I posted in the 40 section too but maybe I can get some answers here.
My 1969 F engine blew the head gasket a few weeks ago and I'm just getting around to taking the head off. I have a F engine repair manual with a first print date of June 1972, not sure if will work for 69'. The instructions seem pretty sparse so far and I'm stuck trying to get 2 of the valve rocker support retaining nuts off. They spin but don't come loose. Any help/advice would be appreciated.
There are 4 nuts and 8 bolts that hold the rocker down, the two 14mm bolts are giving me trouble. They broke free and now just spin(not freely) but won't back out.
Got them out, only took and hour of prying and cursing. Looks like the threads were crossed. This is what the block and head look like;
I have another project I'm working on and really want to spend as little time on this as possible but I need it running. Also I really want to keep the F but also don't want to completely rebuild it at this time. Any suggestions/thoughts?
Glad you got it off. Sometimes the what should be the easiest task takes the longest.
I spend 2 entire evenings getting a rear brake drum off a 60 that broke a spring and was locked up. There was a little cursing those evenings too.
Was the engine running good? Did it over heat? Using oil?
If it was running decent, I would get the head reworked and put it back together. If the bottom end was bad, that is alot more work and cost. I would have them check the threads on those 2 places and see what they recommend.
I usually have Lucitos on 55th & Mingo (or Garnett) do mine. He has done several 2F heads for me. Not the cheapest in town but good and honest.
I have an F block in my Dad's barn that has a rod thrown on it if you need some parts. Not sure what year it is though.
Call me if you need parts. Or PM here - I will get it eventually.
FYI - only use Toyota head gaskets when rebuilding. I used FelPro on my 60 once and it blew after 5K miles. Toyota costs more but you do not want to do it again for a long time. Let me know if you need a contact to buy one.
Took my head to Lucito's and it is "scrap". Trying to figure out what my next step is.
- I can source a head from Delancy for a rebuild but I'm worried about spending the $ to get it rebuilt and then putting on the old block only to have it burn oil.
-There is a 69 F in Arkansas that I can get reasonable, but it has low compression in one cylinder and it's history is unknown.
-There is a good 1.5F on mud for an ok price and has a good history but no compression numbers.
Advice ? I had hopes of keeping my F but if I couldn't keep it I'd like to go with a 2F. Does anyone local have a good F or 2F for sale ?
Thanks Eric
Most used F & 2F engines are a crap shoot unless you actually drive it and see what it does or know and trust the owner. I went to Colorado to pick up once that lasted one trip to Disney. I rebuilt my entire 2F in my 60 and was pleased with it after.
Rebuilding the entire engine is your best bet but it is expensive. That is why so many Chevy V-8s are in Cruisers.
I have a 2F from a 60 that I might sell. I have not seen it run. Was told it had 163K on it. I got it to rebuild down the road as they are getting hard to locate.
