FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Another set back!!! Ugh

    • 1 of 1

       

    4/16/2025 5:45 PM  #1

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Another set back!!! Ugh

    I had the Mustang running.  Floats were set to high so I adjusted them.  Bumped the timing a little and it was running great.  Then I see smoke, a coolant but I can't see from where.   Right in front on the ground was a freeze plug.    At least it happened in the garage and not out driving or racing.  It is the front passenger side plug so I should be able to get at to install a new one.  I just can't catch a break.  The build curse continues. 

     

    4/16/2025 6:15 PM  #2

    Nos681
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,378

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    You’re welcome to drop ‘er off at my house anytime.😜

    What sealer did you use on the plug?

    At least it didn’t happen in BFE at night on a weekend.

     

    4/16/2025 6:50 PM  #3

    wsinsle
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Belle Vernon, PA
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,730

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    As my daddy always said. it's always something. Hope it doesn't turn into a big problem. 

    If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
     

    4/17/2025 5:53 AM  #4

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,726

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    I had put a 289 in a 61 Falcon years ago, when filled it with water, the front freeze-out plug on the cylinder head on the driver’s side had a small crack and was leaking.  Thankfully, that head wasn’t installed on the passenger side, which was very close to the firewall, and a lot more difficult to replace.
    Hope you find out why your plug came out.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    4/17/2025 6:54 AM  #5

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    I didn't install them, the shop that did the machine work on the block installed them.  When I got the block I almost bought the screw in freeze plugs but decided not to.  Now I wish I had gone that route.  I'm worried about the others now.  But it sounds good!!!  I'm so close. 

    Looks like it wasn't pushed in far enough. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/17/2025 7:57 AM  #6

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,706

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    wsinsle wrote:

    As my daddy always said. it's always something. 

     
    It's the reason I named my 69 Roseanne.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    4/17/2025 10:00 AM  #7

    Steve69
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Madison Wisconsin
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,769

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    That sucks!  At least its something you can fix yourself.  

     

    4/19/2025 7:15 AM  #8

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    Easy fix.    Took less than an hour. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/19/2025 8:31 PM  #9

    Bullet Bob
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,896

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    Keep hammering away at it Bob.  Ya got just short of five months before ya gotta leave for the Bash.

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    4/20/2025 7:48 AM  #10

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,726

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    RTM - you might want to consider installing petcocks in the block water drain holes.  Those plugs can be difficult to remove,especially on the driver's side. 

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    4/20/2025 10:59 AM  #11

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    BobE wrote:

    RTM - you might want to consider installing petcocks in the block water drain holes.  Those plugs can be difficult to remove,especially on the driver's side. 

     
    Too late for that now.   Ugh

    I have a vibration and I'm pretty sure it's the twin disk clutch setup.  The disk is marked and supposed to be balanced but when I read McLeod website they recommend you get it balanced.   Guess what I'm pulling this week.

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/21/2025 5:58 AM  #12

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,726

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    I can't write the words I feel for this set back.  I find it surprising that McLeod doesn't balance before shippiafdws b
    080uo  =7Where does one take the clutch setup to be balanced?  And how does the balancer coordinate with the engine’s balance? 
     

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    4/21/2025 10:18 AM  #13

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    BobE wrote:

    I can't write the words I feel for this set back.  I find it surprising that McLeod doesn't balance before shippiafdws b
    080uo  =7Where does one take the clutch setup to be balanced?  And how does the balancer coordinate with the engine’s balance? 
     

     
    The twin clutch has markings that have to stay lined up.  I don't recall reading in the installation instructions saying it had to be balanced but maybe they did.  On their website they highly recommend getting it balanced. 

    I never noticed the vibration on the engine but there was no clutch installed then. I can't even feel it at idle.   I noticed it during a rev.   Just praying it's this easy of a fix.

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/29/2025 8:43 AM  #14

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    Pressure plate and flywheel are suppose to be spot on when checked.  Replaced the roller pilot bearing with a solid one.  The ID got a little too tight for the input shaft.  I made a makeshift reamer out of a transfer punch got the trans bolted to the bell housing.  Sadly I spent way too much time fighting the trans install until I figured out what was wrong. 

    I did discover my trans mount is bad.  That could have been the cause of the slight vibration.  New mount arrives today. 


       •Thread Starter
     

    4/29/2025 12:06 PM  #15

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,598

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    BobE wrote:

    RTM - you might want to consider installing petcocks in the block water drain holes.  Those plugs can be difficult to remove,especially on the driver's side. 

    I have done this on any engine I've built for 2 decades now, and If you ever have to drain the block, or want to properly flush the cooling system they come in very handy. 
     

