460 leaking behing water pump
Yesterday after my fall oil change, I was pressure cleaning my big block 460 in my 67 1/2 ton. after a run there was coolant leaking between the block and the housing that holds the dip stick. Of course it it a blown gasket after 28 years and 120,000 she's shot. Off to parts source, no w/p gasket or block to spacer gasket. Of course I picked up a new water pump as I'm not stupid enough to do this all again next year. Tonight after work and supper I fight for a couple of hours with fan, A/C, power st., and alternator etc etc. So its dark and the w/pump is finally off,,,,now I see the part I though was just an extension is actually very large. Now my question-----how much more do I have to pull off to get the 2 & 1/2 inch thingy to come off so as to re-gasket the beast. Is it actually going around the crank as it seems. Looks like the fuel pump will also have to come off, which means another gasket. Am I indanger of leaking anti freeze into my oil pan? That means yet another gasket is needed. Have any of you been through this and is there a web site to walk me through the mess I'm in. I'm no mechanic but I am a dedicated cheapskate. None of my vehicles get to vistit the shop except for when automatic transmission magic is required. Thank the Lord there Fords and seldom break. However I feel as I have opened the proverbial Can-O-Worms......HELP!

 

Is it leaking out in the area above the fuel pump from between the the block and timing cover? If so its coming through the timing cover either because it is rotting out or the gasket has failed between the spacer plate and timing cover. There is a weep slot on the back of the timing cover in one of the bolt holes that goes through above the fuel pump.

You are talking about taking the whole timing cover off. Don't go that far yet. Take the water pump off the timing cover then the water pump spacer plate will be behind it. Take it off also so you can see into the cavity in the timing cover.

 

Had to quit last night due to darkness. Stupid not to pull it into my garage, but I thought I'd finish in a couple of hours. The leak was not above the fuel pump but rather on the opposite side below the dip stick. Yes I bet the case is rotten. When the water pump came off the crud behind the pump made me swoon. Love my dad but he was not a fix it guy. He would never think of touching something unless it was broken. "Why would you ever change the coolant?" It says its good to -30. He never changed the tranny fluid in 20 years, and towed a 25 foot 5th wheel from Canada to Arizona and back 10 times. Thank Ford for building them idiot proof. Yes this is going to take time and $$$. Now I'm thinking about timing gears from an early 429. Any thoughts on this?

 

If you need a timing cover you can pick them up new on ebay motors most of the time, I think around $75.00. Though I don't know how the price compares to a dealer.

Heck, maybe you can buy them aftermarket. I have never checked on that.

 

They're on ebay all the time. I paid $75 plus UPS to a Texas company for one about a year ago.

 

I located one, an aftermarket from grey(something) probably Chineese. Cost is $125.00 Canadian bucks. Which is around 80 U.S. and instead of E-Bay or mail order I will have it in my hands before paying. It is in stock, all shiny and clean. However I'll wait till mine is off then poke and pry to see if mine is indeed shot. My wholesale parts guy said the retail was 225 bucks, so I phoned around and called 3 places, nada thing, no longer avaliable our Ford dealer said. Should have it back together Friday with the new straigh up gears. Actually can't wait to see what happens. Imagine waking up a sleeping bear after 25 years of not even being able to spin the tires when empty. If this simple gear set makes that much difference I'll bye you guys a beer some day!!!!!