SOLVED: 1990 2.9 open port on engine near Oil Sender.

[A4LD_Nghtme]

What is this opening on my 2.9? I got down there to clean and change the oil sender unit and noticed there's a deeply recessed port. Not sure if it's the norm and I'm just overreacting but I don't want to run to pick n pull to check without asking first. Any clue what this is and if there should be something there? Thank You so much! Working on finding a leak too as you can see haha. Got her for $400 and just keep working.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm not super familiar with the 2.9L (yet) but my 86 service manual shows a heater hose there. Appears to be a hole in the timing cover. Does the thing hold coolant?

It also looks to me that your oil leak originates higher on the engine. Like maybe valve cover... but the switch could be leaking too.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

Went and looked at a spare I have. That should be the timing cover , should have what appears to be a freeze plug in the bottom.

 

[Snoranger]

Does the thing hold coolant?

It’s a 2.9l... Do any of them?


It’s been a while since I’ve worked on a 2.9l, but I think that’s cast like that and not drilled all the way through.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

Don't believe it has any coolant in it. Yea, 2.9 has coolant, its just a pain in the you know what to fill them till you figure it out. I have or take care of 3 of them. I have a vacuum pump for coolant but I found an easier way I think to fill them. Keep the reservoir full and don't pull the cap off to check unless the tank gets empty.

 

[A4LD_Nghtme]

Went and looked at a spare I have. That should be the timing cover , should have what appears to be a freeze plug in the bottom.

Thank you so much. To pick n pull I go. Not running her without the plug again. That can't be good. What would leak out? Oil? Could explain the mess but I don't lose much at all after 1300 miles. Thank you so much. Can't believe this thing is missing the plug or can I? Hahaha

 

[Uncle Gump]

Thank you so much. To pick n pull I go. Not running her without the plug again. That can't be good. What would leak out? Oil? Could explain the mess but I don't lose much at all after 1300 miles. Thank you so much. Can't believe this thing is missing the plug or can I? Hahaha

I think I would just measure the bore... then find an expandable plug to install. Looks like you would end up pulling and replacing the entire cover because I doubt you would get the plug out witout destroying it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I dont recognize that hole. Iirc, the timing cover doesn't have any freeze plugs, but its been a minute. I have merkur and ranger ones at the shop, ill look later this weekend.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Fig.4 is why I said it had a hose... but this is from an 86 service manual.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Not sure. I don't have much experience with the older blocks. The 86-87 ones are a little different if memory serves. Most of my stuff is 88-92. The 1992 motors had a lot of weird stuff. So did merkur.

 

[2 bronco 11s]

This is an 87 engine. That is the timing cover. Here is a picture of the top and bottom side showing that hole. Put your finger in either one to the bottom and you will feel the plug or what every. If you think it is not sealed position the engine so you can fill both holes , one at a time , with something to see if its leaking. Oil pressure sensors go in the engine block.

 

[RobbieD]

It's the escape hatch for the hamsters.

 

[A4LD_Nghtme]

It’s a 2.9l... Do any of them?


It’s been a while since I’ve worked on a 2.9l, but I think that’s cast like that and not drilled all the way through.

You are right! Went to pick n pull got a great view of a 2.9 from underneath. It's bored but no inlet. Woohoo!!! Now I gotta figure out some wiring missing under the steering column haha

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I am almost positive that's the secondary coolant hole for the rear heater in Scorpio.

I'll double check my merkur stuff.

 

[4x4prepper]

1989 Merkur Scorpio 2.9L uses the hose outlet that is not there.

Ford Cologne V6 engine - Wikiwand

The Ford Cologne V6 is a series of 60° cast iron block V6 engines produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1962 to 2011 in displacements between 1.8 L; 110.6 cu ...

www.wikiwand.com

click on 2.9L and look at the 1st picture.