87 460 Carb'ed Towing Build

[ArdWrknTrk]

The oil pressure sender is in the block, nestled between the #4 & 8 intake runners.

There may also be a oil pressure switch connected to the same port.
This is a safety feature found only on Hot Fuel Handling trucks.

[ford4wd08]

I had read about oil pressure switch for fuel pump etc, but I believe this truck has an interia switch as well. I'll have to look.

Regardless I unplugged it all and moved the harness away from the engine.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Yes, it would have an inertia switch. That should cut off power to the fuel pump relay in the event of a hard impact.

The oil pressure switch will stop the fuel pump relay from pulling closed unless the engine has minimum oil pressure (i.e. it is running)

On the right you see that fuselink T provides full 12V while the starter is engaged.

[ford4wd08]

Thanks for that. I have the EVTM for '87 time to do some reading.

I have some fuseable links that aren't hooked up, need to sort them out as well.

[ford4wd08]

And the engine is out!

Really wasn't bad. I don't know how many people's first engine pull was a big block Ford, but it wasn't that bad. Only had one small hick up with a stripped bolt head on a clutch. Cut off wheel took care of that.

Now I get to open Pandora's box this week and see what we have to work with.

[Gary Lewis]

Congrat's!!!  

[ford4wd08]

Glad I listened to you all. It was definitely time for a refresh.

All those years of sitting didn't help the oil. Not sure what the sludge was, but it had filled the pickup screen.



Then the timing chain was way loose. Not sure if it was because of mileage or the nylon gear wearing?





Got everything torn down tonight, got the  pistons and rods out. Definitely has some wear, but nothing that can't be polished, honed, or bored out I hope.

I'm shocked the thing still ran. These old motors could take some abuse.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Glad you're getting it torn down Jordan!

Yes, it's pretty amazing how long a 460 will keep going (even with no oil pressure)

After break in I'd suggest running diesel oil because of its high detergent package.
I replaced my long block 14 years ago and have no sludge at all.

Chain wear is probably half the issue.it doesn't look like you have a lot of nylon shards in the pickup (mine looked like a scour pad!  😄)
Did you get a true roller chain set with the cam?

ETA: glad to see you have a sturdy engine stand!  

[ArdWrknTrk]

I looked back at the thread and see a timing chain as part of Scotties package.  

If you are going with aluminum heads you won't need to block the .666" Thermactor passages at the back of the heads.

Do you still want me to look for a distributor, or would you rather buy new?
(I'd have to go by the post office and see if I can fit it in a flat rate box)

Be VERY careful removing the gland but on that heater hose extension pipe from the water pump!
They are absolutely unobtainable....
If you decide to go with an L&L alternator bracket you can find a 5/8" hose nipple and connect direct.

[ford4wd08]

Yes to the engine stand. Wasn't risking a 3 legged one or a lighter one. So harbor freights 1 ton stand to the rescue with some grade 8 bolts, overkill I'm sure, but eased my mind on the iron beast.

Do you mean alternator or distributor? I do plan on buying a bracket from L and L plus a set of their headers 😃

I will upgrade to the 3G as mentioned, going to a pull a part tomorrow to look at some new inventory, thinking I can get the wiring for a 3G from a 90's Ford. I'll look and see if they have the fender relay on the fender and a 3 G alternator.

As to the water pump gland, I already got that off by using a line wrench. Something told me it would be fragile.

[Gary Lewis]

Man, it is a good thing you pulled it out and down.  

Sounds like you have a good plan.  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Doh!  I did it again!    
Yes, an alternator....

If you are looking at ~'95 vintage trucks you may want to grab the Y shaped starter cable that fits PMGR starters as well.
This is a great upgrade and very clean if you have the factory harness. (just don't use the spade trigger connector down at the starter)

IIRC, the 3G trucks used a megafuse that mounted on the end of a power distribution box (underhood relay and fuse compartment)
While I trust that the power cable Ford used is okay I somehow feel better about a #2 or better charge cable than I do about the #6 or 8 cable that came stock.
Also, be aware that a 3G stock truck will be set up for polygroove belts and that cable length might not be ideal in your application..

[ArdWrknTrk]

ford4wd08 wrote

As to the water pump gland, I already got that off by using a line wrench. Something told me it would be fragile.

 The plastic bushing (packing) inside that nut really needs care!

I'm glad you managed to get it off in one piece.
Hopefully the heads you get will have a way to attach the tab.
But if you are changing the alternator mount you might want to eliminate the pipe entirely.
I think my previous photos show the nipple and hose going directly to the water pump.

[ford4wd08]

Thanks for the info. There are a couple of 94 and 95 trucks on the lot. I do plan to use a PMGR because of my upped compression when I'm done with the engine build and it's size because I'm running headers.

[85lebaront2]

Jim, the EFI engines did away with that strange heater return pipe.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I know they did Bill.

And I now know that this engine will be wearing the same L&L alternator bracket and 3G setup I have. (avoiding the massive double A.I.R. pump bracket which was the reason for it)
But that pipe could be essential for someone that lives in a state that requires all original emissions components in place. - I know I mailed mine off to California... -

Let me see if I can dig up what I used for a barb adapter back when I changed my water pump.  
Ahhh, May 15 2016....   Anderson Metals - 57001-1008 Brass Hose Fitting, Connector, 5/8" Barb x 1/2" Male Pipe https://a.co/d/grFFLqP

[ford4wd08]

Thanks for the info. I'll likely use the same on mine and eliminate the pipe. Seems unnecessary.

[ford4wd08]

Off to the machine shop on Tuesday. The guy I'm using is highly recommended and seems to know his stuff. I spoke to him for a bit on Friday. Might be a little slow, but doing it right is worth the wait.

[Gary Lewis]

Good luck!  

[ford4wd08]

Got the 460 block loaded up on my home made pallet tonight from scrap wood I had in the garage. Turned out pretty good I think. This was the best way I could think to transport it.