8.15 to 1 not taking into account valve stand out and figuring the head gasket has a 4 inch hole. Valve standout and spark plug pocket and larger than 4 inch HG hole kind of cancel each other out if the valves/seats have been reground much. (2 x 2 x 3.14 x 4 is 50.24 CID.....2x2x3.14 x .560" is 7.03 CID......50.24 + 7.03 = 57.27 divided by 7.03 = 8.1465 to 1 ratio.)

Well why do you waste your time with antique tractor technology then? All I wanted was a picture and you have to get all smart about it!!

OK, First thanks for all your input. I will not cut the bearings. I used a hone with 3 stones medium grit instead of the ball hone. The sleeves cleaned right up. I see no marks and feel no ridge. I removed the cam and lifter and they look fine. The lifters are nice and flat and the cam lobes look full and all equal in height. My 45 crank is standard so I will use standard bearings. I was panicked because the 3 mains where not the same size but then I got the book and seen they are not suppose to be. I will reuse the pistons with new rings. I need to order new cam bearings. any concern with the oil pump. The engine was carrying 20 lb when hot before and oil looked good.  I sent the head for the shop . He is to grind/replace the valves and guilds as needed. My clutch is a 6 spring clutch. Everything looks great but I intend to replace the disc as it has some wear but is way above the rivets. The hand clutch looks good and operates with a nice snap. Anything else I need to be concerned about? Ted

Gold642, I sent you a email, but it wouldn't go through. After using the .060 thick head gasket I come up with 9.03-1.    MACK

I will look to use a .060 gasket and set the timing at 20 degrees before TDC. Thanks Ted

This exactly what I did to my WD.  Works great.  I run premium in it just to be sure.  I had the cam ground to match.  I also installed a 170 gov spring, but it now peaks out at about 2100 RPM.  58 horse on the PTO.  Was not looking for anything nuts - I like raking hay with the tractor too!  Pulls best in 4700# and 5200#, sucks in 4200#.

For what you plan to use it for, I would cut the pistons. It will have to have 12v to start good and with that comp. and 12v it leave you on the back 40 with a broken starter drive. No need for that comp. for a chore tractor.  MACK

I would cut .120 off the top. that will be 7.61-1.  .100 off the top will be 7.81-1

don't take anything off the top of the piston or you'll make it to thin...BTDT.....leave the pistons alone & run reg. pump gas...will work fine ..the Victor & Fel-Pro gasket both have a crush thickness of .042....Kent