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Topics - cleandan

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1
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/ford-289-v8/

My listing on BaT went live yesterday.
This is a great engine and transmission that is recently completed and dyno proven.
Please go take a look and bid with confidence if you are so inclined.

Thanks.

2
I'm thinking about getting an action camera for some car based video nonsense.
I just don't know what the market has to offer in terms of real world results and user opinions.

I know about GoPro, DJI, AKASO, MOVO and a few other brands...I just don't have direct experience with the newer offerings...newer being anything since the year 2000.

One thing I require is the ability to use a quality external microphone.
I can't tell you how disappointing it is to open a potentially fun car based video only to be accosted by the overtaking wind blowing sounds ruining pretty much the whole video experience.

I don't need all sorts of GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth things "helping" me to run the camera.
I would like to spend my money on quality lenses, image stabilization, external mic.

Because this will get mounted into the wind as I drive, I also want a nice camera protection box (likely a diver's waterproof box will work well here)
Let that replaceable box eat the debris the camera has to endure while driving instead of the camera itself getting battered.

Anyway, if you have any real world experience with these items I would like to hear about it.

Thanks, and have a great day.

3
New fuel sending unit with verified ohm reading between 8-73.
Verified working fuel gauge on the dash.
Verified working wiring between the gauge and the sending unit.

With sending unit out of the tank, hanging on the plug, and manually operated I can get it to read on the dash gauge; empty where empty should be, half tank where half tank should be, 3/4 tank where 3/4 tank should be, but not reach full. I can sweep smoothly between empty and 3/4 tank on the gauge as well.

I can get Ohm readings consistent with the level of the tank float and where that should be on the gauge.

I can achieve the readings with the sending unit touching the tank and hanging free from the tank.

I have verified the float is buoyant and moving freely in liquid by submersing it in a bucket of water in the position it would be in while in the tank.
I am using a poly float, not the brass float.

But, when I place the sending unit in the tank, even if just placed there, it will only read below empty on the gauge and there is about 1/3 a tank full of gas.

I bend the float arm to lower the float, effectively making it read higher on the gauge....still below empty on the gauge.

I have both visually looked inside the tank, as well as put my hand in there, to verify there is nothing in the way of the float travel through its full range of motion.

Verified dash gauge.
Verified float is floating.
Verified sending unit is sending within required gauge parameters (according to Ford literature)
Verified wiring is good.
Literally operated float by hand to verify gauge is moving with sending unit out of tank.
Bent float arm to set float lower in tank initially in an attempt to "find" 1/3 tank level on gauge with sender installed.

But the effen thing won't work once placed in the tank...just placed, not even locked with the lock ring (although it has been tested that way too)

What have you got for ideas with this one?


 

 

4
Private Classifieds / WTB: 1980-1986 F-series oval "FORD" badge.
« on: July 15, 2025, 06:52:26 AM »
I am wondering if anyone has a really nice "FORD" oval for the center of the grill on a 1980-1986 F-series truck (Bullnose body style)
Specifically, this is for a 1986 F-150.

Original part number: E2TZ-8213-A.

Dennis Carpenter sells a Chinese replacement...but I want to find an excellent original if possible.

Thanks, and have a great day.

5
FE Technical Forum / What is this stuff gathering in my carburetor?
« on: July 04, 2025, 10:42:34 PM »
Back story:
Truck that has been sitting unused since at least 2010.
Fuel tanks were empty.
We added about 5 gallons just to get the engine running after prepping and priming first.
With new fuel the tanks now smell like varnish rather than gasoline.
I've got two fuel filters inline as sacrifice filters to help catch anything we unleash from the old tanks...so far nothing of any substance has been caught in the filters...not even mild debris...which made me hopeful.

The problem we are experiencing is a fine, grey powder like substance clogging up the carb fuel bowls and accelerator pump system to the point of jamming things up and stopping function.
If you have ever used a product called "Rotten Stone" polishing compound it looks exactly like that.
The grey powder does not seem to be suspended in the fuel and there is nothing in the fuel filters (pleated paper in a clear case and about 2" in diameter)...not even discoloration.

Today will be the third time the carb has been clogged by this grey substance with about an hours run time total.

