found an odd stock device on 390 motor today

[cjroddam]

hey guys,

i found a 70 f100 today...i cant remember if its a ranger or not but its got the same motor as in my truck so its the 360/390/428 ...but i was looking at it and saw a very odd device on it....the truck is 100%complete but been sitting for more than 10yrs...the owner died and wife let it sit...but under the hood mounted right under the battery on the fenderwell, there is a large round thing there...its got a couple electrical wires going to it, has a water line from the intake where water can flow into it, then has another hose that runs up directly into the top center of the aircleaner through the top where the wing nut would be on most cleaners...couldnt read much on it but it said 250lbs, and the words Beam 400A, and i think it also said gas chamber on it....ive never seen one of these and it looks like a stock item...im wondering what it is and if it might be something i should grab...thanks

[montana_hiboy]

Sounds like something for a propane conversion, those are most likely gas i.e propane lines, not water lines.

[Happy_Camper]

I'd leave it where it is.
Sounds like the fuel pressure regulator for an *old* LP gas fuel system. It's not factory.
LPG has it's good and bad points.
Pros:
It's clean, and does not contaminate the oil like gasoline, so the oil and mechanicals last longer.
It's easy to service and troubleshoot, once the basics of how it works are understood.
You can run an extra line to the bumper for the B-B-Q at tail gate parties.

Cons:
less BTUs so fuel mileage suffers.
High Octane, so engine needs modifications to get good efficiency
When it gets down in the 20s, (degrees Farenheit), starting can get difficult
Not as easy to find filling stations
Requires a big external fuel tanks, that is normally mounted in the bed
Tanks are under about 250psi when full.

Well that's a short description, but if you do a google search on LP gas conversions, you'll get lots of good information. I'm not sure if Beam is still around. I've dealt mostly with IMPCO for the past 20 years or so. If the truck has only run on propane, the engine is probably in very good condition though, and might be worth looking at.

Good luck!

[cjroddam]

ok then ill leave it be...but the whole motor is 100% rusted over...its complete and sealed but rusted everything under the hood and i mean everything...i just ran down and looked at it again and the last registration for it was in 75'!!

[fordman]

if its all there you could use it for some savings on gas at times.