nsula_country's What's Going on in the Big Red Barn Thread

nsula_country · Mar 25, 2019

This will be the tread that I will update (very unscheduled) on what goes on inside the Big Red Barn.

I have some projects in que that I will post pictures of in the very near future.

CT

nsula_country · Mar 25, 2019

First picture.

A friend came over and had a brew day. Back to back 25 gallon batches. This is the 2nd batch. First time using this fermenter. Hopefully it will beat using buckets! If we continue to use it, we will have to design some type of immersion coil for controlling temperature.

Before. This is how it came from Michigan (where he is from). Was used previously at a small brewery for cider. He brought this back with him after Christmas 2018.

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Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago. We outfitted it with a yeast dump valve and a kegging valve.

Filled with 25 gallons of "I forget beer" think its a Stout or a Porter with Girl Scout cookies in the fermenter... We call him "Weird Beer Steve" for a reason... But he makes good beer!

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CT

nsula_country · Mar 26, 2019

Recent project that I have started.

The subject is a Motorcraft 2100 2V carburetor. Remember those? They used to provide engines with the proper air/fuel mixture. This one was not. This one hadn't performed this task in about a decade.

Here is the offending subject matter as it has been patiently been waiting for someone to rescue it.

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It was then plucked from the cast iron manifold that someone had decided that orange silicone and old crusty gaskets were ok. I almost could not beleive my eyes someone did this...

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Now the said subject has been brought to the operating table, I mean tailgate for disassembly. Full of decade old dried out gas varnish and deposits. Ready for Berryman's Chem-Dip.

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More to follow.

CT

nsula_country · Mar 26, 2019

Please read this if working on carburetors... Haven't worked on this vintage vehicle since college... Broke and in college. Having to slow down and remember this ****.

Here is the sterilized specimen of a Motorcraft 2100 carb that I soaked for 2 days and painstskingly cleaned... And COMPLETELY rebuilt! Now is a spare parts kit.

Did not realize that I had snugged the left nuts a little too snug. Ran right nuts down too far, too soon. ****.

The outcome.

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Ordering a reman carb and saying F@#$ It!

Enjoy,

CT

speed bump · Mar 26, 2019

Dang that's a bad day. I used to be pretty good at rebuilding those and probably have 4 sitting around since I went fuel injection.

nsula_country · Mar 27, 2019

Thanks Speed Bump. When I herd the 1st pop, thought it qas one of the gasket holes catching on a threaded stud. 2nd pop, I completly realized that I had errored.

New, reman, refurb? New (China) carbs on Amazon for $105. Reman around $200 + core. Refurbs $300-$400.

Bone stock application... For now. Don't really want to go down rabbit hole of upgrading to a 4V 4100.

CT

nsula_country · Mar 27, 2019

Well, carb issue resolved.

National Carburetor seems to be one of the best companies in the remanufacturing business. Supposedly they clean, machine, rebuild, bench flow test and live engine test their remanufactured carbs. They have a 15 minute video on their website of their facilities. Also, they are in Jacksonville, FL.

This month is their 62nd Anniversary. Most carbs $100 discounted. Got excited, only $169.95. Well placed it in my cart and after core charge of $50.00 and FexEx shipping with return label for core (which I clearly don't have) of $29.99 we were up to $249.90. Expensive mistake indeed!

Googled the National part number. Found it on Amazon, sold by National Carburetor, $189.95 with free ship and no core!!! Only thing that could have been better was Prime Eligible.

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Should arrive within 2 weeks. Flow tested, live ran and bolt on ready to run!

CT

nsula_country · Mar 29, 2019

So... After the carburetor massacre, got something constructive done.

Rear fuel tank.

1st, wasn't empty, but leaking. We will fix this.

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Now we're getting somewhere!

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Cutting the hoses were the only option... Without pulling bed or sparking up the air grinder on a fuel hose! Ford Assembly Technicians, Operators, Ect must have attached the fuel system with the bed off. Worm clamp screws pointing due North from underneath on a creeper.

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Filler neck. Cleanup in order to restore galvanized finish.

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TRUCK ****!

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Spectra fuel tank, made in Canada, Amazon, $85 Prime... Wow!

Dennis Carpenter filler hose set. Amazon, not Prime, no tax... $54.95. It's the details that dig in your wallet.

Sneak Peek.