I am starting to think the fuel is dissolving the carburetor body and metering block.

This carb was a used carb purchase (Holley 670 avenger) and I went through it before our first use and things seemed fine, but the metering block did have the appearance of losing its finish.

If you have any ideas what might be going on I would be happy to hear it...I'm stumped on this one because I have never seen anything like this before.

6
Non-FE Discussion Forum / A simple "Thank you"
« on: June 29, 2025, 08:21:47 AM »
After searching other websites, I was, once again, face to face with just how good this forum really is compared to a lot of what is available on the web with similar content.

For years I have been a member here and I have witnessed many questions being answered in a good manner, and with useful details and direction.

Thank you to all who make this the reality it is.

I am working on a modified 1986 351W, in a mild street truck, with Edelbrock heads and intake and I don't know anything about what is actually inside this engine.
With all the available info on the web I have become a learn before leaping tuner if I am able.
Even with my knowledge and experience I still like to listen for the current "best" situations if I can find useful results.

My search was basic and in looking for a good timing curve for a 351W with Edelbrock heads and intake and a mild cam....I thought this would be simple.

I was able to find numerous threads where the original question was something like "What is good timing for my 351W" or "What is a good initial timing for my 351W" or something to that effect.

As I read through the many threads, I realized none of them ever answered the question about timing.
Dozens and dozens of threads, from all the regular Ford, Mustang, Truck, or other sites, as well as more general hot rod type sites, yet nobody answered the timing question with any usable numbers.

They all devolved into something that talked about other stuff like "you don't need the vacuum advance, get rid of it" or "why ask such a simple question" or rambling about how their car runs great while never answering the question.
My favorite was a guy diverting to all sorts of questions about what literal distributor was being used...as if the distributor used makes any difference on where the timing is set to get the engine running right, when the question was literally about what timing should I set my 351W.

I realize my searches might not have been looking in the right area, but that is not my point.
My observations of searching for a pretty simple, straight forward question about timing lead me to many, many, many threads that never answered the question at hand, not even indirectly.
This made me think how great it is around here because you will almost always get your answer.

Thanks again to Jay and his great website and for all the really great members who do take the time and invest the effort into answering the questions asked...It means a lot to at least one person.

For now I'm going to set the timing at 35* total and see where the initial falls. (with pump gas, which is all this motor likely needs, I'll likely end up somewhere between 32-36*)
With the rebuilt Duraspark distributor we put in I think the advance springs it came with are super stiff so that will have to be altered too.
While I'm in there I will see which slots the arm has and then modify accordingly.

7
Something I have yet to experience...a strong vacuum signal at the valve cover breather.
This 1986 351W is an unknown entity in a truck that was pulled from long term storage (sitting since at least 2010...maybe longer)
I don't know what build this engine has but it is not stock based on the Edelbrock heads, Edelbrock intake, headers, and dress up items...but it is not radical either.

Some general things were checked and done before starting the engine to do my best not to harm anything after the long slumber.

Now that it is running (but running poorly) I am working on taking care of issues as they present themself.
The main issue right now is a very strong vacuum signal in the valve covers.

Passenger side valve cover has a PCV valve routed to the 3/8" line at the back of the carb. All that appears normal enough and in working order (I do suspect the wrong PCV valve though)
Drivers side valve cover has a push in breather with a nipple and hose routed to the underside of the air filter housing (aftermarket 14" open element filter style)
The drivers side hose has a strong vacuum signal (suck your finger tight strong) and if the breather is removed it will suck your hand tight to the grommet in the valve cover.

While I have not conducted any further testing, I am thinking the PCV valve might either be the wrong valve, or it has failed in some manner.
It looks perfect, rattles, and does not have any physical damage or built up residue and with the engine running (runs rough and misses) the PCV valve rattles quite a lot.

My next test is to remove all vacuum lines and plug all ports to see how this might affect the engine running condition...and make my next move based on what I find.

My question is, what do you think of this high vacuum signal in the valve cover area?

