Topic: 65 A-Code AC Setup

[ChrisV289]

Does anyone have a good pic of the AC idler setup?  I am taking mine apart took fix the coolant leak between the timing chain cover and block and found a spacer where the lower radiator hose connects...Want to make sure this is correct...Also what should the engineering number be on my water pump and where is the date code (SJ 10/29/64 build FB)?  Also going to see if this is the original water pump or not and if it is worth rebuilding...

Thanks,
Chris

[CharlesTurner]

Probably help to post a pic of the A/C bracket area.  Your car falls into that area where it probably had an Eaton p/s pump.

As far as the water pump, that's an easy one.  It will be the C5AE one, aluminum.  Date code will be a number like 64 with dots around it.  64 would be the year and the number of dots would indicate the month.  For example, 5 dots-May, 10 dots-October.

[ChrisV289]

Thanks Charles...Right now it has a Ford PS Pump as I was unsure what PS pump it had as I did not find any holes for the separate reservoir on the inner fender apron since it has AC.  When the car was bought by my dad in 1992 it had a replacement pump with the smaller filler neck (1967+).  Below are the pics I took last night as I was taking everything apart. 

The adjustable idler pulley:


Spacer Behind pulley:


Over view:

[ChrisV289]

Well I finally got the water pump off and unfortunately it is a C8 casting number...So does anyone have any recommendations  on where to get a new pump with the correct casting number?  Also, should I have an aluminum pump or a cast iron pump?  The one I took off at a backing plate as well...

[CharlesTurner]

Definitely would be an aluminum pump.  Need to check to see which timing cover you have.  I can't remember which way it works on the timing covers.  Something like one version works with either style pump and the other version only works with one style pump.

The eaton setup that I was referring to did not have a remote reservoir.  Think this has been discussed before.

[ChrisV289]

I think someone put on a later style timing chain cover because the pointer I have is bolt on...So I am guessing I am going to have to change the timing chain cover to the correct one.  Here are some pics to have it confirmed...

[tim_morrison82]

I am after a C8 water pump if you are replacing it. Send me a message. Cheers, Tim

[rodster]

Chris,

I'm not sure if you aware of this book on small block Fords by Bob Mannel.

http://www.fordsmallblock.com/

It's an EXCELLENT source of info, photos and casting marks.

[rocket289k]

Chris,

I've attached a picture of a A/C and Power Steering equipment '65 A code.  One thing that you may want to consider adding is the "non-adjustable idler pulley".  1965 and 1966 Mustang suffered from a condition known as "belt slap" due to the A/C compressor belt vibrating and humming due the long travel from the compressor to the crankshaft pulley (on the driver's side of the engine).  This was fixed in 1967 by a non-adjustable idler available for 1965-66 cars through local dealers.  The vibration can be felt in the steering wheel, pedals and floorboard and a low pitch rumble accompanies the vibration. This condition is usually noticeable at or just above idle.

Regards,

Ron

[CharlesTurner]

Ron:  This would be the most typical 65-66 setup, but as I mentioned earlier, there is an Eaton power steering pump setup with A/C that does not use a remote reservoir.  This was typically seen on some Fall '64 cars.

The additional idler pulley would not be assembly line correct, but I don't think many judges would have a problem with it since it is a period Ford item.

[ChrisV289]

So couple more questions, should this be a bolt or a stud like it is right now?  This is where the bottom adjustable section of the idler pulley is (not where the alternator top bolt goes).  Also if the car came from the factory with AC (or added after on) and or power steering, would the bolts that hold the brackets be black as well or would they be natural?  And would the paint have been chipped because of removing them to add the brackets on?  If so, would they touch them up or leave them as is?  What is acceptable at a show?

[CharlesTurner]

No, that wouldn't be a stud, it would be a bolt with washer to lock down the idler pulley.

[rocket289k]

Ron:  This would be the most typical 65-66 setup, but as I mentioned earlier, there is an Eaton power steering pump setup with A/C that does not use a remote reservoir.  This was typically seen on some Fall '64 cars.

The additional idler pulley would not be assembly line correct, but I don't think many judges would have a problem with it since it is a period Ford item.

Charles:  I missed the part about the car being anearly 65 with an Eaton power steering pump (I just looked at the subject line before I posted).  Agreed, regarding the additional idler pulley not being assembly line correct, however it was offered over the counter as a service bulletin Ford dealer add-on.  Good to know re potential judges opinion at a show - I've always meant to ask that question.

PS - It really does eliminate the typical rumble / vibration that the 65 / 66 A/C systems suffered a lot from.