Hi guys, can anyone tell me what the vertical pipe is, that can be seen down between the 3rd and 4th inlet manifold branch.', looking from the front of the engine. Also, has anyone had problems with aluminium expansion tanks leaking? I can see traces of steam coming from underneath my tank. I have only recently bought the car, and think that the tank is a Bailey item. If it is failing, I t would be useful to know whether another ali tank or the original Ford item would be the best bet. Regards John .

 

That vertical pipe sounds like part of the crankcase breather system, as the kidney box is around that area.
If it is the tank leaking, and not a bodged loose clip to stop the blown headgasket showing, then just get it welded, there's no reason they should leak, as such little pressure in them, but a lot of bodges done to cars with head gasket trouble to disguise it, hope your's isn't one of them.
tabetha

 

Sounds like the breather port from the sump. Not sure on the tanks.

 

Thanks people. I have identified a pinhole leak on a bottom weld on the tank , can get that sorted. I think the engine is straight as the previous owner is a member of the RS club, and the car is well known within the club. Should the breather pipe have a filter or some sort of cap to stop foreign bodies entering the engine?. Regards John.

 

If the breather is the standard Ford one, it should be routed into the airbox (if you still have one)

 

If it's from the kidney box it is routed through a valve(one way) into the side of the plenum cover right in the middle.
tabetha

 

Original airbox gone. Bloody great cone filter in its place.