I took the thermostat housing (4 bolt) off my 223 I6, it was pretty nasty. Gonna try to clean it up with a blaster. Doesn't seem like anyone sells a replacement, found a 2 bolt (like the v8 housing) but want to stay with
the stock unit. Any suggestions?

Also took the water pump off, also nasty but functioning. No gasket....seems strange....is that normal? Any suggestions on clean it up, rebuild, replace? The truck ran cool enough, no signs of leaking. Radiator
had some rust, corrosion and some minor leaking signs but gonna have
it tested and then paint it, should be ok.

 

I spoke to Dennis Carpenter today, seems they have a roller bearing seal on their waterpump and an impeller with a different design that improves flow and cooling efficiency. I guess they sell to alot of other vendors/distributors.
They are out of stock....so I wait or find one of theirs thru a distributor.

 

Yep, another bump.
Anyone?

 

Ok I'll say something!

First, be careful cleaning that housing. I'm not sure I'd use a blaster on it as that will tend to eat through it and round out the edges of the sealing surface. I would soak the thing over night in white vinegar. It is very acidic, and eats mineral deposits and oxydation. But, it won't harm the metal. Whe you get it clean you can check its mating surface for flatness by putting a piece of 220 wet and dry on a ver flat surface - like a table saw top or drill press bench, set the mating surface face on the sandpaper and give it about 10 strokes. You will be able to see if there are any low spots. If there are, then you can continue to sand until they are gone - provided they are just small spots. Don't try to sand them out if they are really deep or th eface is warped. Abot 25 strokes max. Install a new thermostat in the housing withthe cone in the housing and the copper bulb and spring toward the engine, put a little gasket cememt onth ehousing then the gasket. Place it on the engine and bolt it on. tighten each bolt a little at a time.

On the water pump, now that it's off, I'd buy a replacement to install.

But if you don't, you need to be careful of the shaft seal. First blow off all the big stuff with the garden hose and a jet nozzle. Then soak it overnight in a bucket with HOT water and about 2 tablespoons of Dawn Dish detergent. Next day scrub it with a a brass brush and the dish soap water in the bucket. That should clean it up ok.

It should have a gasket. And you should use a gasket cement made to handle coolant. I think you only use it on one side of th egasket, but right off the top of my head Idon't remember which side - pump or block.

I would flush out the engine before I reinstalled the new parts if it's that muddy.

Follow the installation instructions in the shop manual.

Good luck,
Julie

 

How many would you like?

EAG8592B .. Thermostat Housing / Fits 1952/56 215 & 223.

Griesel Motor Company in Okarche OK has ONE.

Nortz & Virkler in Lowville NY has ONE.

Wesley Obsolete Parts in Liberty KY has ONE = 606-787-5293

Sorry, I don't have phone numbers for the two Ford dealers.

 

Thanks folks, I thought I would try soaking in vinegar first, just don't want to use anything that will harm the seals on the pump.

The thermostat housing was corroded a bit on the mating surface so if it doesn't seal, I guess I'll get another.....John's F100 has some 2 hole housings that I have seen used on the 223's but I would hope to source a 4 hole housing.....Thanks Number Dummy! I've seen your name on other posts, sounds like you have many years of experience (I'm guessing with Ford in the service parts division)....I appreciate the info!

I plan to do a major flush on the motor, looking inside the water jacket, it looks pretty good but there is some gunk, it's been 20 years since last rebuild.