Calvin Clean

I'm trying to figure out how to install a Power Steering pump on a 1985 F150 351 HO engine. There's a long threaded bolt that travels through a mounting bracket then through a sleeved section on the pump and then into a gaping hole in my engine block. There's nothing to screw the bolt in to. It seems there's a missing threaded insert that simply got lost during the rebuild. Am I going nuts here? I went to the ford dealership and they didn't have a clue what I was talking about.

Steve83

Click this, read the caption, and show it to the rebuilder &/or the parts guys:


(phone app link)

Then check the BACKs of the heads - it's possible the rebuilder put the heads on backward.

Johnboy429bbf

Do you have the one piece aluminum bracket or the iron flat steel one?

Calvin Clean

Thank you for responding. I may have overstated this rebuild. I didn't get into changing heads or anything just timing chain, water pump etc. I put the bracket back on that mounts the AC compressor and power steering pump slid the long mounting bold through the bracket and then the sleeved power steering pump and on the other side there are no threads to tighten the bolt, just a large hole in the engine block.

Calvin Clean

Steel bracket, pretty sure its on correctly, but if it's off a bit that could explain why the long power steering bolt doesn't line up with threads on the engine block.

Johnboy429bbf

Ill try to grab a picture of mine tonight

Calvin Clean

Oh that would help, thank you. I took all the smog equipment off and could also use a shot of your belt configuration.

Calvin Clean

Yes, that's it, big hole no insert. Thank you., Where do you get them? Dealer didn't help any.

Calvin Clean

Any one know where to acquire these threaded engine block inserts specifically for the power steering pump bolt?

Steve83

A machinist could make some, but they'd probably cost more than a set of heads. They're threadlocked into the Ford heads, so removing them is difficult. But an automotive machine shop might be able to get them out for you, so you could put them into yours. You'd just have to bring them some junk heads, or call around to find a shop that had some junk heads with those inserts.