With the nice weekend weather around the Chicago area lately, started spending some time getting the 351W worked on. I've been finding that this thing probably sat longer than I was previously led to believe. Potentially a lot longer.
After a few hours of struggling I managed to finally pull out the long alternator bolt. Between using a MAPP torch, two different air impact wrenches, and vise grips I was able to get that bolt removed. Also had to pull the radiator out in order to remove the bolt. Discovered that one of the hose inlets was damaged. I'll probably need to bring the radiator over to a shop for some attention, especially given that damage. Sure as hell not buying an aftermarket radiator if I can avoid it, based on recent experience.
Also got the water pump and thermostat/housing removed. Not liking what I saw there. A bunch of powdery dehydrated coolant left behind and a rusty thermostat. Fortunately I already grabbed a new housing, gasket, and thermostat, so that's no biggie. The water pump seems to rotate pretty well with no resistance or noises, but I'm likely going to replace it anyway. A Ford Racing pump with a 1.5" shorter pulley shaft was suggested. I'm giving it consideration, but I still have to measure the current pulley so I can search for a proper custom replacement, since the belt won't line up if I use the original pulley. Also going to need to do a good series of flushes at some point. Long before I can install a new pump, though, have to do some bolt extraction. One of the studs snapped off into the timing cover. So that's going to be fun once I get some left-handed drill bits and some extractors.
I'm also making progress in removing the old electronics from the engine, and some of the emissions stuff so I can actually reach the spark plugs in order to get a tune-up done. I need to finish up with the new fuel pump so I can test fit fuel hose to the new carburetor since the fuel inlets aren't quite in the same spot. Not sure what I'm going to do about the EGR valve. I can't find a replacement in its style (only see the same type as my LTD uses which bolts onto a spacer plate, not to the manifold with a sensor fitting and tube from the exhaust manifold).
I've added a some photos from my escapades so far.
After a few hours of struggling I managed to finally pull out the long alternator bolt. Between using a MAPP torch, two different air impact wrenches, and vise grips I was able to get that bolt removed. Also had to pull the radiator out in order to remove the bolt. Discovered that one of the hose inlets was damaged. I'll probably need to bring the radiator over to a shop for some attention, especially given that damage. Sure as hell not buying an aftermarket radiator if I can avoid it, based on recent experience.
Also got the water pump and thermostat/housing removed. Not liking what I saw there. A bunch of powdery dehydrated coolant left behind and a rusty thermostat. Fortunately I already grabbed a new housing, gasket, and thermostat, so that's no biggie. The water pump seems to rotate pretty well with no resistance or noises, but I'm likely going to replace it anyway. A Ford Racing pump with a 1.5" shorter pulley shaft was suggested. I'm giving it consideration, but I still have to measure the current pulley so I can search for a proper custom replacement, since the belt won't line up if I use the original pulley. Also going to need to do a good series of flushes at some point. Long before I can install a new pump, though, have to do some bolt extraction. One of the studs snapped off into the timing cover. So that's going to be fun once I get some left-handed drill bits and some extractors.
I'm also making progress in removing the old electronics from the engine, and some of the emissions stuff so I can actually reach the spark plugs in order to get a tune-up done. I need to finish up with the new fuel pump so I can test fit fuel hose to the new carburetor since the fuel inlets aren't quite in the same spot. Not sure what I'm going to do about the EGR valve. I can't find a replacement in its style (only see the same type as my LTD uses which bolts onto a spacer plate, not to the manifold with a sensor fitting and tube from the exhaust manifold).
I've added a some photos from my escapades so far.
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