New to the forum

[aahsac]

- Short version: does anyone know where I can find the coil spring retainers that go between the rocker arms for a 1969 200 CI. I have two broken ones.

- Long version: I just bought a 69 Falcon from the original owner, 27,000 miles has been covered in her garage since 1975. I suspect she put it up because of engine problems. I paid $2,500, the body/paint, interior is in excellent condition, the chrome is perfect.

When I pulled the valve cover off I found sludge up to the top of the head towards the rear of the engine. Besides the broken rocker arm retainers I found two broken valve springs, one was completely collapsed. Since I have nothing to lose I am going to do the old air up the cylinder and replace the valve spring trick.

Stephen

 

[cobraguy]

Were are you located I've got some parts.

 

[aahsac]

I'm in Plano, tx, just north of Dallas.

 

[aahsac]

c'mon back Cobraguy. If you have the parts I sure would like to work something out.
Thanks!
Stephen

 

[LaGrasta]

welcome to fordsix, sounds like a great barn find. We're gonna need some pictures...

 

[aahsac]

This is my first try at posting a pic.

 

[aahsac]

This is the bad news I found this morning

I gave it a good wipe down. After a few hours I could see a little coolant at the bottom of the valve spring on #3 intake. I'm guessing that this head is junk and I'll have to find one somewhere

 

[LaGrasta]

Oh my gosh! That is sterile it's so clean. Fantastic! I'd be illustrating ten different way to customize it.
As far as the engine work, know this. Parts are cheap, abundant, and easy to replace. You'll be amazed at what local parts stores still stock or can order. Ebay and fordsix (classicinlines) can get the rest.
Gald you've joined us in the fun.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

could the anti freeze just be from a water operated choke? I don't see a water spacer under the carb.. The antifreeze looks purtiy clean if it had been in a running motor it would look like chocolet milk.
tim

 

[addo]

A gasket weeping coolant into the oil pan, then condensing inside the rocker cover?

I'd look at compression tests, then a coolant/exhaust gas test.

What a clean car! I am impressed.

 

[aahsac]

I originally pulled the valve cover because of low compression on cylinders 4 & 6. I found two broken valve springs. They car sat undisturbed for about a week because of back problems. When I went back to the car that is what I found in the picture.

The coolant pooled on top of the head when the engine was not running and the valve cover was removed. I wiped that area real good to see where it was weeping. Within a couple hours coolant was present again, beginning at the bottom of the intake valve spring on cylinder 3.

If I had a way to pressurize the cooling system I suspect I would find a healthy leak.

 

[mugsy]

Some rental store rent coolant system pressure checkers. It basically is a hand pump with a hose that has a radiator cap attached to it. I have one in my basement. My rule is the third time I rent a tool I buy it! I bet if you checked around you could find one to rent. I think Snap-On makes one too.

 

[mugsy]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog

Here is a picture. Remember this is the "retail price"; you should be able to get it a lot cheaper.

 

[fb71]

This is my first try at posting a pic.

first, I hate you. second, you should give that car to me.

congrats on the find! That's what my 69 is supposed to look like! I'm very jealous!!

 

[Anonymous]

This is my first try at posting a pic.

:drool: