460 leaking behing water pump
Yesterday after my fall oil change, I was pressure cleaning my big block 460 in my 67 1/2 ton. after a run there was coolant leaking between the block and the housing that holds the dip stick. Of course it it a blown gasket after 28 years and 120,000 she's shot. Off to parts source, no w/p gasket or block to spacer gasket. Of course I picked up a new water pump as I'm not stupid enough to do this all again next year. Tonight after work and supper I fight for a couple of hours with fan, A/C, power st., and alternator etc etc. So its dark and the w/pump is finally off,,,,now I see the part I though was just an extension is actually very large. Now my question-----how much more do I have to pull off to get the 2 & 1/2 inch thingy to come off so as to re-gasket the beast. Is it actually going around the crank as it seems. Looks like the fuel pump will also have to come off, which means another gasket. Am I indanger of leaking anti freeze into my oil pan? That means yet another gasket is needed. Have any of you been through this and is there a web site to walk me through the mess I'm in. I'm no mechanic but I am a dedicated cheapskate. None of my vehicles get to vistit the shop except for when automatic transmission magic is required. Thank the Lord there Fords and seldom break. However I feel as I have opened the proverbial Can-O-Worms......HELP!
Sorry about 2 posts but I was desperate
When I first thought to go to the internet for advice I posted in several locations as not everone looks at every post on every forum. excuse my haste but I have got fantastic responce real fast. A great big thanks from all those who have been a great big help.
Ok I ordered the new timing gears today and chose to go with a pre 70 set as advised by others on this forum and over at Fordtrucks.com. and fordtruckworld.com Also learned at the shop that is bringing in the gearset, that I should pre soak the chain in oil overnight to totally lube the links. Thing is when you start it up for the first time you can lose a degree or two right away as there is no pressure oiling inside the cover, only splash oiling. Sounds reasonable to me. Did not take the cover off yet as I ran out of daylight last night and its pouring rain today. Also thanks for the tip that the timing cover is aluminum and more often than not will be rotted or warped and thus the leak. Cost to replace is $125 Canadian bucks, that's about 37.50 USD. Thing is they are rare, cant even get one through Ford.
Thanks again to those who offered advice. I'll let you know if I gained performance.
I found one here in Saskatoon
I located one, an aftermarket from grey(something) probably Chineese. Cost is $125.00 Canadian bucks. Which is around 80 U.S. and instead of E-Bay or mail order I will have it in my hands before paying. It is in stock, all shiny and clean. However I'll wait till mine is off then poke and pry to see if mine is indeed shot. My wholesale parts guy said the retail was 225 bucks, so I phoned around and called 3 places, nada thing, no longer avaliable our Ford dealer said.
Should have it back together Friday with the new straigh up gears. Actually can't wait to see what happens. Imagine waking up a sleeping bear after 25 years of not even being able to spin the tires when empty. If this simple gear set makes that much difference I'll bye you guys a beer some day!!!!!
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1977 Econoline 351W (bought new)
1977 F150 460 w/lariat interior
1962 Farilane 500 221 v8 auto
1962 Fairlane 170/6 winter beater