I haven't gotten brave enough to pull the timing cover yet. I got the water pump off again yesterday and decided it was time to watch some football instead of work on the truck. I'm pretty bummed at this point.
Do you have any suggestions on identifying the type of bolts I need rather than rely on the person at the hw store. Thanks, jl

 

Nitro - I told you I would keep you posted so here is that latest. "It's Alive"!!! I got it running last weekend. I managed to find some original water pump bolts and some class 8(notice the markings on the head) bolts. Except for having to shorten and rethread one of the Ford bolts they worked out fine. All tightened down well.
The one bolt I broke off last time I managed to get out with an easy out so that worked out well.
Thank God! I didn't want to have to tap that out.
The bad news is that I still have a leak. This time it's coming from the inlet for the upper hose where the thermostat is. It's not easy to get to but at least now I know how to remove everything to gain access. Another weekend day, Lord willing, and I can have that fixed too. The truck doesn't idle very well. It was kinda like that before I started this project but seems alittle worse now. The idle speed gradually slows
and then begins to what I call lope. Not the lope of a good street cam but there is a definate increase/decrease in idle speed. I have a new timing chain, gears etc. so maybe some of it is coming from that so I guess I can try timing it.
Anyway I just wanted to let you know it was running and say Thanks Again. jl

 

Glad to here you made it. I would check timing and look for vacuum leaks.


2000 XLT Flare Supercab Sport 5.4-Auto-355LS-Tow pkg-Bedrug-Xtang Tonneau