Topic: 289 engine / bracket assembly process

[Hipo giddyup]

 I am currently re-gasketing the 289 in my 66' Mustang, (ie. water pump, fuel pump, valve covers,etc.), and have always wondered how Ford assembled the water pump and powersteering brackets since the were not painted with the engine? Did they seal the water pump using all the bolts then remove the ones that they needed when they installed the PS and water pump bracketry?? Was this all done at the engine plant before shipment or were the brackets installed at the assembly plants (Dearborn, Metuchen, San Jose)? Did they use sealant on the bolts when they replaced them? I'm guessing the paint would have been marred on those bolts heads?? 

Any input would be much appreciated!

[Bob Gaines]

I am currently re-gasketing the 289 in my 66' Mustang, (ie. water pump, fuel pump, valve covers,etc.), and have always wondered how Ford assembled the water pump and powersteering brackets since the were not painted with the engine? Did they seal the water pump using all the bolts then remove the ones that they needed when they installed the PS and water pump bracketry?? Was this all done at the engine plant before shipment or were the brackets installed at the assembly plants (Dearborn, Metuchen, San Jose)? Did they use sealant on the bolts when they replaced them? I'm guessing the paint would have been marred on those bolts heads?? 

Any input would be much appreciated!

Brackets were added after engine was painted. There is typically marring of the paint on the bolts removed and replaced for bracket placement . I have not seen evidence of added sealer on the re used bolts from the factory. It is my understanding that the brackets were added at the assembly plant as needed .

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks Bob. Good info to know! 

[CharlesTurner]

Note that depending on the brackets/configuration, some of the basic water-pump bolts would be removed and replaced.  In that case, those bolts would not have engine block color.

[Hipo giddyup]

I see, I'm guessing in the event they were longer? Then do you think they were just P/O?? Or black?

[CharlesTurner]

I see, I'm guessing in the event they were longer? Then do you think they were just P/O?? Or black?

The replacement ones were typically zinc/cad, but it varied.

[jwc66k]

From my research -
Jim
I experimented and converted the "Water Pump Cast01.xls" spreadsheet into an Adobe .pdf file. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. It looks like luck was on my side this time.

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks Jim. Very detailed descriptions, quite helpful.

[67gtasanjose]

I cannot help but notice that this thread looks to now cover many years besides the O.P.'s initial request. Was it best to have moved it to this section of the forum?

[J_Speegle]

I cannot help but notice that this thread looks to now cover many years besides the O.P.'s initial request. Was it best to have moved it to this section of the forum?

Only reference to year I see is 66 in the first post. 289  - 1966

Did I miss other years in other postings?

[67gtasanjose]

Only reference to year I see is 66 in the first post. 289  - 1966

Did I miss other years in other postings?

I believe it was Jim's documents (images in Reply #6) that prompted me to comment the thread covers multiple years. I would say those two documents cover multiple years (I know they help a lot for 67's anyways).

[jwc66k]

I believe it was Jim's documents (images in Reply #6) that prompted me to comment the thread covers multiple years. I would say those two documents cover multiple years (I know they help a lot for 67's anyways).

Faced with too little (none) or too much information, I just posed what data I had, with the (limited) sources referenced. I am always open to adding new information.
Jim