My 1968 F100 240 6 is missing the thermactor emission control tube (ford part 9B445) and all 6 air feed tubes are cut and crimped. This is how I bought the truck and I've been driving it like this for 2 years now. Do I need this tube??? Will it cause any damage driving without it? I know it has something to do with emissions but how necessary is it?

It runs fine except that it sometimes stalls in first gear when I let the clutch out, a little choke solves that. I'm in the middle of rebuilding the Holley single barrel 1940 carb to correct that.

 

I don't think 68's came with any of that. My 72 240 had none of it. Maybe you have a later model transplanted engine?

 

It's not necessary per se.... it might be necessary to pass emissions if your state requires your vehicle to be tested or inspected.

 

If you don't have to be inspected for emissions, I'd remove it and put plugs in the holes.

 

Would not be required in North Carolina. Cali yes. No idea of your states requirements.


John

 

All 66 through 68 Ford 6 cylinder engines had a Thermactor Emission Control System.

 

Not required in California. Model year 1975 and older are exempt from emissions testing and inspection....... currently.

Given the idiot legislators and voters in ths state, it wouldn't surprise me if it were proposed to be reversed.

 

I live in Illinois (the state with the best politicians money can buy) and found out my 68 F100 is exempt from emission testing. I've seen thermactor plugs on eBay for V8's but can't locate any for a 240 6. Any idea where to find them, or what size I would need?

 

early California Smog device , had an air pump that was driven off fan belt , this pumped air into the cylinders via that tube . if they are just crimped you are most likely losing compression . you need to buy the screw in plugs to get a proper seal .
My 66 mustang 289 has it .

 

As stated above you don't need it per se. The manufactures had REGS they had to uphold to. You, as John Q. Public, do not. Except for some states emission testing. From memory I think those fittings holding the tube in there are pipe thread. So remove one of them and take to a local parts store and match up with a "Weatherhead" plug.

 

they are a weird size , the tube had a ferral on the end of it . My 390 heads had the holes , I took the easy way out and ordered a Themactor plug kit off ebay it was inexpensive and saved me the run around time .

 

Ford had part number C6AZ6052A to plug the smog holes in FE motors. 1/2" X 20. I just checked. That part number also listed for small blocks and 240/300.

These places show 6 or more.

xParts International Farmers Branch Ford

972-241-8730




xDennis Carpenter Ford

704-786-8139




xRPN Parts

888-864-9305

 

Thanks Jefffafa

 

Glad you posted that, I was reading some threads that said the thread size is 5/8 - 11 male pipe.

 

You don't risk losing any compression, those ports go the exit side of the exhaust valve. Ever hear the saying "The answer to pollution is dilution"? That is what an air pump/air injection system is doing. It dilutes the exhaust, and lowers the concentration levels of the pollutants in the exhaust. You might gain about 1 Hp without an air pump..just my guess at how much power it takes to turn an air pump.