When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I recently found and purchased a 1982 F150, standard cab 2wd. Based on the vin, it's got a 2 barrel card 351W (see photo) and a C6. I have a few questions to get things kicked off:
1 - I replaced the spark plugs. The ones I pulled out were all gapped at ~0.036" (and in great shape) while the Haynes Manual called for 0.044". I regapped the new ones - as they were also the improper gap, even though they were apparently OEM spec. Any reason there would be the wrong gap size plugs in there, other than someone bought them and didn't check the gap before instal?
2 - While I was driving the truck home, when I slowed down in town or at a stop sign, I could notice a fuel smell. As if all the fuel wasn't burning or there was a leak. My first thought was maybe a dead cylinder, and to do the old school pulling spark plug wires and watching the tach. (But there is no tach in the truck). Any other ideas on causes?
3 - Sticker. Most of the stickers in the engine bay are in pretty good shape, including this one on the passenger side valve cover. Can anyone tell me what it means? I have a feeling this might not actually a 351w. Admittedly I'm quite new to old engine architecture.
4 - Wipers won't turn off, until I shut the truck off or rotate the wiper **** and try and get it "stuck" between the different speeds.
New sparkplugs are gapped at a generic gap at the sparkplug factory. They go in many different engines, so they need to be re-gapped to the specs of the engine they are going to be installed in. The plugs you bought go in Fords, Chevys, Dodge, possibly even foreign engines. All with different gap specs.
How many positions does your wiper switch have? Does it have 3 to the right and a long smooth area to the left? You might have the delay wiper option.
The right-hand side of that sticker on the valve cover contains the engine's Calibration Code, you might need that if looking for certain fuel & emission systems components. The rest of the sticker has to do with the assembly line and isn't useful for anything.
Plug gap should be shown on the sticker on the radiator support, I think it's .040-.044.
My guess with the wiper problem is the motor having lost its Park position, this is fairly common.
The fuel smell I would guess is a leak someplace, possibly at the carburetor's connection to the supply.
New sparkplugs are gapped at a generic gap at the sparkplug factory. They go in many different engines, so they need to be re-gapped to the specs of the engine they are going to be installed in. The plugs you bought go in Fords, Chevys, Dodge, possibly even foreign engines. All with different gap specs.
How many positions does your wiper switch have? Does it have 3 to the right and a long smooth area to the left? You might have the delay wiper option.
Thanks for your reply. I was able to check when I got back from work today.
The valve cover has 6 bolts (is that a 351w), and there are only 3 modes on the wiper ****, with a push in (I believe for wiper fluid). I'm guessing I'll have to replace the park sensor.
The right-hand side of that sticker on the valve cover contains the engine's Calibration Code, you might need that if looking for certain fuel & emission systems components. The rest of the sticker has to do with the assembly line and isn't useful for anything.
Plug gap should be shown on the sticker on the radiator support, I think it's .040-.044.
My guess with the wiper problem is the motor having lost its Park position, this is fairly common.
The fuel smell I would guess is a leak someplace, possibly at the carburetor's connection to the supply.
I found the leak right at the fuel pump connection to the carb. It was a decent sized one, so I got it snugged up - thanks!
It appears as though when I accelerate, a bit of fuel comes out of the accelerator pump as well. - I'm thinking it might the diaphragm inside, so I'm going to see if I can order the part.
there are only 3 modes on the wiper ****, with a push in (I believe for wiper fluid). I'm guessing I'll have to replace the park sensor.
The park sensor is just a mechanical contact, built into the gearbox for the wiper motor assembly. 1981 wiring diagrams here on pages 60-61, which should be very similar:
I've had my wipers act up and refuse to park. All I did was take apart the gearbox and clean up the switch contacts, and then good as new again. It's been a while, but I don't think I even had to separate the motor from the gearbox.
To remove the wiper motor assembly from the truck, make this simple mod and your life will be a LOT easier:
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
