1986 7B Project

[RFranklin]

Slow but sure

Thanks guys ! I'm getting there. Sometimes it's a game of inches. I just have a little more plumbing and harness restoration and it goes in. Hopefully, next weekend. Here's what I fabricated to replace the upper coolant tube.

[RFranklin]

Plumbing is done moving on to the harness and Engine Bay

Just thought I would add a few more pictures today. I have all the plumbing done except for a few stainless steel clamps to buy. I'm going to try to get the harness work done tomorrow and push the car out to the wash down area and clean the engine bay for the install next weekend .

[inerceptor]

Did you decide to leave the turbo support bracket off? I have been told that it will eventually cause a crack in your manifold if not used but I guess it is up to you. That thing is a pain to get on and off.

[RFranklin]

That's a great question. I am actually designing and fabricating a new one that will mount to the stud bolts on the manifold. I have tried modifying the original as a single weldment. However, I found out the Turbo was not as well aligned as well as the throttle body. I prefer it to be rigid. Everyone has their preferences. I have seen the cracks and failures in the manifolds also. I want to get the motor back in by next weekend. I'm going to use a spare TC Engine for mockup and fab then install it after the motor is back in. The bracket would need to be off anyway during the install

[SVOeric]

not trying to poke you, but what's your thoughts on what's wrong with the original design ?

[RFranklin]

My first thought was the 3 piece and vibration issues that would cause the knock sensor to retard the timing. I ended up creating a single weldment that cured the issue. However, to make it easy to remove I kept the stud and nut that was on my engine that would secure the whole assembly. What I finally noticed on my new assembly was that my turbo inlet and throttle body outlet had a misalignment . Now I could remove the stud nut and just bolt the assembly directly to the manifold. But I ran into issues of crowding the cooling tubes more than I preferred. I know I'm most likely making more work than maybe I need too. However, with a lot of the custom tubing work I created allow for smoother coolant flow. Primarily, because mine were bad and i couldn't find suitable replacements I would prefer to make sure I have plenty of room. Also, the curse of an engineering background. Too much fun

[SVOeric]

it sounds like you are describing the top bracket. That's the bracket that usually vibrates and makes noise is the one on top of the turbo, and holds the intercooler in place. I've left that one off my last 3 builds.
The one we're talking about goes on the bottom 2 nuts of the turbo, splits around the oil return, and has 1 bolt to the block. it is pretty important


here's an upside-down pic of it.

[Ford Builder]

Now I have seen the picture of the bracket in question my car does not have one??, It's the way I got the car.

[SVOeric]

Without some type of support bracket, it will eventually crack the exhaust manifold. I know I cracked one for the EXACT same reason, my car came without one too

[RFranklin]

Oh man this is interesting ! My original engine came without one too. When I took the manifold over to the machine shop to be trued up on the machining center it was cracked. I was lucky I was able to locate a spare. I know a lot of people don't run them. It just seems that it's a pretty big slug of aluminum to not be bolted down. . I had a pretty good day getting he wiring harness redone. Not too exciting but ill pictures later. I'm going to start cleaning the engine bay tomorrow.

[RFranklin]

it sounds like you are describing the top bracket. That's the bracket that usually vibrates and makes noise is the one on top of the turbo, and holds the intercooler in place. I've left that one off my last 3 builds.
The one we're talking about goes on the bottom 2 nuts of the turbo, splits around the oil return, and has 1 bolt to the block. it is pretty important

[ATTACH=CONFIG]42579[/ATTACH]
here's an upside-down pic of it.

Oh crap ! I didn't know about this one ! Thanks for the heads up ! Better start looking

[RFranklin]

Did you decide to leave the turbo support bracket off? I have been told that it will eventually cause a crack in your manifold if not used but I guess it is up to you. That thing is a pain to get on and off.

I also need to thank Inerceptor for seeing this. I didn't realize which bracket at first . I'm so glad you guys have a great eye ! Hopefully, I will find one.

[RFranklin]

Now I have seen the picture of the bracket in question my car does not have one??, It's the way I got the car.

After doing more searching I am seeing it a very common missing item. Looks like we are both going to be searching

[SVOeric]

Just be glad we spotted it now, instead of after you cracked a 2nd one.

[RFranklin]

Just be glad we spotted it now, instead of after you cracked a 2nd one.

No kidding pal. Hopefully, I will be able to locate one. I finished all my harness work today. I really want to install this next weekend.