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What are we working with here?

Anyone have an idea?

CT

nsula_country · Mar 29, 2019

Think I ruled out the sender as an issue with fuel gauge not working. No float, and crustier than Krusty the Clown! 94 ohms all the time.

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CT

Mario428 · Mar 30, 2019

Irony much!!!! LOL

Beating up on someone for using silicone to seal an old gasket (perfectly fine in my world ) and then is so heavyhanded they break the corner off the carb.

nsula_country · Mar 30, 2019

Mario thanks for stoping in. Irony was pretty thick.

And I respect constructive criticism...

Yeah... I grew up farming and heavy construction. Past 15 years have been industrial maintenance and controls engineering. Cannot think of a time that I ever disrespected a cast object while torquing down like this.

Silicone has its place. Obviously in rural TX that is the only gaskets they have. Even the exhaust manifolds have orange silicone squished out. And they leak.

CT

BajaScout · Mar 31, 2019

70's Ford Explorer pickup?

why worry · Mar 31, 2019

x2 on the vintage, working on a 78 my self. Does it have duel tanks? if so and it's a 4X4 the front tank is made of unobtamimum. Don't ask as I don't have an extra one. Did buy one from Rock auto that said it would fit and it doesn't. So be warned.
Good luck with the project they are fun for sure.

nsula_country · Mar 31, 2019

1975 Ford F250 Explorer 2wd. Was originally a 360 2v engine, C6, 3.00 axle truck. When it let go, a 390 long block replaced it sometime in the 80's. Pictures will follow.

Yes, twin tanks. Rear was mostly empty, leaking and Amazon had the parts. Tank was full of rust. Wanted to have a fresh fuel system for startup. Selector valve and switch seem to work.

Front tank is slap full to the neck, about 10 yr old gas. Haven't drained it yet. Seems there are aftermarket side tanks. They don't fit?

CT

rattle_snake · Apr 1, 2019

Lets hear some more about the truck plus more pics. Thought 73+ explorer too from the hood ornament. What else can it possible need fixed?

I installed a new aftermarket 'mid ship'/aux fuel tank from a dent into my 72 bump. It fit OK except vent hose. Going to have to remove to make room for transfer case and build a whole new fuel system from tank to EFI.

nsula_country · Apr 1, 2019

Glad you stopped in Justin, been waiting!

The truck.

Grandfather bought it new in 1975. Original 360 had a short life. Ford forgot to put oil in it and it somehow missed the pre-delivery checks. So a new 360 was installed. He moved to the farm around the same time. 140 mile commute until retired in 1983. Some time after that, the tired 360 was replaced with a fresh, stock 390. Probably straight from Ford. By my uncle. His son-in-law, whom is a total *******. But a damn fine mechanic and restorer.

This engine probably doesn't have as many miles as it looks. According to him, the odometer has turned over 3x...or 5x... He's 93.

Don't have "good" pictures yet. But this is fresh from its decade long nap in the garage.

Truck is farm fresh, unmolested, bone stock 100% (except for the 390 2v). Tool box and 1/4 wave whip are the exceptions. Factory A/C, cruise, dual tanks.

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Actually, it was 2 Ford's for the price of 1 day!

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The tornado dispenser.

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Old school original

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You cannot make this up.

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Until we have more pictures.

CT

RivennHewn · Apr 2, 2019

Looking forward to more pics.

Of the truck, and the hoe!

nsula_country · Apr 2, 2019

@RivennHewn,

Been following your 78 flatbed dumper for some time. This is just a little brother to your truck!

So far I have found 0% rust rot. It has some dings and dents, but no rust. Except in the fuel tanks. That I have found.

Now oil leaks! Different topic. Transmission pan is first to get resaled. With fresh Type F fluid change. Following waiting for a reman power steering gear from LMC. Power steering gear reservoir runs straight out of pitman seal.

CT

RivennHewn · Apr 2, 2019

nsula_country said:
@RivennHewn,

Been following your 78 flatbed dumper for some time. This is just a little brother to your truck!

So far I have found 0% rust rot. It has some dings and dents, but no rust. Except in the fuel tanks. That I have found.

Now oil leaks! Different topic. Transmission pan is first to get resaled. With fresh Type F fluid change.

CT

Oil leaks ****.

