My 427 SOHC Build..... Finally the time has come!

[ScotiaFE]

Another odd FE thing. There are two different sizes of thermostats for the FE. Big and small.
The early years used the big and latter years used the small. But by the look of the cammer intake thermo hole
you "may" need the small one. Should be a local purchase though.

[cobracammer]

Jegs only has 1 size thermostat for the Ford FE engine.  So I went to Autozone and selected a 1963 galaxie 7.0 (which I believe was the 427 FE?).  When I looked up thermostats again, there was only 1 size there as well.  They have more of a selection at which temperature it opens, but the thermostat itself was the same size.  I will wait for my Milodon thermostat to arrive (Monday) and if its not the right one, I will go from there.  Until then.... keeping the fingers crossed!

[Heo]

I think its like this. The big thermostat is if you have the expansion tank
on the engine and the smal one is if you have a regular thermostat housing
but dont qoute me on that

[My427stang]

That is incorrect, it's based on the intake manifold water outlet.

Here you go 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mil-16406/overview/make/chrysler

However, you can also go to the local parts store and get one for a 66-78 440 Mopar

[cobracammer]

Hey Ross,

that is the one I purchased from Jegs.  I think I should be good to go.   

[cobracammer]

Pulleys on.... As you can see not even close!

[Leny Mason]

Hi I just started reading this story as I am building one my self, the pickup tube needed to be drilled out because that rod bolt should have a stud on the end to bolt the pickup tube to, so it will not turn when tightening main bolt,  I think it is a 3/8 stud, that is why the clay was not smashed.   Cobracammer you did a great job with patience, doing it right takes time, Leny Mason

[jayb]

Factory SOHCs used a special bottom pulley to make the alignment work.  They are kind of hard to come by, and they are single pulleys, not double.  What you will need is a spacer for the bottom pulley, to make it line up with the top pulley.  Use some long bolts and washers to mock things up so the pulleys are aligned, then you can measure the thickness of the spacer you need.  You'll have to find a local machine shop to make it out of aluminum for you.  Make the center hole in the spacer large enough to fit snugly over the little lip in the center of the harmonic balancer, to keep the spacer centered on the crank.

Nothing's easy, is it?

[cobracammer]

I will take some measurements, but as you can see from the picture, the spacer will be the exact same size as the pulley itself.  Thanks!  On a "smaller" note, thermostat will be here today so I can button up the water neck.  Oil filters came in this weekend, but the bolts (grade 8 hex) that I used to install the Oil filter mount stick out a little too far.  I ordered the Socket head bolts that will recess into the fitting itself and end up flush.  I wanted to throw out some boxes and such this weekend so I filled the engine up with the Joe Gibbs break in oil (left 1 qt so I can fill the oil filter itself before I install) and threw out all of the empty bottles.  Its an odd feeling that the shelves are almost empty of parts..... Since I have had these parts for years now.

[cobracammer]

This is a small block (Ford 302) crank pulley.  From the measurements from the website, it seems to be exactly what I need width wise.  Only issue is the 3 hole spacing on this one does not exactly match the Ford FE pulley (by a very very small amount).  Curious if I would not be able to clock this pulley and drill 3 new holes using the FE pulley as a template.  This would make life easier.

[cobracammer]

 After talking with the Tech, they said that many of their pulleys are drilled for multiple applications.  I guess there has never been a need to have an FE crank pulley stick out this far (as the Cammer isn't common).  When it gets here, I will see.  Looks promising@!

[/quote]

[cobracammer]

Well surprise, surprise.... the thermostat from Jegs was too big.  I called around and was able to locate a selection at NAPA (local thank God).  He said he has both sizes plus a ton other he can match up to the required diameter just incase.  Since they close at 6PM every night, I will have to wait until Saturday until I can pick it up.  Its these "STUPID" little things that are taking the longest....

So right now I am waiting on Saturday's thermostat.....  Thursdays stainless socket head bolts that will recess in the Oil filter holder (So I can fill up and screw on the K&N Filter and prime the oiling system with the electric drill and tool), and the Small block Ford crank pulley that I will need to drill out the correct bolt pattern, but will be the correct alignment.....  We shall see.

In other news, I am trying to arrange time with my father for him to come down and help me remove the Saleen's engine (and mark the wiring harness so I know what goes where).  I figure it will be easier as a 2 person job...

[Richard F]

My '66 F100 with a 352 had the large thermostat...if you need something to order for.

[cobracammer]

Thanks Richard.  I think I had the large thermostat (which was the one I ordered from Jegs).  I went to NAPA autoparts yesterday as I believe them to be the most valuable when it comes to knowledge.  I had them pull a thermostat for a 1963 Galaxie 7.0 and a 1967 Galaxie 7.0....  Weirly enough, the thermostat was the same size for both.  I purchased the thermostat (195*) for the 1963 Galaxie 7.0 (because the one I got from Jegs said for 1967 and up ford FE engines and it was incorrect)....  Luckily earlier was better.  The earlier FE engines had the smaller Diameter thermostat.  Sad because I wanted to install the Milodon high flow one, but this one will have to suffice (until I feel like trimming the Mildon thermostat to fit  !)

In other news, I measured last night for the crank pulley (just to be sure) and it seems like its going to be spot on as far as distance.  In searching Google images, there were one or two pictures of Cammer engines that look like they are also using the small block ford pulley (from what it looks like).  I say that because it does not look as if there is a spacer, but rather a deep dish pulley (unless they had a custom made pulley).  I digress!  The pulley is on its way and it should line up nicely.

[jayb]

Well, something's wrong there, because the earlier engines had the larger thermostat.  Later versions came with the smaller diameter one.  Guess it doesn't matter as long as you've got the right one now...