My recently acquired '68 F250 4x4 air cleaner is missing the spring that goes in the snorkel connected to the valve that controls warm airflow from the exhaust manifold shroud. Any idea of a part number or where I might find one? I presume the spring is fairly weak, Suggestions of what to source from a hardware store as last resort? Thanks for any ideas or help.

 

In a JY. Ford never sold that spring separate. It is a thermostatic spring.

 

If you have a paper style air cleaner not an oil bath type, the snorkel part number was C8OZ9A626A. One is listed at:Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts

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I do have the paper air cleaner on my truck as shown in the second diagram you posted. I have everything shown in the sub assembly 9A626 except for the spring. If I am not mistaken, the thermostatic device is the bolt looking thingy on the top left in the drawing (see below). I think the spring only provides tension against the flapper door which thermostatic sensor activates. It would be a shame to have to buy the whole assembly when all I need is the spring.

Perhaps if someone has a similar air cleaner on their truck they could at least subjectively tell me how stiff the spring is. I might be able to rig something up as a substitute. Thanks for your help!