Rebuilding 352 after Night Shift

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Aug 21, 2004 | 05:57 PM

ilikefordtrucks

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From: wyalusing, pa

Rebuilding 352 after Night Shift

Okay, probably not the best idea, but i decided to work on the 352 in my truck after night shift today. I thought something didn't look right, but kept going. After I got the intake on and rocker shafts bolted on, I noticed the lifter valley pan leaning against a box in my garage. Question is: Is this some super necessary piece of equipment without which my truck explode into pieces, or can I run it without it? Just want to know whether I need it or not as I don't relish the idea of pulling the intake again.

Any help most appreciated, thanks, Jim.

Aug 21, 2004 | 06:58 PM

71LTD390

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From: Eastern Virginia

If it were me i'd put it back in. If you are like me i'd rather take an extra couple hours on something that may not make a difference than always looking at the tray laying in the corner and thinking "I wonder if". I know how it is. I assembled my engine after working night shifts also. Just take your time and don't ever be afraid to take the time to re-do or double check something you don't like or doesn't seem to look good to your eye. Even if it seemingly makes no difference....it may. But no, your truck will not explode without it. I think it's more of a "crumb catcher" than anything. Keeps larger pieces of crud up there instead of letting them fall into the oil pan. It may also help keep oil from splashing against the underside of the intake manifold and baking. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in and offer some more advice.

Last edited by 71LTD390; Aug 21, 2004 at 07:06 PM.

Aug 21, 2004 | 07:11 PM

ilikefordtrucks

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From: wyalusing, pa

yeah, i was figuring i should probably put it in. i had heard it was to keep hot oil off of the bottom of the intake to try and keep it cooler. didn't think about the "crumb catcher" side of it. good point. thanks. its already taken long enough anyway. just started as an oil change.

Aug 21, 2004 | 07:11 PM

tastyklair

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From: Eastern Pa

What you said last is the main reason. The pan will stop oit from splashing on the underside of the manifold and cooking and then when it accumulates it can flake off and, well you get the idea. I would put in in unless you blocked all heat off of the manifold which i doubt you did if this is for street.

Aug 21, 2004 | 07:12 PM

fordloverf2501970

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From: burlington, iowa

i did the same thing, after working 20 hours straight i got home and headed for the garage to relax, i had just finished assembling everything and even bolting down the air cleaner, when i sat down to have a smoke and relish in the glory of all my work. i had to clear off the only chair in my garage to do this, of course what was on the chair blocking me from sitting down ? The Valley Pan ! After two more hours of listening to the b52's i refinished the assembly and went to bed.

Aug 21, 2004 | 08:03 PM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

I made the same mistake when putting the Edelbrock RPM manifold on my 360. Of course, it's not a heated manifold. I just left mine out and it runs just fine without it.