1968 Mercury 250 Camper Special

[DuckRyder]

I completely get it.

I’ve found it is easier to remove the engine and trans separately unless the whole front end is off...

Once it is warm, repeat the cooling system pressure test too.

Let us know how it turns out.

What kind of intake is on it and can you tell if it has those blue gaskets?

[cdnwillyg]

It has an Edlebrook StreetMaster 390 and it looks like black intake gasket material. I wrapped the starter in a heat protection blanket as the headers are right on it, not sure that will help but it's something. Interesting installing both the headers and starter at the same time as that's the only way they will go in. All I need to do now is put in the oil filter and oil, connect the battery and slide the jerry can into place.
I have to admit I'm a little nervous on running it for what could happen again as I noticed a very slight leak on the lower rad? That should have shown up on the pressure test! If nothing else, the bottom of the truck and frame are real clean from me bouncing around under there the last couple of days.
Question: where does the emergency cable come thru the cab???

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Start will have to be tomorrow, other stuff needs to get done.

[Ranchero50]

It's a PITA. If memory serves it goes up inside the driver front cab mount and through the floor to the pedal assy.

[Manny]

It's a PITA. If memory serves it goes up inside the driver front cab mount and through the floor to the pedal assy.

PITR!!!! You get the old 390 warmed up yet to see what shape she is in?? My 72' set 4 years lots of water in the oil. Had to flush it 3-4 times to get it cleaned up... Hope she's good!!

[cdnwillyg]

Thanks for the info Ranchero, you're right that will be a tough one.
Not yet Manny, tomorrow we will know something...hoping for good!

[popeyes71]

We are all rooting for you and hoping for the best!

[cdnwillyg]

Just got in from the garage and.....it went okay. Added the oil and filter, only took 5 Liters to get it to the full mark.(right dip stick ..not sure) Fired right up and I ran it for about 10 min. without seeing any fluids running out so that was good. Oil pressure went up to about 60 PSI and was steady, I saw no bubbles in the rad while I had the cap off, lots of oil/coolant burning off the headers and exhaust but that was from before. All in all good except when the thermostat opened I over flowed may rad ...no cap on. All so found out the cap is passing at about 8-9 lbs. need new one. I checked the oil level still at full mark and unbelievably clean no signs of any contamination. The compression test was excellent with 190-195 across the 2 banks and initial stroke all went over 150.
Just need to go buy a cap and do another run test for 20 mins to see if all is good under coolant pressure!
This was a good day!

[hfdco4]

That is GREAT NEWS

Now comes the fun part, putting it all together and hoping everything is there.

So did the leak show at the lower part of the radiator during the test run? Doesn't really matter since you will be replacing it for one with a tranny cooler built in.

[cdnwillyg]

No I didn't notice the rad leak as I was more concerned about the other stuff. But easier fix and may happen as I talked with the guy at the speed shop and he says that the trans cooler that came with the truck would be fine/even better that the original one in the radiators.
Next is the tranny top up and linkage connections, get brakes working and see if the power steering is okay as well. This all may need going over as it looks untouched but for peace of mind need to do it anyhow. I need to get the glass into so this truck can sit outside...wife has been really good about this, don't want to blow that!!!
Then let the fun stuff begin as most of what is left, is new and not going to be a big mystery as the engine is.

[popeyes71]

That is great news about the motor! I can completely understand the anxiety you were feeling; I've been there. A supportive wife is key to a lot of us being able to do what we do with our toys as you can see. When all is done and there is light at the end of the tunnel, make sure you do something nice for her.

[Ranchero50]

Ditto. Looks like expect the worst, hope for the best worked out of the better.

[cdnwillyg]

Yeah right now its looking good but I still have a sense of maybe not over yet, no confidence until its run some more.
But I am moving on to other things so its move-able under its own power. Will run it again today and then check to see if any water ends up in the oil.
I went and had a few cans of matching paint for the body put into aerosol cans so I can touch up as I go and paint parts missed by PO. Interesting to see how close the match is.
Will work on tranny and brakes today. Have new emergency cables to install once I figure out how they're suppose to go.

[cdnwillyg]

Need a little help here please.

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This is my gas pedal and because I didn't disconnect the original pedal don't know what bolt is used. Looked at LMC for an idea but they don't show it either. Would anyone have a pic of this bolt? The throttle rod is threaded which goes between these two tabs.
Also on my 68 the park brake cable goes from the pedal to the center of the frame cross support just behind the cab where it has a 6-8" threaded rod to a bar that accepts the two wheel cables. I need to know what spring returns the pedal to normal position when it is released?

20171117_180120.jpg

Again never took this apart and not sure I have any brackets or know what to look for?
The spring that is there was just hanging on one of the wheel cables???Looked like it may go there?
Thanks

[DuckRyder]

It has a screw and a spring in the gas pedal.

IMG_6668.jpg

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See also:



http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... e_8cyl.jpg

For the parking brake, see:



http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... rake03.jpg

I’ll get you pics of the parking brake tomorrow if no one else has it, not really dressed for truck crawling under right now....

[cdnwillyg]

Robert those pics are awesome, where are they hiding??
So if these pieces are needed where can I buy them?
Thanks Willy