Valve covers off, 78 Ranchero

[Jakegday]

finally got around to hooking an aftermarket temp gauge up since the stock one doesnt work, and realized shes running a bit warm. around 205 degrees. So i went to replace the thermostat and realized i can only get to 1 of the 2 thermostat housing bolts, unless i remove either A, the intake manifold, or B, i believe the timing cover. So i went the intake manifold route. Sorry i forgot to take pics with the manifold off, but i did get pics of the valve covers off. I didnt have to remove these to get the manifold off, but since they come off so easily, i figured WTH.
I've owned her almost a year, and have ran formula shell, valvoline, and after running it for about 20 minutes after this procedure ill be changing it with rotella t 10w30. Im using that for the ZDDP, although im not sure if thats entirely necessary since this engine was rebuilt a year or 2 before i took possession. Not sure if it would still have flat bottom lifters or not...? (any input on that would be appreciated)
Anyways, heres the pics

Back together:

 

[JHZR2]

Whats the thing that looks like a coffee can on the right side of the third pic?

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Whats the thing that looks like a coffee can on the right side of the third pic?


Vacuum canister. One of Ford's "bean counter" moments. My old townie has it too.

 

[larryn]

The coffee can thing is a vacuum storage tank,I think?

 

[oilboy123]

Nice truck. Well car/truck. I like that body style. Engine looks pretty clean.

 

[NHGUY]

I would think its flat tappet.They would need to install some sort of guide to keep the lifters from rotating if they installed a roller affair.

 

[Chris142]

you removed the intake manifold to acess the lower thetmostat bolt? I use a custom bent wrench after I turn the distributer out of the way. thats not a 78 engine as they did not use roller rockers back then.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

Originally Posted By: Jakegday
ill be changing it with rotella t 10w30. Im using that for the ZDDP, although im not sure if thats entirely necessary since this engine was rebuilt a year or 2 before i took possession. Not sure if it would still have flat bottom lifters or not...? (any input on that would be appreciated)


The original or a similar vintage engine would have flat tappets. That is, unless the previous owner upgraded to a roller setup, which adds a lot of money to a rebuild. The roller-tip rocker arms aren't stock. It might be interesting to find out what cam was used, especially if it seems like a high performance grind.

 

[Jakegday]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
you removed the intake manifold to acess the lower thetmostat bolt? I use a custom bent wrench after I turn the distributer out of the way. thats not a 78 engine as they did not use roller rockers back then.

yep, wasnt able to modify any tools, and it wasnt too big of a job.. So with the roller rockers you see, would it be safe to use modern oils that have less zddp?

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Whats the thing that looks like a coffee can on the right side of the third pic?


I couldn't get here fast enough with that question....that's the first thing I noticed.
That's a great old rig, when a car was a machine......

 

[mechtech2]

'Flat' tappets like that are really CONVEX. They get flat or concave with use.

 

[TFB1]

Ford used those tomato juice cans into the later '80s at least, my '86 Grand Marquis had one... Later they were replaced by a round croquette ball type...

That engine has aftermarket roller tip rockers installed, ford never had anything like that in the '70s...

 

[jsnyder49090]

Looks like pretty healthy springs too stock manifolds though losing a bunch there.

 

[Kruse]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
thats not a 78 engine as they did not use roller rockers back then.


Somebody put roller rockers on the engine. They are not factory.

 

[NHHEMI]

Yup, as others have said it is a vaccum can. When I sold parts at the Ford dealer and that part was needed by a mechanic or body shop they asked for a "coffee can" and we always knew what they meant.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
you removed the intake manifold to acess the lower thetmostat bolt? I use a custom bent wrench after I turn the distributer out of the way. thats not a 78 engine as they did not use roller rockers back then.


I think it would be quite safe to assume the roller rockers are aftermarket.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
I would think its flat tappet.They would need to install some sort of guide to keep the lifters from rotating if they installed a roller affair.


If it has roller lifters, they'd be of the link-bar style, and wouldn't be visible in any of the pictures the OP posted.

 

[ag_ghost]

205 when? Does it run cooler now? What thermostat did you install? A 190 stat was typically installed when it left the factory.

Roller tipped rocker arms were a nice upgrade for when the motor was rebuilt and are independent of the cam selection. I have 'em on my '66 289 (COMP Cams 1442-16) with a flat tappet camshaft. I run 10W-30 Rotella Triple T and 15W-40 on track days. Should be fine. It looks pretty good from your photos, imho.

 

[daves87rs]

Looks good. Bummer about the rust though...

 

[SS1970chrysler]

I'd continue with the Rotella 10w-30. It's a great oil for older v8's.