I have a distributor O ring and rear main seal in my future

nsula_country · Apr 2, 2019

You my friend have minor issues.

Once running, I'm thinking of pulling engine and transmission. Resealing both. Its like a natural undercoating below the cab...

And a master cylinder for good measure.

CT

RivennHewn · Apr 2, 2019

nsula_country said:
You my friend have minor issues.

Once running, I'm thinking of pulling engine and transmission. Resealing both. Its like a natural undercoating below the cab...

And a master cylinder for good measure.

CT

Sounds like fun. I'll be interested in following along :beer:

rattle_snake · Apr 3, 2019

My truck had a good 1/4" layer of dirt/fluid undercoating and thicker in some places. Leaked every fluid. It laughed at a few cans of de-greaser. Got busy with a putty knife and eventually found the front cross member among other things. Oven cleaner works much better but can eat paint too.

Good idea to get driving 1st before reseal. You may find other things more urgent that take up what time you have.

but

beyond a reseal I suggest a mild 445" stroker with some nice AL heads.
http://survivalmotorsports.com/

nsula_country · Apr 3, 2019

Oh lawd! Only a 445? I was thinking maybe some bearings and a ring job! If the engine ever does need work, a cam and stroke will happen.

Made some progress...

Filler neck.

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Bicycle inner tube anti rub guard.

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Need to install filler neck. Dennis Carpenter filler hose kit.
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We now have a rear tank!

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Carb should be in tomorrow.

CT

rattle_snake · Apr 4, 2019

Go easy on those studs this time and don't forget to use an entire tube of orange RVT.. :lol_hitti

What else needs to happen to fire her up?

nsula_country · Apr 4, 2019

rattle_snake said:
Go easy on those studs this time and don't forget to use an entire tube of orange RVT..

What else needs to happen to fire her up?

Easy on studs, check.

Orange RTV, negative. Fresh gaskets please. Even if I have to hammer them out myself.

Not saying it doesn't have a place, but it will not be on any work that I do to this engine. EXCEPT when REQUIRED... Like the ends of a 2 piece rear main seal. I have worked with guys (one a maintenance manager) that kept several tubes in their tool boxes. I've seen RTV used for things that no one on here would have ever dreamed of.

Need to replace a few pieces of 5/16" fuel hose and want to add an inline filter by the selector valve. Pour some gas in the tank and prime the fuel lines. Then connect to new carb and roll it over!

Depending on when I will have time to work on it, should have it running by Sunday.

CT

rattle_snake · Apr 4, 2019

FYI the FE's have a fuel filter on the fuel pump housing. I suggest replacing it before you try to prime/start it. No need for inline filter at carb or otherwise but it's your truck...
How does the oil look? coolant?

nsula_country · Apr 5, 2019

Oil. Clean and about a quart high on the stick? Hope it is just high and not from a leaking fuel pump.

Coolant. Very green and clear.

Brake fluid? Haven't opened the cap. Pedal has resistance. Master cylinder is scaly on the outside.

Hoses and belts in good repair.

Found a few wires that got "hot" on coil and distributor pickup. Need some 33+ on them.

I think he had someone service it shortly before he parked it or had someone service it in the garage.

rattle_snake said:
FYI the FE's have a fuel filter on the fuel pump housing. I suggest replacing it before you try to prime/start it. No need for inline filter at carb or otherwise but it's your truck...
How does the oil look? coolant?

There are 2 fuel pumps listed for FE engines. One with the filter, one without. This truck has the fuel pump without. From what I saw listed in the parts catalogs, the fuel pump with a filter is for in-cab tank trucks. The conventional pump is for non-in-cab tanks (rear tank) as both models used a left side frame mounted auxiliary tank.

Fuel Pump

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Believe in 1973 RWD trucks moved the tank from the cab to the rear behind axle. 4x4 models retained in-cab tanks through 1977 because the rear frame was too narrow to fit the rear fuel tank used for RWD models. For 1978 all tanks were outside of the cab, I think. Some law that was passed to exclude fuel tanks inside the passenger compartment.

Carb came in from National Carburetor last night. WOW it is ****. Makes the one I cleaned up and rebuilt look like a takeoff from parts truck. They bead blast, ultrasonic clean, dichromate re-plate and replace ALL replaceable parts. Also they face spotted the mounting ears to true the surface for the nuts, ground the base true and bushed the throttle shaft. I am impressed.

