I am currently in the process of reassembling after replacing the pushrods and rocker arms.. in addition to that the truck is also getting:
- Rebuilt starter (if there is anything wrong with it. I expect to hear from the shop Tuesday)
- Rocker arms, push rods, and new seals for everything that sits on top
- New fuel pressure regulator (I found the vacuum line was FULL of gas so that had failed)
- All aluminum fan /w efan conversion
- New struts
- Got the fuel gauge working!
- New thermostat and housing
I have it mostly back together now didn't grab a pic but the valve covers are on top and I have most stuff clipped into place.
In addition to not being able to get the fan clutch off, I'm missing some of the hardware on the valve covers that help keep even pressure on the gaskets. idk what they are called but I am missing two of them. Using image search I can find them for sale on ebay but it's a whole set and I only need a couple. Does someone know the name? Can I pick these up from the part stores?
Also this engine is FILTHY! Whoever sealed it up last did an awful job of it. I have spent a lot of time just cleaning especially the lower intake manifold. Cooling system has plenty of buildup, too.
Both of the back coolant passages were blocked. I freed them up with a pick and vacuumed them so I hope that will be okay. From my understanding on later years these passages are blocked off from the factory so I'm gonna think it's kinda fine.
For the pushrods and rocker arms I bough the TEK244 kid off ebay. seems to be Melling parts so it was $60 of savings when I priced it out.
New pushrods are quite a bit thicker than the OEM ones and weigh noticeably more. Don't really know why, I have heard of these wearing down but not bending or anything.
Did not get a picture between the old and new rocker arms but those were much more similar. Replacement one seemed to have very slightly larger holes for oil flow but otherwise be identical.
To my eyes I think there was more noticeable wear on the rocker arms, especially where they contact the valve stem.
I've always guessed to myself that this truck likely has about ~150k (rough ones, though).
Has anyone seen how these look around that mileage, is it maybe similar to what I am seeing?
One thing I did unfortunately run into was on the lower intake manifold the threads for the water pump housing were previously damaged and I seemed to have pulled out an attempt at a helicoil.
Using some longer m6 bolts and some washers I was able to get good thread engagement on one bolt and some on the other.. but I am kind of expecting leaks.
Also any advice on how to remove the fan clutch? The new radiator I got has it's own shroud and fan so I need to get it out!
I did rent the tool but I'm not having any luck. The belt just spins. Tried holding the belt and no dice. Tried vice grips on the belt with no luck.
Tempted to cut it with an angle grinder as I am really looking forward to this new radiator! It's about 2x the thickness to my eyes and I've wanted to move away from the mechanical fan for a while.
For those who are interested it was only about $150, though I haven't tested it yet so I can't give it my seal of approval.
btw if anyone is wondering the studs on the lower intake / fuel rail are E8 studs. I did take the rail off, cleaned the injectors, and replaced all the seals. The gunk had gotten down around the injector tips even.
Honestly this poor truck I feel bad for it.
Anyways hello, I hope everyone's doing well!
belmetric.com
