Registry 3FE Owners Check-In (8 Viewers)

[Marco Lau]

What alternator did you go with as far as brand, part number?

See post here
150amp alternator
I needed the extra juice to run my elec. fans, upgraded the big 3 wires while i am in there as well. AC stays cold even during stop and go traffic and idle since my elec. fan ramps up to 60% when AC is on....Temp around 185F avg, with the 4000 CFM units.

 

[therubbishraider]

After chuch, I decided to drain the coolant, remove the thermostat and do a flush or two on the cooling system.

You know what they say about a 30 minute job? All is well until you break off a bolt. Also I found a mess. Spent all afternoon cleaning a flushing. I started with a CLR, ran the engine for 15 minutes. Drained, flushed. Then 3 more flush cycles using mixture of TIDE / Borax. I added a 50/50 mix of green anti freeze.

The broken bolt. I attempted to weld a nut on the "nub" 4 times, no go. Had to go to NAPA to get a Tap. Drilled it out, picked out the pieces of the bolt, then re-tapped the hole. Turned out good. Had to use a hardware store bolt for now. I'll order 4 new bolts for long term. It's all got to come out anyway when the head comes off.

I have a radiator, head gasket, water pump, belt idlers/tensioners, de-smog kit and gaskets on the way. Most likely I'l need a bunch of hoses too. I'll drain the coolant and flush again when the project starts.

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I wish this was the first thing I did too, mine was in similar shape and you could tell the previous owners had struggled with overheating issues (new radiator, lots of other cooling-related appendages). I can tell its way happier now!

 

[JonChimpo]

Hey fellas,

Question, I have a fresh 3FE motor build. I have right around 1200 miles on it. I’ve changed the oil around 5 times now. It’s running pretty clean, no significant glitter when changing oil. Do I go with synthetic, or keep running conventional? I’m thinking synthetic, what weight/ brand would you go with? I’m pretty sure I need one with zinc.

Sorry if this has been beat to death in another thread. If so, would you please link it so I can read?

Thank you,

John

 

[Marco Lau]

I don't run synthetic on these older motors. However, i have success running Rotella Diesel oil 15W-40 with very little oil consumption.