1972 Ford Ranch Wagon Questions

It looks like someone over-revved the engine and floated the lifters resulting in the bent pushrods. Luckily those engines weren't zero clearance like some of the modern ones and you won't have bent any valves.

 

That's kind of what I was thinking but I wasn't sure. I have seen floated valves get bashed and slightly bent, so let's hope it didn't happen here, and the valves are good to go in the heads as-is.

 

Easy to check by pouring alcohol into each chamber to see if there is any leak-down. Also, probably not a bad idea to replace the valve guide seals while the heads are off. They have a tendency to become brittle over time and crack. Then you get burnt oil buildup on the valve stems.

 

Here's what the passenger side looks like:



I'm not sure on my next step, but I do have a new intake and 4 bbl carb to put on it, so I'd like to at least see if I can put it all back together one day...

 

Read my PM to you.