Ford 1956 Truck User Manual

8
Chapter l-General Engine Overhaul, In spection, and Repair
regulate engine operating temperature and provide for
a short engine warm-up period.
(I) ENGINE OVERHt.'ATS. Usually, engine over·
heating is the result of insuffici ent coolant supply . Check
the coolant first. Make certain that the cause of trouble
is not anti-freeze evaporation .
(a) II the supply is low , check for leaks in the cool·
ing system, then make the necessary repairs.
(b) Check the water pump belt for proper tension
and adjust it if it is loose.
(c) Inspect the radiator fins for obstructions (bugs,
dirt , etc . ). Clean it if it is clogged.
(d) Using a thermometer in the radiator, check the
gauge reading for accuracy.
NOTE: Inaccurate readings are someti~nes caused by
insufficient clearance between tire Ifetid c(I!Jting and
Ihe temperature sending unit elemen4 Make repairs
or replacemenl5 as neceuary.
(e) Check the thermostat for proper operation and
heat range. If it is defective or of the wrong heat range ,
replace it. Make sure the thermostat IS correctly
installed.
(f) Check the ignition timing and adjust it if
n ecessa ry.
(g) Check the radiator for proper flow. F lu sh it if
ne cessary .
(h) Remove the water pump and c he ck for a defec-
tive impeller or a water passage obstruction. Make
repairs or rep lacements as necessary.
(i) Check the cylinder he ad(s) for water passage
obstructions. Clean out the passages or rep l ace the
head(s) if necessary.
(j) Check the cylinder block f or water passage oJ>.
structions. Clean out the passages or replace the block
if necessary.
(2) ,.;NGINE FAILS TO REACH NORMAL OPER·
ATING TEMPERATURE. Generally, this is caused by
the thermostat sticking or being of the wrong heat
range. Check the thermostat first. If the engine s till does
not reach operating temperature , check the gauge and
sending unit with a thermometer installed in the radia-
tor. Replace any defective parts.
2. TUNE·UP
Regular maintenance and inspection services are nec-
essary for proper truck operation. In addition, to main-
tain satisfactory performance, a periodic engine tune-up
should be made.
A reliable type of engine test equipment sho uld be
used to perform the tests out lined . in the check ing pro-
cedures. As the checks and tests ar~ made, make a visual
inspection of the wiring, vacuum ' hoses, cooling system
hoses, heater hoses, etc.
a. Minor Tune·Up.
Perform the following operations in the order given,
(I) INSI,,.;CT U;NITION WIRES, BATTERY
CAIJLES, AND CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE
BAT1'1:'.- 'R Y. In spect all ignition wires for worn or
damaged insulation. Make sure the wires are firmly
seated in the distriqutor cap and that the terminals and
the terminal soc kets are free from corrosion.
In spect the battery case for cracks and le aks. Make
a battery capacity test. If unsatisfactory, make a battery
charge test. If the charge is low, recharge the battery.
Inspect the battery cable connections for corrosion, and
clean them if necessary. Brush the cable connectors with
grease to retard further corrosion, then tighten the con-
nectors securely.
(2) TEST CYLlNDf;R COMPRf;SSION. Be sure the
batt ery is good. Operat e the engine until normal oper-
ating temperature is reached. Turn the ignition switch
off. Remove all spark plugs.
Set the thrott le in the wide open position and be sure
the choke is wide open. Install a compression gauge in
number 1 cylinder. Crank the engine until the gauge
registers a maximum reading and record the reading.
Note the number of compression strokes required to
obtain this reading. Repe at the test on each cylinder,
cranking the engi ne the same number of strokes as was
required to obtain a maximum reading on number 1
cylinder.
A variation of ± 10 pounds from specified pressure
is satisfactory. However, the compression of all cy linders
shou ld be uniform within 10 pounds.
A reading of more than 10 pounds above normal indi-
cates ca r bon or lead deposits in the cylinder.
A reading of more than 10 pounds below normal ind i-
cates leakage at the head gasket, rings, or va lves.
A l
ow even compression in two adjacent cylinders
indicates a head gasket leak. This s hould be checked
before co ndeming the rings or valves.
T o determine whether the rin gs or the valves are at
fault, put a tablespoon of heavy oi l on the piston, and
repeat the compressio n test. Th e oi l will temporarily
sea l l ea kage past the rings. If the same reading is ob-
tained, the rings are satisfactory, but the va l ves are
l eaking. If the com pression has increased 10 pounds or
more over the original reading, it indi ca tes there is leak·
age past the rings.

Ford 1956 Truck Specifications

General

Brand	Ford
Model	1956 Truck
Category	Automobile
Language	English