Ford guys?????

[tie_one_on]

1988 Baha Cruiser, twin 302 Ford inboards.<br /><br />Does anyone have a picture of the rear crank area of a Ford 302 block? I did the "AIR DON'T FREEZE" winterization method this year and ended up with problems on both engines. I drained the blocks, manifold, coolers, etc. but these engines are straight inboards and sit a very steep angle. Anyways, there was some water left in the blocks that froze. Yes, all the drain plug holes were rodded out with wire.<br />The left engine popped the core plug above the starter and was easily tapped in. The right engine is leaking where the velvet drive transmisssion attaches to the engine. I'm hoping/praying there is a core plug back there and that's what blew. Otherwise, it's a cracked block.<br />So if someone can post a picture of the back of a small block Ford so I can see if there are core plugs back there it would be great. Or if someone knows for sure plugs are there or not please post.<br />BTW ANTIFREEZE FROM NOW ON. Been boating for over 10 years and never had a problem with A/F.<br />Thanks guys.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Ford guys?????

I can't help you with your Ford, but just wanted to say sorry to hear about your troubles and frustrations. <br /><br />It just goes to show the dry method isn't a recommended procedure worth a darn!!! It may work for some, but is just too risky to recommend as a general procedure for all. <br /><br />I had posted last year about the semi-dry method I used last year. I kept the vents open but also poured in RV red coolant from the upper thermostat hose to make sure I didn't have any water left around the water pump area in my 3.0. It was cheap insurance for a few lousy bucks and didn't harm the environment either like regular antifreeze coolant does.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford guys?????

From memory (it's been a while) there are two plugs behind the flywheel. One is the cam journal, the other is a water jacket plug - that would be your culprit.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ford guys?????

hey<br /> I like the dry method, I get a few pairs of new shoes each spring from it .<br /> ill try to google some parts diagrams on the fords later unless I can find one of my old mercruiser manuals to see if it shows a water jacket core plug.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Ford guys?????

Sorry to hear of your problems...<br /><br />I would have thought a setup like that would have had closed cooling systems.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Ford guys?????

like dunarama said, there is a core plug back there.

 

[tie_one_on]

Re: Ford guys?????

Thanks guys. I'm really hoping its only a core plug!!!!