351 Windsor question:
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
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From: S.W. Florida
351 Windsor question:
The windsor in my '55 has 60 psi oil press. when cold. When hot, it MIGHT make 8-10 psi. at idle... Scary. Going down the road when "hot" (operating temp) it makes about 20 psi. I run all original gauges. They all work fine. I checked with a new gauge. Mechanical, not electric. same reading. I get no lifter clatter at hot idle, nor at speed. Is it just inherent in these mid 70's era 351's that they don't make good pressure,as i have been told? I'm thinking cam bearings. Gonna go from a 10w-40 (Florida truck) to a staight 30 or 40 weight. Thanks in advance for your opinions. Jim
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
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From: S.W. Florida
351
49 f1; I recently inherited this piece, my Uncle passed away, and I bought it from my aunt to keep it in the family. (See it in the gallery section under Jim's 55 Effie) He was a mechanical wizard. Neither I nor my aunt knows whether this motor was rebuilt recently. It certainly appears to have been so, as all the painted surfaces of the engine are a clean, bright, fresh looking Ford blue. I do not know the year of mfg. I don't know where to look for the numbers on the block, but I WILL find them, as I need to know. I was planning on sliding an RV cam in the thing at a later date, but that may be bumped up now. What do you think about the straight weight heavier oil?
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
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From: Northshore, MN
how about oil consumption and/or any smoke out the tailpipe? The block casting number will at the backside of the right cylinder bank.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
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From: S.W. Florida
351
No oil burning. Only light puff of smoke when first starting. Leaking valve stem seals, I think. Keep um coming.LOL
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From: Middle Gawga
I had the same pressure readings in my 87 F-250. I replaced the oil pump along with the timing chain & gear. I did this in conjunction with the replacement of a leaking timing cover gasket (orginal problem). Since I had to drop the oil pan I went ahead and changed the fore mentioned parts. Now my oil pressure is about 22-25 after the engine is warm and in traffic. The truck has about 130K miles on orginal engine with no other rebuild. I used a standard oil pump (no high volume).
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
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From: S.W. Florida
351
Thanks Bruce. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I am going to change the oil pump first, because it is relatively easy and inexpensive and hope that maybe the relief valve spring has weakened with age or the pump is simply fatigued. After that, if not better, I'll pull motor and change cam bearings and slide a new R/V cam in at the same time. Thanks guys.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
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This is probably not related, but my dads 88 f-150 has a 351 in it. When he bought it the pressure was lower than it should be and only got worse as he drove it a few months.
We dropped the pan and removed the oil pump. It had part of a paper towel and a lot of silicone all gummed up in the pickup. Replaced the pump and pickup (we had them...sooooo) and all was well again.
We dropped the pan and removed the oil pump. It had part of a paper towel and a lot of silicone all gummed up in the pickup. Replaced the pump and pickup (we had them...sooooo) and all was well again.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Middle Gawga
For the replacement of the timing cover the book simply said to lower the oil pan. To change the oil pump I wound up disconnecting the engine & trans mounts raising the engine to the firewall and still had to disconnect the pickup tube from the pump BEFORE I could remove the pan (crossmember interferance). I was pleased with the condition of the bottom of my oil pan (no sludge, metal etc). With a new premimum gasket and everything buttoned up I was glad I took the time to change the pump. Some people hate Fords however, I've always had good luck and found them tough! I have a second (and third) vechicle to drive while I'm doing maintance so I can take my time during repairs. Good luck!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
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From: S.W. Florida
Just a follow up to this thread of mine, fellas. I changed the oil pump and pump drive shaft in my Windsor last night and am THRILLED to report the pressures are at a "normal" range, both at idle and at speed. Went with a Melling standard pump, (M-83A) even tho I ordered an HV. OH well, I'm happy again. Cordoba front clip, no big deal in R+R, just dropped the center tie rod, and with a little manuevering, the pan and pump came off quite easily. Thanx for help. I do love this site.