     

    4/29/2025 2:52 PM  #16

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,706

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    BobE wrote:

    RTM - you might want to consider installing petcocks in the block water drain holes.  Those plugs can be difficult to remove,especially on the driver's side. 

    I have done this on any engine I've built for 2 decades now, and If you ever have to drain the block, or want to properly flush the cooling system they come in very handy. 
     

     
    Who makes a quality petcock today. Ever one I've used in the last 5+ years has worked exactly once. Then it turns into a plug.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    4/29/2025 6:34 PM  #17

    Raymond_B
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Fort Worth, TX
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,221

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    rpm wrote:

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    BobE wrote:

    RTM - you might want to consider installing petcocks in the block water drain holes.  Those plugs can be difficult to remove,especially on the driver's side. 

    I have done this on any engine I've built for 2 decades now, and If you ever have to drain the block, or want to properly flush the cooling system they come in very handy. 
     

     
    Who makes a quality petcock today. Ever one I've used in the last 5+ years has worked exactly once. Then it turns into a plug.

    I have used and love Fumoto's

    https://www.fumotousa.com/
     

     

    4/30/2025 4:48 AM  #18

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,598

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    Raymond_B wrote:

    rpm wrote:

    TKOPerformance wrote:


    I have done this on any engine I've built for 2 decades now, and If you ever have to drain the block, or want to properly flush the cooling system they come in very handy. 
     

     
    Who makes a quality petcock today. Ever one I've used in the last 5+ years has worked exactly once. Then it turns into a plug.

    I have used and love Fumoto's

    https://www.fumotousa.com/
     

    Agreed.  I learned about these on the Diesel forum and they are quite nice. 
     

     

    Yesterday 3:47 PM  #19

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    It's back together.  Temp gauge works, says 200 idling in the garage.   Can't recall if I have a 190 or 180 thermostat.    Replaced the bad transmission mount but sadly I still feel a small vibration.  I'm now thinking it's from the semi solid motor mounts and now a semi solid transmission mount.   Bring the revs up and it's as smooth as you expect it to be.  Nice choppy idle.   I also fixed the hydro boost leak.   The mounting bolt for the side plate was loose.   Feeling more confident about it all. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    Yesterday 5:41 PM  #20

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,899

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    Small vibrations......is just the way a 'hot' Mustang tells ya it luvs ya....
    Notice how immediately it starts scream'in once you get it above idle.
    That just means ..."it-likes-you"...
    The best way to 'maybe' cure the vibration is....
    First to s
    Second gear...accelerator pinned to floor (watch tach pretty closely when doing this)
    Second to Third gear  same thing (note Redline on tach)
    Third to Fourth gear  (right knee straight out ! (be aware muscle cramps in right leg could develop)
    THEN..... Fourth to Third gear with accelerator OFF the floor (both hands on steering wheel is advised)
    After you get it straight again...Third to Second gear (keep a look out for Poe-Poe) 
    THEN...Second to First gear while spinning steering wheel HARD LEFT ! (May need full acceleration again!)

    6sally6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    Yesterday 5:44 PM  #21

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,899

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    https://youtu.be/ocC8MueSs_A

    See-Gar is optional butt.............a nice touch for all the hard work you've put in......
    6s6

    Last edited by 6sally6 (Yesterday 5:46 PM)

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    Yesterday 5:53 PM  #22

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    6sally6 wrote:

    Small vibrations......is just the way a 'hot' Mustang tells ya it luvs ya....
    Notice how immediately it starts scream'in once you get it above idle.
    That just means ..."it-likes-you"...
    The best way to 'maybe' cure the vibration is....
    First to s
    Second gear...accelerator pinned to floor (watch tach pretty closely when doing this)
    Second to Third gear  same thing (note Redline on tach)
    Third to Fourth gear  (right knee straight out ! (be aware muscle cramps in right leg could develop)
    THEN..... Fourth to Third gear with accelerator OFF the floor (both hands on steering wheel is advised)
    After you get it straight again...Third to Second gear (keep a look out for Poe-Poe) 
    THEN...Second to First gear while spinning steering wheel HARD LEFT ! (May need full acceleration again!)

    6sally6

     
    Well it's still on jack stands.  Maybe this weekend I'll get it on the ground.

       •Thread Starter
     

    Yesterday 5:54 PM  #23

    RTM
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Cape Coral FL
    Registered: 5/22/2019
    Posts: 1,817

    Re: Another set back!!! Ugh

    6sally6 wrote:

    https://youtu.be/ocC8MueSs_A

    See-Gar is optional butt.............a nice touch for all the hard work you've put in......
    6s6

     
    I love how he gets his elbow going before the shift.  lol

       •Thread Starter
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  Another set back!!! Ugh

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.