Interchageability of Engine-Mounted Components

[stu in wichita]

This is my first inline 6 project, but I've already figured out how addictive these things are.

I've ended up with three engines for my 61 Ranchero - '83 model 200, a '70 model 200 and a '64 model 170. I'm rebuilding the '70 using the '83 head, but in the meanwhile, I'm going to run the '64 engine. All these engines are similar, but I know Ford made lots of changes along the way. I need to figure out which external engine parts I can mix and match. Most of this has been discussed in other posts, but it would sure be helpful for newbies and budget builders to get it all nailed down for easy future reference.

1. Starter - Do all the high-mount starters interchange? One thing that might make a difference in the starter is the flywheel size. I assume the low-mount is totally different.

2. Fuel Pump - The fuel pumps on all my engines look similar. Should I be able to use any of them, or what differences do I need to look out for?

3. Distributor - I know there are two different size openings in the block for the base of the distributor, plus a difference in the oil pump drive shaft. Did both these changes occur in the same year? I know the LOM and Duraspark versions bring up lots of other differences, but for now I just wonder about the physical differences.

4. Water Pump - Short and long snout - other than that, is there any difference? As long as my pulleys line up, can I use either one?

5. Exhaust manifold - Are they all interchangeable (except for the big "can" style on the later engines)

6. Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer/Dampener - I've heard that the earlier engines just had a solid pulley. Will the later ones work on any year engine?

Thanks in advance for clarification on these parts.
-Stu

 

[stu in wichita]

Anyone?

I've searched these items pretty thoroughly. While there's a lot of info, it's not really clear as to what will and won't work. This type of definitive info would be really helpful, especially to newbies and budget builders.

Thanks.
-Stu

 

[powerband]

I've searched these items pretty thoroughly. While there's a lot of info, it's not really clear as to what will and won't work. This type of definitive info would be really helpful, especially to newbies and budget builders. -Stu - '83 model 200, a '70 model 200 and a '64 model 170

Stu - You probably won't find a comprehensive swap list as Ford built with overlapping and regional differences. The early thru @ C5xx blocks can only use the small auto/2.77 bellhouse trannys simply, and the '83 200 is a special animal . Tranny differences should be first focus. With three engines and simple swapping you should be able to run any combination of your inventory.

Easier to get opinions on what will fit : '83 model 200, a '70 model 200 and a '64 model 170
> 1. Starter - Most all interchange but either 2 or 3 bolt depends on year (@ C8xx) .
2. Fuel Pump - Should be able to use any of them
3. Distributor - physical differences - not much til later DS electronic. . Early blocks like your 170 (C3xx?) probably can't simply use later dizzy. Points usually work fine
for casual use.
4. Water Pump - Short and long snout - As long as my pulleys line up, can I use either one? - I never figured this one out, I had alignment problems using original 1963 generator on '71 170 engine, needed a few spacers, early WP pulley and older fan ... .
5. Exhaust manifold - all interchangeable but different flange early and "bigger" later.
6. Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer/Dampener - any year should work, later the better except 250



Have Fun

 

[stu in wichita]

Thanks powerband. You confirmed what I was wondering - that there are some facts, lots of opinions, and varying levels of success for swapping parts around.

I don't mind experimenting when necessary - I just want to avoid as many bonehead mistakes as possible.

Thanks again.
-Stu

 

[MustangSix]

1. Starter - Do all the high-mount starters interchange? Yes, but there will be 2 and 3 bolt versions. I assume the low-mount is totally different. The low mount is different and is similar to the 5.0 and 3.8 V6 starter. Won't work on a high mount 200.

2. Fuel Pump - The fuel pumps on all my engines look similar. They will all physically bolt to the block but there are variations in the inlet/outlet configurations, depending on year and application.

3. Distributor - Generally 65 and earlier (block casting C4 or earlier) will have the small distributor shaft with 1/4" pump drive. Later models (casting C5 and later) have a larger distro shaft and larger 5/16" oil pump drive. 67 and later have both mechanical and vacuum advance.

4. Water Pump - pump impellers also vary (cast or stamped sheet metal), but I can't find any objective results for one over the other. There are also aluminum ones, but can't find any advantage to them. 250 pumps will not fit a 200.

5. Exhaust manifold - All will bolt to any head, but outlets sizes and flanges vary from 1 1/2" to 2". The later ones with the thermal reactors will bolt to any head. Not sure why or how you would use it.

6. Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer/Dampener - Early engines may have only a pulley with no harmonic damper.

 

[stu in wichita]

Perfect!

Exactly the info I was looking for. I probably won't be able to re-use most of my old stuff, but this info makes it easier to find a replacement. The application listed for a part don't always tell the whole story.

-Stu

 

[aribert]

1. Starter - Do all the high-mount starters interchange? No. THere is a minor bolt spacing difference between AT and MT for a given 2-bolt or 3 bolt.

6. Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer/Dampener My '61 w/ 170 has been in the immediate family since '66 and came w/ a harmonic balancer. AFAIK, that balancer now resides on the front of the 200 engine. I had several core engines, I took all of the balancers and lined up the keyways and checked the position of the timing notch. DIscarded the one that was different (slipped) and then picked the one w/ the best crank sealing surface and I think that was my old one w/250K miles on it.

 

[stu in wichita]

Now that I have the facts, I started putting parts on the 170 in hopes of firing it up soon, but immediately ran into another question.

My three-bolt starter has an extra part that I wasn't familar with - a sheet metal ring with a rubber flange extending from about half of it. The '61 manual refers to a dust shield, but doesn't show it. It's about the same size as the starter hole for the starter, and I believe it goes between the starter and bell housing. I didn't like the way it fit - the areas around the bolts would be unsupported, so it seems like if I tightened the bolts, the ear might break off. Anyway, I ended up mounting the starter without it, at leasts for now.

Is anyone familiar with this part? Do I really need it?

-Stu

 

[aribert]

I just don't remember that part - I do remember the splash/dust shield on the end of the generater (that part fell apart about 15 years ago and has not been replaced).

To answer you question - no you do not NEED the part - atleast I have not missed it on my car and I grew up with my car and have been serviceing it since the late '70s.

 

[bubba22349]

My three-bolt starter has an extra part that I wasn't familar with - a sheet metal ring with a rubber flange extending from about half of it. The '61 manual refers to a dust shield, but doesn't show it. It's about the same size as the starter hole for the starter, and I believe it goes between the starter and bell housing. I didn't like the way it fit - the areas around the bolts would be unsupported, so it seems like if I tightened the bolts, the ear might break off. Anyway, I ended up mounting the starter without it, at leasts for now.

Is anyone familiar with this part? Do I really need it?

Yes they usally got tossed first time the starter needed to be serviced. As to do you really need it, only if you wanted to do a total stock type restoration, it's may be a hard to find part nowdays.

 

[stu in wichita]

Thanks. I knew you guys would know the answer.