Missing pushrod update 2/28
#31
Here's how we put the right head on. Dave crawled into the engine bay (he is short) and I handed it to him. Now the left side of the block is missing one alignment dowel, so that one could be more of a challenge until we get some bolts in.
#32
I've seen and heard of these push rods come disengaged several times over the years. My theory is, it happens when a valve sticks open because of rust or valve stem deposits. Again, my thoughts only but when these old engines are awakened from storage, a valve sticks open and there is the disconnect. Lubrication to the rockers on these old engines is poor at best. IMO, we do not do these old engines any favors by starting and not warming them up fully during periods of storage. All this procedure does is promote moisture inside the engine and resultant rust. Frequent oil changes with good detergent oil and frequent use is, IMO, the answer to maintaining a healthy engine.
I would think an engine that had the valves so loose they would disconnect is highly unlikely. It would make as much noise as a compound threshing machine. Surely anyone would investigate.
I would think an engine that had the valves so loose they would disconnect is highly unlikely. It would make as much noise as a compound threshing machine. Surely anyone would investigate.
#33
#34
Good idea.. I think I'll work on that this week as I wait for my BIL to come again.
#35
#36
I can't find my welded one to take a picture. This one is a metric bolt about the size of a 1/4" nipple. I cut the head of the bolt off and threaded the end for 1/4" iron pipe size. I first tried welding a 1/4" nipple to threaded rod, but the nipple colappsed. I used a 1" x 1/2" iron pipe reducing coupling (the one in the picture is 1 1/2" x 1") some washers and tighten down on the nuts. I used 2 nuts for more thread engagement. The 56 and up heads had a 1/4" sender and the 54&55 heads had a 3/8" sender. (iron pipe size) The one in the picture can be used for the larger sender with the addition of a 3/8"X1/4" bushing at the bottom. My other one , which I can't find at the moment is a 3/8" nipple welded to some 1/2" threaded rod. Dennis
#37
#38
It is probably a 2 man job. The fender alignment rod makes it difficult too. My BIL commented how low the engine sits and I said or is it the big fenders? It must have been especially hard with your F500.
#39
#40
Do not install anything that has a missing dowel, they are imperative for alignment! The bolts only apply torque, not position. Hate to see you have to it twice. Even if you get it installed in the correct position as it heats and cools it's going to stretch and shift and the dowels keep it in place. Not staying in place means it's constantly moving and will eventually cause gasket failure and sometimes, depending on the gasket technology, erosion/brinelling at sealing surfaces that can require machining to correct.
Last edited by CBeav; 02-21-2017 at 05:11 PM. Reason: I do my best proofreading after hitting 'Enter'.
#42
#43
I hear ya Here's some that shipping will cost more than the dowels. Dowel pins head to block 4 pc kit #dp-1
#45