Threaded inserts on front of Ford heads

[Humbucker]

Anyone know what size these are? I have one that must have backed out
and fell along the road somewhere a couple days ago. I thought I may
have a header leak until I felt the exaust coming out of the hole.

If I'm not mistaken, there are two sizes on the front (and rear as
well) of the heads. This is the larger size. Looks to be about 3/8ths
to 1/2 inch. I've been told by many it's a very non-standard size, so
a Lowe's or Home Depot remedy is out. I'm not using the opening to
mount anything, so a bolt would work if the thread size is right.

Any ideas? Thanks!

Jake - #1408

[Jerry Clayton]

Napa has them--describe it to the counterman and he'll either have it or can get it

Jerry

[BUCKEYE COBRA]

Jake,
The two sizes onf my AFR165's are 5/8-11 and 7/16-14. I ended up at a fastener distributor to get mine.
John

[Rick Parker]

7/16ths -14 (coarse thread). You can use a 1/2" long set screw from a hardware or Auto /tractor parts store.

[tman8]

If you want to pay the price Ford Racing has them.

[Humbucker]

Thanks for the help, ya'll. I actually figured out a solution earlier today. The size was indeed 5/8-11. Problem is, no bolts at the standard stores are shorter than 2". I just cut a length of threaded rod to 3/4" and used a dremel to cut a slot for a flat head screwdriver and screwed that puppy in (using a bit of copper RTV on the threads). Problem solved.

I don't quite understand the design. I wonder why the hole goes all the way to the exaust port??

Anyway, I'm happy now. No more exaust leak.

[Jerry Clayton]

The air pump plumbing hooked up there across the back of the engine and in order to mount accessories on the front of the engine Ford used that adapter plug to reduce the hole size and plug the holes not needed-- problems arise when you have the heads off the engine for a overhaul/valve work and put them back on the wrong side and don't have the holes on the correct end of the engine---
My son did that ONCE on his van they use for cross country trips for his band--they were leaving next morning on a 2 week Chicago-Denver-Salt Lake-San Fran-La -San Diego and return--ended up taking heads off to swap sides--late night for me and him--

Jerry

[onefastmustang]

Summit racing sells the plug for those holes. They are called thermactor plugs.

[Humbucker]

Thanks for the info. I'll get some on the next order I place with them.