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I have several questions about the 352 for 1966 that probably have been discussed at length here, but I usually read the 61-66 forum and recently began checking in this forum, so here goes.
1. What are the best replacements for the problematic exhaust manifolds? Is the right side usually the first to go?
2. Are the rear main seals a normal problem area?
3. I'm showing around 20 lbs for oil pressure. What should it be?
4. What should I expect to gain with headers?
I have several questions about the 352 for 1966 that probably have been discussed at length here, but I usually read the 61-66 forum and recently began checking in this forum, so here goes.
1. What are the best replacements for the problematic exhaust manifolds? Is the right side usually the first to go?
2. Are the rear main seals a normal problem area?
3. I'm showing around 20 lbs for oil pressure. What should it be?
4. What should I expect to gain with headers?
1. Headers are the best replacements, with a good duel exhaust, 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" pipes.
2. Rear mains leaks are not "normal", but rear intake leaks are, that look like rear main seal leaks.
3. My trucks run about 40lbs of oil pressure going down the road, 5-10lbs warmed up at a idle.
4. May gain 10-15 hp with headers, engine will flow better.
Hope that helps. Allen
Only if it's the original ROPE seal and it's dried out! If it's been replaced once before then you should NEVER have a leak.
Headers will eliminate the leaky cast manifold problems. Either side will cause problems, don't think one is worse then other? Power wise...a few HP? Don't expect any great seat-o-pants meter movement LOL !
Idle hot should be around 20~ lbs(depends on how worn out). Hot driving 40-50~lbs.
[QUOTE=tomsrod 2. Are the rear main seals a normal problem area?[/QUOTE]
My experience with FE's (i've had 2) both of them leaked out the rear main seal.
In both of my cases, it was an older engine, that never ran too much. When I got them, ran them pretty hard. The more I ran them, the more oil it leaked.
Some of the old main seals are kind of a rope type, and over time they shrink and start leaking. Unless you're Houdini, changing a rear main seal requires pulling the engine. There's probably guys that have changed them without pulling the motor but it is lots easier to change it sitting on a chair than laying on your back with oil dripping in your face.
I too suspect my seal is leaking..might be the manifold.. I need to look into it. As for the pressure I took advice from Gashog and added a set of Autometer gauges I had laying around and tossed them in.. the old dash gauge still reads 28 max pressure, but the autometer responds to the engine rpm very well...50 at startup, 45 running, 32 idle... brand new pump and pickup.
I had the rear seal go on mine also. Took the engine out to replace and ended up pretty much majoring the engine. Of course its up to you if you want to go that far, but as long as I had it out. Plus I had a broken camshaft bearing. Good luck
Great responses guys. Thanks for your help, I'll have to hang out here more often.
My truck is a 66 F250 4x4 that is geared pretty low, so I don't expect headers to add much in the way of speed. I'll look into a set for that truck anyhow, might be hard to find. My right side exhaust manifold is leaking in front of cylinder #4. I do get 20 lbs at idle, but will have to wait until next weekend to see what I get while driving. Thanks again.