8
I am working on an Autolite 4100 carb and am wondering when they changed the accelerator pump styles?
One style has the basically open chamber with the small one way flow diaphragm.
The other style has a casting in the cavity that channels fuel into the chamber while using a check ball and a limiter screw. (what I'm working on now)

I have rebuilt these before (both styles) but have never researched when these things changed.
I started looking around the net and can find reference to the check ball style accelerator pump cavity, but only in the 2100, so I figured I would ask here because you guys know all the stuff.

This is turning into a frankencarb, but still, I would like to know the basic date of the main body of this 4100.

Thanks and have a great day.
 

9
I have a recently rebuilt and dyno tested 289 for sale.
I also have a recently rebuilt C4 automatic for an early Bronco.
These items were sourced and rebuilt to install in a 1966 Bronco to give a stock appearance.
Cast iron intake, heads, block, steel valve covers...it's a factory looking engine with 1966, or earlier, casting numbers and date codes.
It is a smooth running engine making 272HP and 313lb/ft TQ (the factory 4bbl intake is the limiter at this time)

I have all the engine and transmission details we can discuss if you are interested.
Basically, it is a stock engine with Keith Black hypereutetic pistons (9.3:1CR) ARP fasteners, hydraulic roller cam, and a couple other simple internal upgrades.
The engine was sourced from a 1966 Galaxie 500. (originally a 2bbl intake, now a 4bbl intake) (I have the factory 2bbl intake if interested)
The transmission was sourced from a 1976 Bronco and rebuilt using all new internal parts.

The engine shop was Total Engine Service in Bloomington, MN (Kenny and Bruce for those who know the shop)
The heads were rebuilt by Jason Anderson in Lakeville, MN. (great place if you are seeking head work...and Jason is pretty okay too)
The camshaft and Morel hydraulic roller lifters (link bar type) were sourced from Lykins Motorsports. (Brent is at the top of the game...for good reason)
The transmission was rebuilt by Terry French in MN. (a great guy doing great work from his home shop)

I'm trying to sell as a pair, but I will separate if needed.
Asking $6,000 for the engine, and $2,000 for the transmission.

This engine came out really nice and will provide someone with a great 289.

All of this is open for suggestion, offers, and useful input.
The engine and transmission will be sold, that much is certain.

You can text/call my shop number if you like.
612-280-5560.

Thanks, and have a great day.

10
My friend recently purchased a 1986 Ford F150 4x4 style side and I'm helping him get it running and driving again.
This is a 351W, automatic truck and the engine has received some modifications that are unknown to us at this time....but I see Edelbrock intake and alum heads and headers.
We are told this 351W was removed from a 1969 Mustang, but we have yet to verify that.

This engine is also wired to (what appears at this time) both an MSD 6AL box and the factory Duraspark box.
I'm guessing they built in a "safety" where if the MSD failed, they could hook up the Durspark, but that is just a guess on my part.
I say this because all the wires, from both boxes, still run in the harness (covered by tape and such) and the MDS distributor has been converted to have a factory Duraspark 4 prong connector, otherwise why not remove the unused unit.....and yeah, they used the dang blasted blue scotchlok crimp connectors...so that will have to be fixed.

The truck was last registered in 2011 and has been sitting (according to seller) in the garage unused since that time.
Apparently, they had some issues with getting it running so the story goes.

I intend to pull the distributor and prime the engine prior to cranking things over and starting the engine.
Yesterday we installed a new battery and were fiddling with the various electric components...and things work!
Elec windows go up and down, auto locks open and close, wipers, lights...and so on.

When we got to trying the heater blower motor though I noticed a very high-pitched whine/tone coming from the MDS box that was directly related to the blower motor, including a change in sound with a change in blower motor speed.
With the blower motor off, but truck powered up, there is no extra sound from the MSD box.
But turn on the blower fan and the MSD box sounds like a geiger counter.

I'm currently guessing a few things.
1) The wiring is jacked on this truck and they connected some things together that should not be.
2) The blower motor is failing and arcing when running, causing a lot of RF feedback in the wiring harness.
3) They have both the MSD and Duraspark systems joined in some manner, and powered by the same 12V lead as the blower motor/resistor/controls causing feedback.

We noticed this last evening and were just about done for the night anyway, so I just stopped and decided to figure this out next.

