Identification of F15 2WD?

[Ganmain Tony]

Dont get me wrong Lynn, appreciate any and all comments and advice. What I know about these trucks is very limited and I am always learning.

I was cracking a cynical joke

you know...the tyre kickers at events that would point out the directional arrow facing the wrong way.

I have seen the tyres in reverse even in old pictures. I think you are spot on in your assessment. It depended on wether the truck was predominantly on bitumen or dirt work that determined which direction the tread was facing.

It would make for better tread wear if I was to reverse them..

[Ganmain Tony]

Thought Id do a bit of an update...

Front axle has been found to be unserviceable. Removal of King Pins has shown excessive wear and one has actually "picked up" in the axle and stuffed it.

Two things on the upside... the steering box felt notchy but it turns out the notchy feel comes from the king pin bearings.

Managed to get a replacement axle off another chassis. It is the Timken axle and is a big heavy brute of a thing. Inspection of Kingpins, bearings etc shows very little wear.

[Ganmain Tony]

Started a bit of a brief inspection of the engine. I have the invaluable assistance of one Mr John Mackie.

Started cleaning the engine up.. removed the sump and removed the yoghurt in the bottom. Came up very nicely.

Cleaned the bores and turned the engine over OK so far.

A lot of carbon and gunk in the top of the engine (no suprises). Refitted head gasket and head. Performed compression test (using thumb gauge) weak in centre two plug holes.

Next step - Need to do much better clean to make sure no carbon preventing exhaust valves shutting properly.

[Ganmain Tony]

Fitted up the Cab frame to create a bit more shed space...Thanks John for all the help.

Have revisited the axle after a very productive conversation with Bruce Peelgrain.

Realised I should have been checking the play in the axle with the colletts tight on the replacement king pins.... did this and discovered what play was left was in the bottom bush in the stub axle and it was insignificant.

Realised if the king pin is stationary in the axle and it is... it cant rub and wont wear (in that area). The wear on the old one was where the stub axle swivels on the king pin.

Make sense?? Thanks Bruce, it made sense to me anyway.

[Ganmain Tony]

Another spare couple of days, another chance to further investigate the engines current condition..

Above pictures do not mean we thought a ritual slow roast might be the way to go.. but what does side valve V8 marinated in 50 year old oil taste like?

Sump and oil pump removed and cleaned again.

Shot of valley shows typical build up of carbon. Fair amount of degreaser used, then pressure washed then sprayed with CRC.

[Ganmain Tony]

Engine temporarily reassembled to check compression again and to see what oil circulation is like with oil pump.
This engine appears to be a genuine Ford rebuild. Bores have been sleeved and a rough check shows the bores are back to standard (3 & 3/16").

Chucked some fresh oil in and hooked her up to a battery. Oil pressure is very good. Cleaned up nicely but it is astonishing how much crap stays in amoungst colletts, springs, guides, etc.

Unfortunately compression, was not good. Some had zero so I'm wondering what the truck was running like before the cocky put her away. Clearances were zero on some as well.

So we decided to start pulling the valves out for a reface and will probably go with adjustable lifters.

[Keith Webb]

Zero compression would most likely be valves being a bit sticky - Tony Wheeler must be the current champion of that sort of thing.

I see you have an extremely capable and experienced man on the job already.

Originally Posted by Ganmain Tony

Unfortunately compression, was not good. Some had zero so I'm wondering what the truck was running like before the cocky put her away. Clearances were zero on some as well.

So we decided to start pulling the valves out for a reface and will probably go with adjustable lifters.