223 restoration question

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Aug 25, 2008 | 09:12 AM

spurredon

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From: Upstate NY

223 restoration question

Hey guys,

I'm in the middle of restoring a 60 223 for my 60 F100. The question is, when disassembling the rocker shaft for cleaning, should I take the vale adjusters out of the rocker arms? I tried turning one and felt more resistance than I wanted so I stopped. I'm not afraid of spraying with blaster and waiting but it seemed as though they were made with a kind of "lock thread". What's the deal? Do I just clean the rocker up leaving the adjuster in place or take them out?

Thanks.

Aug 25, 2008 | 05:09 PM

Cyruscosmo

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From: Woodinville

When I had my 223 rebuilt by an engine shop last summer the old guy that works there told me to back each one off one turn and then disassemble the whole thing for cleaning. He said they should be very hard to trun as they were made to stay put after they were adjusted without having a lock washer.

Also make sure you get the distributor cleaned out. Mine was all plugged up with sludge and was not oiling the cam gear properly.

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My Grandpa told me once that you have to learn by the mistakes of others because you will NOT live long enough to make them all yourself.

Aug 26, 2008 | 07:02 AM

spurredon

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From: Upstate NY

Thanks man,
I really didn't feel good about taking them out but I don't want to leave a stone unturned. You're right about the distributor. They really gunk up! I have it all tore down and reassemble and hanging up in the garage waiting to go back in!

Aug 26, 2008 | 07:45 AM

brownfoot

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check the shaft for wear, replaced mine, also be careful when installing the head,
the head bolts can be fragile (fail at torque down) if you use the old ones

Aug 26, 2008 | 02:25 PM

Cyruscosmo

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From: Woodinville

It's easier to ask questions than break things for sure. I backed um off one turn and they felt like they was gonna snap off. Then cleaned and inspected and reassembled the block. It's all back in the frame waiting for the intake/exhaust manifold to get done. I have run out of easy things to do… I.E. rebuilt the axles, brakes, transfer case, transmission, clutch and engine and it's all painted and remounted. Now it's time for the body work…

Either one of you know where to get a new thrust washer for the distributor? Mine had the little tab that keeps it from rotating broken off. The shaft is fine as well as the gear but I need the thrust-washer before I can reassemble it.

Also I am looking for an oil bath air cleaner for the 223 with the single barrel Holley either one of you have an extra?
_____________________
My Grandpa told me once that you have to learn by the mistakes of others because you will NOT live long enough to make them all yourself.

Aug 26, 2008 | 03:14 PM

spurredon

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From: Upstate NY

This engine that I am rebuildong came with an air cleaner that I thought was an oil bath type untill I started to take it off. It uses a paper element! Boy was I surprised. I looks like other breathers I have seen on 60's. I think that it was optional which type you had! I am glad you want the old style though. Nothing makes a statement when you open the hood of a vintage truck any more than having the correct breather!!