August 1, 2007 – Engine update

After the show in April, Chris and I realized that to get the Pinto road ready, it would require the engine to be taken down to the block again and fix the source of the oil leak. We had it narrowed down to the rear main seal.

Removing the gasket from the block

HERE’S THE PROBLEM. The gasket looks to be the original felt with ultracopper gasket maker to help seal the damaged seal to the block

The new gasket to be put into the block.

sliding the gasket into place. Fortunately I was able to get it into place with out removing the crank shaft.

installation of studs for windage tray

clearance between crank and windage tray

tightening the windage tray to the proper torque

cleaning the oil pan prior to painting the block Ford Dark Blue. The Green was unavailable at the time of painting the block.

Ana the shop manager helping to rotate the engine

Found that brake cleaner on the engine block will remove the paint a lot easier with the use of a pressure washer.

Once allowed to dry, the first coat is applied

Once dried completely, I was able to highlight the casting code and casting date of the intake. C9OE identifies it as a 69 Torino and 8H24 identifies that it was cast on 10/24/68

I still need to figure out the codes on the cast exhaust.

This is the arm off of a 70 Torino that was modified to remove the offset for our use close to the block.

The timing cover is off a 74 Torino

The water pump is from a 77 Truck

Pulley was cut down from one on an 82 T-Bird

The finish painted engine with all parts in place. The air filter was beyond repair and needs to be replaced. The valve covers will be replaced with ones that are with in budget prior to the contest.

With any luck, we will be able to put this into the car next weekend so the car can be driven with in a few weeks.