I have 3 questions:

I've got a '78 F250 Camper Special with a 460 and CA emissions (catalytic converter). It keeps burning up the carb base gasket and spacer where the EGR port enters. The EGR valve diaphram is shot but I think it got cooked along with the gasket. Someone suggested that my catalytic converter is plugged up. I found one at NAPA for $150. Any other good sources for a replacement?

Also, while I was under there I noticed the radius arm bushings were split. Anyone know of a scource for urethane bushings?

Finally, the power steering unit (not the pump) leaks like a sive. Are these things hard to rebuild or should I just go with a replacement?

Any help or advice on any of these topics would be appretiated.

 

Man...you want it all. Just kiddin...The EGR thing...not sure...definitely this area is seeing too much heat...would tend to agree with the converter diagnosis because if the converter plugs the exhuast flow can't get out and this causes exhaust overheating. Is the Thermactor working properly? Thermactor is Ford talk for an air pump.

2 on the arm bushings...many sources...but if you aint goin with everything else urethane ask for the heavy duty set at the parts counter.

3--I rebuilt the power steering gear in my 79 15 years ago...seems that Ford at that time machine fit the pitman shaft to the case...read no bearings or bushings. Remember I'm talkin F150 here...I took the shaft and case to a machinist and had the case center bored and pump brass inserts pressed in and final machined. I had to replace the pitman seal about 6 months ago and that's been the only failure in those years. Not sure if the 3/4 tons are that way, but you've got you one hell of a truck with the camper special...get it lined out and enjoy.



>I have 3 questions:
>
>I've got a '78 F250 Camper Special with a 460 and CA
>emissions (catalytic converter). It keeps burning up the
>carb base gasket and spacer where the EGR port enters. The
>EGR valve diaphram is shot but I think it got cooked along
>with the gasket. Someone suggested that my catalytic
>converter is plugged up. I found one at NAPA for $150. Any
>other good sources for a replacement?
>
>Also, while I was under there I noticed the radius arm
>bushings were split. Anyone know of a scource for urethane
>bushings?
>
>Finally, the power steering unit (not the pump) leaks like a
>sive. Are these things hard to rebuild or should I just go
>with a replacement?
>
>Any help or advice on any of these topics would be
>appretiated.

Texas Bird

Daddy's First Car Was A Model T--He Bought It Used For $11.50 And Drove It Home

1979 F150 Custom--Betsy--302 2V, 4sp.OD(RUG)

1978 F150 Ranger XLT--Snuffy--400 2V, C6

 

If your converter is bad, you can get a good high flow one from summit racing for about $90. Energy suspension is a good brand to use for your radius arm bushings as well. Rebuilding the power steering gear is relatively easy, a kit will cost you around 30-40 dollars, and comes with almost everything that could wear out. The toughest thing about re-building it should be taking it off of the truck. Have you tried putting any stop leak additives in yet?? "Sometimes" they are known to help, though you have to leak an entire bottle before they claim it should work (if it isn't mechanically shot)

Tony

'77 F250, 4X4 460 transplantee, "Flamer"
'74 F250. 460, "beater" now "1 dead ford"
'73 F250, "midnight auto" now a trailer for the flamer