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Enjoy,

CT

nsula_country · Apr 8, 2019

Updates from this past week.

Troubleshooting the fuel system. Had installed the new main rear tank. Checked out the selector valve and verified it "clicked". Also followed out the lines and marked them.

Several cranking sessions later, still no fuel in my bucket from the output of the fuel pump.

Decided to revisit the selector valve. Pulled the wrong hose (aux tank) and it split as it came off. No turning back. I got a facefull of this. 3 and a half buckets later the auxiliary tank is drained! I almost vomited, it was foul.

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Replumbed the selector valve. Verified all was well while I was there. Valve appears to function.

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Still no fuel from pump and battery needed a charge.

So I hung this on the wall. Safety first!

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CT

nsula_country · Apr 8, 2019

Suspect fuel pump now. Oil was not as nice as I thought. It had just settled and was contaminated. The fuel pump was "making oil"... Was higher on stick than when first sampled.

Decided to replace the fuel pump. FYI if your truck is equipped with Power Steering, Air Conditioning and a Water Pump, buckle up.

The only "tool" I could make work was a shallow 9/16" socket to 3" extension to universal joint to 3" extension. I was the ratchet. Basically used the 2nd extension as a handle.

Then found the orange RTV monster had been here.
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With buggered threads. Someone had crossed on of them installing the RTV monster. Ran a tap through the holes.
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No RTV this time!
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Completed after about 3 hours. Installed a fuel filter. Went clear for sanity check.
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Reman carb from National Carburetor. With 4 intact mounting feet!
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CT

rattle_snake · Apr 8, 2019

Given:
Cross threaded is better than loc-tite
then
RTV makes up for stripped fasteners.

Sounds about like my fuel pump situation. stripped threads, leaking, inaccessible. Pulled into work and turned down basting music enough to hear a horrible racket. fuel pump hanging by a thread of one bolt. the other bolt had fallen out in that parking spot. got them finger tight and somehow made it home. Good times!

Sounds like your close to fire up.

nsula_country · Apr 8, 2019

Cross Thread is the natural loctite. But, I needed these to finger tighten! Accessibility was absolutely horrible.

Fuel pump diaphragm was bypassing straight into the timing cover.

Forgot to add this. Brew day Saturday while wrenching on the Ford. 25 gallons of Scuba Steve's brew. Don't remember what it is, but 5 gallons are mine!

Paddle is crafted from a used wine barrel stave. Still smells like wine. Scuba Steve bought it at a festival at Abita Springs. Abita Springs, Louisiana is where Abita Beer is brewed.

Also make an excellent hot break device.

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CT

rattle_snake · Apr 10, 2019

Nice! Running and driving. I think a gun rack would be fitting.
:beer:

nsula_country · Apr 10, 2019

It has one. Miscommunication when Grandfather had someone "clean it out". Removed gun rack and CB. Have to pick them up next trip to TX.

CT

RivennHewn · Apr 15, 2019

Gotta have a gun rack and a CB!!

Good to see some progress, as I’m not seeing much at my house.

What’s your handle? :lol_hitti

nsula_country · Apr 15, 2019

RivennHewn said:
Gotta have a gun rack and a CB!!

Good to see some progress, as I’m not seeing much at my house.

What’s your handle?

Chuckmeat

RivennHewn · Apr 15, 2019

I guess I’ll have to come up with one sometime.

Going to have to get creative

RivennHewn · May 5, 2019

Got ‘Er up and running????

Any updates?

nsula_country · May 6, 2019

RivennHewn said:
Got ‘Er up and running????

Any updates?

Haven't had time to wrench on it. Old master cylinder is removed. Still have to drop steering gear. Replacing both along with 3 rubber brake lines and bleed system.

Finally received title from TXDOT last week. Just need to get it signed over so I can get LA title and registration.

Needed the Ford this morning. My 2013 GMC Denali HD 6.0L Vortec would not start this morning. Drove it all day yesterday. No symptoms... All looks good but only clicks the starter solenoid... :headscrat

Know what I'll be doing after work today.

CT

Keyblazer · May 6, 2019

Like it!

RivennHewn · May 6, 2019

Everyone with an old Ford is very familiar with that solenoid clicking sound!

nsula_country's What's Going on in the Big Red Barn Thread

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