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Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

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spike_time

Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Hi all ... figured I would start my thread for what I'm trying to do with my "new to me" 1986 F350 4x4 XLT Lariat with a 7.5l 460. California Emissions.

My dad had, what we believe, was an 86 F350 that he used to tow a 5th wheel. I have found memories of driving that truck to school when my Chevy Chevette was in the shop, which happened a lot.

The truck lived in the desert for most of its life, on or around Edwards Air force Base, with a stint in Kansas. I have identified at lest 4 previous owners, from the included paper, not including the nice German man from which I bought Big Blue. The seller usually exports classic cars to Germany and he picked this up to work on himself, but just didn't have the time.

Living in CA, I had to get him smogged, and needless to say, that is a bit of a challenge. The truck went unused starting in 2007, when it couldn't pass multiple smog tests. The German got it running, but didn't spend any effort getting it smogged.

The seller ran into some serious problems with the fuel system, specifically the Aux tank valve. He had removed the mid-ship tank trying to figure out what was wrong. He had also dismantled the tank valve. So, when I drove it home it was leaking gas everywhere. Plus, found when I went to fill the rear tank, gas leaked out of a cracked filler hose.

I did get him smogged, just waiting on DMV to confirm.
Here is what I've done in the past 3 weeks.

Fuel System

Replaced the gas fill hose on the rear tank.
Replaced the tank switch valve
Replaced the tank switch valve wiring harness
Put the mid-tank back in place
Put the mid-tank skid plate back in place

Body

Replaced hood latch cable
Replaced door window felt tracks
Replaced outer door window sweep
Replaced inner door window sweep
Attached door panels with new clips
Replaced lock striker

Engine

Had the carburetor rebuilt
Replaced plugs
Replaced wires
Replaced rotter
Replaced cap
Replaced coil
Replaced/fixed vacuum tubs
Replaced harmonic balancer
Replaced belts
Replaced EGR valve
Installed an air-filter

Interior

Fixed the antenna on the radio
Fixed turn signal
Replaced steering wheel cap
Replaced the ignition key
Replaced the wiper & headlight knobs
Replaced the flasher
Replaced all of the dash lights with LEDs
Replaced convents lights
Replaced glovebox light
Cleaned everything inside, including inside of dash

Tim
Big Blue: '86 F-350 XLT Lariat 7.5L 460 4x4
Dutch: 2012 Jeep JKU Sarah'con 3.5" Lift Upgraded Axles with E-Lockers

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

That's a mighty big list! 👀

Are you enjoying the truck now that you've worked the bugs out?

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gary Lewis

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

Yes, that IS a might big list. You've been busy!

Are you getting to drive it, or do you have to wait for the DMV's letter? And do you have more items on the list to do?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

spike_time

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

I'm having to wait for the registration to go through, as the plates are expired, so I haven't driven him much.

As far as more to do, yes a full list of things.

Depending on weather, this weekend will be changing out the diff oil. And start the process of a radiator flush. If the weather holds, he is getting a polish, going to try and buff out the oxidation.

I do have some other oddities I'm trying to figure out, I'll post those shortly for help.

Tim
Big Blue: '86 F-350 XLT Lariat 7.5L 460 4x4
Dutch: 2012 Jeep JKU Sarah'con 3.5" Lift Upgraded Axles with E-Lockers

spike_time

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

In reply to this post by spike_time

Here is my first Question I need a little help with.

I've gone through the Emissions and tried to decode all of the pictographs to get everything correctly connected, but it does get a bit difficult when something has multiple connections and which one goes where.

The one I'm stuck on is on the Carburetor. Below is the Emissions Vacuum hose routing, but I seem to have an "extra" connection on my Carb that I don't know where it goes.

From the Ford Service manual for 1986, I've found this reference, but doesn't tell me where it goes and I don't see a connection between the Carb and the EGR directly on the Emissions diagram.

I saw reference on https://www.ford-trucks.com/ at one point that talked about how to connect a Carb, as someone didn't have any connections. The problem was their statement for the "EGR port"(they didn't call it that) was just cap it. Not sure that's right, but I do not currently have any unused vacuum tubes that I can tell?

Tim
Big Blue: '86 F-350 XLT Lariat 7.5L 460 4x4
Dutch: 2012 Jeep JKU Sarah'con 3.5" Lift Upgraded Axles with E-Lockers

Gary Lewis

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

I don't know what "EGR Tube" means, nor how it is used. I'm wondering if Bill does, so I'm going to tag him for help.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

In reply to this post by spike_time

The 'E'missions port, tube or connection of the 4180 is similar to timed vacuum, in that it has no vacuum at idle.
And you can see the thermal vacuum valve won't open until the engine coolant is fully warm.

You also see 'S'park port is not used to control distributor advance from the factory.
Just a choice of restricted or full manifold vacuum.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

85lebaront2

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

The EGR tube is the signal for the EGR valve from the carburetor, and you definitely have a can of worms with these engines. Be glad you do have the diagram, as the ones I have are simply black and white. The original plastic vacuum lines were color coded as the diagram reflects. I do have the 1986 Engine/Emission diagnosis manual, Volume H, all 1 1/4" thick of it.

