Hello all,

After a 20 year break in ownership, I saw my 1959 Ranchero on Craigslist, and bought it back.  Let's just say after 20 years, it needs some love, and after 20 years, I've all but forgotten this motor, a 292 Y Block.

So, on to my first 2 newbie questions.  

Firstly, there is a threaded hole at the back of the passenger side head on the intake side.  What is supposed to be there?  Bolt to block it off is my guess as it's spewing oil, but as it is open in the attached photo of another motor, I'm not sure.  The hole is where the yellow arrow is in the photo.

Second question...I'm running really rich after installing a new Carter fuel pump.  Should I go straight to fuel pressure regulation or could this be float level?  I'd like to quit smoking up my neighborhood every time I fire up the car!

Thanks for the help!

The threaded hole should have a short bolt, holding an ignition wire bracket.

If all you did is swap the fuel pump, then it probably is a pressure issue.  Check the pressure and go from there.


Lawrenceville, GA

As Charlie stated: "Short" bolt.  If too long, it can contact the push rod in that hole. Hope this helps,  JEFF.....................


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

If the pressure is high don’t buy one of those cheapy dial type regulators, they’ve got a horrible reputation for failing and leaking. I’m partial to Aeroquip, but Holley and others make good ones. Way cheaper than a fire.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

The answer as mentioned is to measure fuel pump output, the manual sez 3.5 to 5.5 psi. Unfortunately many modern manufacture fuel pumps are defective right out of the box. The last one I installed measured 8.5 psi at the carburetor inlet. Send it back if this is the case, as a notorious fire hazard. A regulator should not be necessary.

Float height is just the means to achieve the correct fuel height in the carburetor bowl, this is an important setting as it affects the height in the fuel well. If the fuel pump pressure is out of spec it will make setting up the carb difficult or impossible, and may run too rich.

Thanks for the help all!  Will spend some time messing about under the hood tomorrow.

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