At this time we have not seen, or had, the engine running as it was purchased in a non-running state.

Any helpful hints might lessen my investigation and diagnostics time...and would be greatly appreciated.

I'm just hoping I don't open the wire harness coverings to find a mess of ruined things by enthusiastic electricians with knives, crimp connectors, and black tape.


11
I am curious what you think it should cost to build an engine/transmission combo...Here are the parameters.
No special circumstances like a free engine from Uncle Jimmy...you just source all the correct stuff to build the driveline.
Everything is rebuilt by competent shops.

Starting with nothing, working to build a 1966 factory Ford correct 4bbl 289 (casting numbers and date codes), using some internal upgrades because nobody will see that.
Roller camshaft and lifters, hypereutectic pistons, ARP fasteners, quality valve springs and retainers.
But nothing exotic....build to a 250-300HP spec with good usable torque in the 2000-4000 range.

Bronco 4x4 C4 automatic transmission and Dana 20 transfer case.

Run/tune engine on the dyno and everything proves great.

I have already done this, but I am curious what you think this will cost.

What I have finished right now is a 1966 date code and casting numbers correct 289 4bbl, Bronco specific 4x4 C4, and the correct specific parts to mate their existing Dana 20 transfer case to the transmission.

I'm curious what you think this will cost at todays prices.

Thanks and have a great day.

12
Just last fall I purchased a set of wheels and snow tires to put on one of my vehicles for winter driving.
I also purchased a full set of black lug nuts to fit the application and look good with the black wheels.
I installed these using hand tools and torque wrenches....not power tools to hammer away at the black finish.

The company name of the box is DYNOFIT.
It says right on the box "Automotive Parts, High Quality"...Hmmmmm.

Well, the nuts did hold the wheel on just fine so no issues there, but after one winter, with less than 2,000 miles driven, they are SUPER rusty and look like 20 year old lug nuts.

Be wary of DYNOFIT if you are thinking about purchasing black lug nuts.

13
Non-FE Discussion Forum / How to best store a manual transmission?
« on: April 08, 2025, 08:36:10 AM »
Last year I installed a five speed transmission in a 1965 GT350.
I removed the original 4spd manual and carefully tagged everything and crated it up.

I'm considering a full rebuild of that removed transmission so it is ready should it ever get put back in service....or to have "proven" status for the next owner of this car.

This transmission will remain with the car because it is a significant part of the original driveline...so it is being kept if only for that reason.

Part of me wonders if a full rebuild, only to be put it away for, likely a long, long, time would be sort of a waste due to what sitting unused does to these parts.

On the other hand, having it fully rebuilt, with receipts, would show it is in good condition...even if it would need gaskets and seals redone prior to use 20 years from now.

What do you think?
Rebuild, pickle, label, and crate/store for long term?
Leave it as-is, in need of a rebuild, label and crate up?

What do you think is a good long term storage method for a manual transmission?

Thanks and have a great day.

14
FE Technical Forum / Need help decoding an Autolite 4100 carb tag and carb.
« on: February 10, 2025, 08:20:58 PM »
I'm trying to figure out what application this Autolite carb was used.
I've had this carb on my shelf for a long time, fully rebuilt and just waiting for a need.
The carb is an Autolite 4100 (1.12)
The tag reads C8AF AE with a date code of B 7M29.
The body of the carb has 8A AE stamped into the foot.

The internal parts:
Primary jets (51F)
Secondary jets (71F)
These seem big so it might be a 428 carb.

Primary booster (53 T2 6)
Secondary booster (F3A2 5)

Thanks for any and all help.

15
Hey all, I have a couple Autolite 4100's (1.12) that have some corrosion issues in the venturies and butterfly seat areas....unfortunate, but what can I do now?

I am wondering if there are published methods, or other ways to take care of these issues while also increasing the CFM and performance capability of the carb?

For instance, can I do some type of bore clean up, sleeving, or other things to end with a good carb and increased CFM?
I'm thinking if I can attain 600-750 cfm in a carb that is tuned and runs right I would be good to go.

Basically I'm trying to find a way to repair the damaged carb while at the same time making it better for the engine being built.

What do you think?

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