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Hey guys. Well, over the past few weeks I've had to do some repairs to my 99 350. New ICP and tube, o-ring replacement on hpop, oil change ,fuel and air filter swap, new link bushings, and i also did the weatherstrip mod. Now, since I've done all this , my truck is amazingly quieter(weatherstrip mod) and everything seems to be perfect. Smoother ride, better mpg, quicker throttle, no oil leaks, you get the picture ,right? Well, I dont know if anyone else is like this, but this is the worst feeling in the world. Don't get me wrong, I'am enjoying it, but can't think of anything else except this is too good to be true! It's almost like.... Ok dude, you had your 2 weeks of prosperity, now you will pay, and this time it is gonna be major! I say that because I have 192000+ mile on her, and to this point I really haven't had some of the major problems i've read about on trucks with less miles! Anyone else have those calm before the storm feelings ? Bill
You'll just give yourself an ulcer. Take pride in the ol' gal, keep up the maintenance, and run it with a smile. Before you know it, you'll be the next member of the 300k club.
What size tubeing did you use in your weatherstripping?
Hey Izzy, I know you're right,... But I also know that it's not IF something will go wrong on these trucks, It's WHEN! I didn't use tubing, I decided to use caulk backer rod! I wanted to use something a little more solid than tubing but still flexible. And most guys say to use 3/8'', but I used 1/2''. It's a little more difficult , but it will go as long as you take it slow and use plenty of lube. Door will be a little more difficult to shut at first, but will get easier after use, and boy does it help with the sound. To be honest, I've only done the front two doors, and I can actually talk in a normal voice ( no screaming ), to the passenger!
Hey Izzy. I forgot to ask. I noticed you did the 50 cent mod, and I've seen other guys that have also done it, but have yet to run across any description of what it is and what purpose it serves. Can you give me the run down on it ?
Backer rod huh? Did you push it or pull it? I've seen different types of backer too, was it just a foam type? The .50 cent mod is using a quarter as a shim to "fix" the problem of the UVCH backing out. Ford also has shims or you can make your own. I'll dig through my crud and try to put up some pics for you, maybe someone else will beat me to it. Hint Hint.
Yes, It's just the foam type, fairly dense but still bounces back after you pinch it between yer fingers. I pulled it through with an electricians fish tape. Again, a lot of wd40 and take it slowly!!! It helps if you have a helper holding the opposite end of the weatherstrip and spraying the rod as you SLOWLY pull it through. Also on the weatherstrip itself ,you'll notice small holes about every 8-10 inches. I sprayed wd40 in each of those holes before i started.
Here's a little on the UVCH mod. Using a quarter, grind it down like in the pic. You can see it's placement in the other pic. It's a good idea to inspect everything under the valve covers and retorque the injector hold down bolts and rocker pedistal bolts.
Yes, It's just the foam type, fairly dense but still bounces back after you pinch it between yer fingers. I pulled it through with an electricians fish tape. Again, a lot of wd40 and take it slowly!!! It helps if you have a helper holding the opposite end of the weatherstrip and spraying the rod as you SLOWLY pull it through. Also on the weatherstrip itself ,you'll notice small holes about every 8-10 inches. I sprayed wd40 in each of those holes before i started.
Can be found in paint section of home improvement or painter's supply house like Sherwin Williams. (It is typically used to fill large cracks - since caulking needs contact on 3 sides to work properly, this stuff provides the 3rd side in a deeeep crack...) I think it would be an excellent product for this application and if anyone has time - feel free to do mine!!
Yeah, just relax man. I put over 200k on my F350 without any real problems, then broke engine (308k on it) and have had some headaches getting it 'right'. Aside from a small boost leak, its really, really running good now - but the last 20k dailing in new engine have had my nerves rattled. I am finally feeling that level of confidence I used to have!
The best advice I have is PAY ATTENTION. ie. - you should NOT have oil leaks/drips and keeping engine clean while staying on top of PM is the best thing you can do - and it will increase your peace of mind!