Project Mustang. Larry Lyles

      PHOTO 4: The primary vacuum line tees to the Y connection that branches to the distributor that connects to the diaphragm that Y connects to the carburetor that tees to the … You get the picture.

       TIP

       Label each belt as it is removed. One operates the alternator, another the air conditioner compressor, and the last works the power steering pump.

      The air conditioner condenser is mounted to the core support just forward of the radiator. Because I’ve already drained the air conditioning system, I remove the hose and unbolt the unit. Because of their fragile natures, I store both units in the same box with the glass.

      With the radiator and condenser out of the car, the fan, fan shroud, pulleys, and belts can be removed.

      For now, I unbolt the power steering pump from the engine and lay it aside. I do not remove the hoses at this time. Once the engine is out of the car, I’ll have better access to the hose fittings where they connect to the steering control valve, and at that time the pump can be removed. Leaving the pump connected for now also helps reduce the mess under the car. Ever have someone accidentally turn the steering wheel with the steering pump hoses removed? It’s like squirting oil from a can—everything gets oiled.

      Next, I remove the pulleys and brackets. When putting the engine back in, you may ask yourself, “How were all those pulleys and brackets mounted to the front of the engine?” Without a picture, you may be in big trouble. Photo 3 could be traded to a Mustang restorer for a cold six pack any day.

      Does anyone know why Ford likes vacuum hoses? I’ve yet to work on a Ford that wasn’t covered with vacuum hoses. I counted no fewer than five vacuum hoses snaking around and through the front of this engine. The last thing I want is to try to guess where each one goes when I’m ready to replace them. Having a good picture of the hose routing is a must before removing the hoses. You may even want to draw a diagram of the engine compartment noting the origin and destination of each hose to help identify where it goes.

      After the vacuum lines are removed, it is time to move on to the distributor and carburetor. I remove the distributor as a complete unit, wires and all, by removing the retainer bolt at the base of the unit and lifting it straight up and out of the engine. Next is the carburetor. I remove the four bolts attaching it to the intake manifold and to the throttle spring and linkage, and the carburetor comes right off. I store it in a plastic Ziploc bag to keep it clean.