One area to watch out for, on the group of vacuum lines running down the inner side of the right (passenger) side valve cover, near the center they run over the exhaust cross over passage and can actually burn through from the heat. I assume yours has the dual air pumps and all the affiliated clutter on top of the engine.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

100% will confirm the crossover -or- the EGR plate gasket letting go at the 'ear' will melt through this bundle.

Wrapping the lot in foil faced insulation will prevent issues.

If this is a Cali truck, it definitely had dual smoke grinders in '86.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

In reply to this post by spike_time

I notice the hot idle compensator is just above a '+' at the idle kicker solenoid.

Is there anything going on between these two?
Because I've never noticed. But I am about as far from CA as you can get in the contiguous states.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

spike_time

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

In my current setup the "S" has a connection and the "E" does not. Is "S" supposed to be open and the "E" setup?

Tim
Big Blue: '86 F-350 XLT Lariat 7.5L 460 4x4
Dutch: 2012 Jeep JKU Sarah'con 3.5" Lift Upgraded Axles with E-Lockers

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

Looking at your diagram, 'S' is going to the evaporative emissions control valves between the bowl vents and the charcoal canisters.
'E' is going to the Vacuum Control Valve that appears to be in the front coolant passage, and from there to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve.

No vacuum port is supposed to be open.

Bill pointed out above that the manual is hundreds of pages long.
You fortunately have an intact sticker, and it's not hard to decipher.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

85lebaront2

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

This post was updated on .

In reply to this post by spike_time

S is the spark port and is not used on your application, mine did, here is the emission label from mine:

There is a list of acronyms on the site but I will try to identify the ones on your diagram.
ABV - Air Bypass Valve (diverts the air injection)
PCV - Positive Crankcase Ventilation
HICV - Hot Idle Compensator Valve (bleeds air into the PCV line at high underhood temperatures)
A/CLDV - Air Cleaner Diverter Valve (provides heated or cold air to the air cleaner)
PURGE CV - Purge Control Valve (2 of them, controls when the canisters are purged)
SOL V - Solenoid Valve (activates the throttle kicker to open the throttle)
EGR - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (dilutes the mixture to reduce NOX levels)
TVV - Thermal Vacuum Valve (controls vacuum signal to various components)
SV-CBV - Solenoid Controlled Carburetor Bowl Vent (closes bowl vents when engine is running)
A/CL CWM - Controls vacuum to the large inlet on the air cleaner
TK - Throttle Kicker (opens the throttle when vacuum is applied)
VDV - Vacuum Delay Valve (one way valve with a restrictor in one direction)
VCV - Vacuum Control Valve (2 of them, thermal controlled to change vacuum applied)
V-REST - Vacuum restrictor (slows the signal rate with an orifice)

Hope this will help, if you can read the label with the actual version such as 4-98S-R10 there is a listing of PNs for missing components.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Sac79

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

I like the 'topside creeper'! And the truck...

Rob

Eddy Myrtle '84 F150 300-6, Offenhauser C series intake, Edelbrock 1404(500cfm manual choke), EFI exhaust manifold, HEI dizzy, custom Painless harness, NP 435, NP 208, D44, 8.8"/3.08, 1.5" leveling coils, 265/75/16 tires.
Toyopet (Daily driver) '86 Toyota Pickup

kramttocs

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

Sac79 wrote

I like the 'topside creeper'! And the truck...

Was going to say the exact same! That just took place at the top of my wishlist.

Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio

Gary Lewis

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

I don't have room in the shop for that, but couldn't live w/o this from Northern Tool, although Harbor Freight and several others sell them as well:

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

kramttocs

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

Those things are great!
Bought a couple a number of years ago for painting our house but they spend most of the time now in front of a truck

Scott
'Camano' 1986 F250 Supercab XLT Lariat 460/C6
'Chanute' 1980 F350 C&C 400/NP 435 - Gin Pole

But there ain't nothin' wrong with the radio

Gary Lewis

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

I just noticed that it is rated at 225 lbs. I'm pushing 200 with my boots on, and I've picked up the monster starting battery while standing on that thing, so it isn't like a fuse and breaks at the rated limit.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

spike_time

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Well I sure not anywhere close to 225 and have had no issues ;-) might be pushing the limit but it doesn’t bend when I’m not it.

On Fri, Feb 12, 2021 at 7:03 PM Gary Lewis [via Bullnose Enthusiasts Forum] <[hidden email]> wrote:

I just noticed that it is rated at 225 lbs. I'm pushing 200 with my boots on, and I've picked up the monster starting battery while standing on that thing, so it isn't like a fuse and breaks at the rated limit.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile
Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker in front & 10.25 Spicer/Trutrac in back, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

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Tim
Big Blue: '86 F-350 XLT Lariat 7.5L 460 4x4
Dutch: 2012 Jeep JKU Sarah'con 3.5" Lift Upgraded Axles with E-Lockers

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Another "Big Blue" - '86 F350 4x4 7.5L 460

Administrator

I'm pretty sure any ladder/scaffolding/whatever has a safety factor of at least 3.
And still people will overload them to failure.

Of course this means more weight, complexity, set-up and use of resources for something that is supposed to be temporary.

I think I would get a wheel step, because I'm often not working on a slab.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

1234