sdmartin65

I'd throw a battery in and run it as is, see what other issues you have. If you feel good about it at that point I'd go with a used motor.

fltdriver

For the price difference of your new quote and a used engine I wouldn't even waste time with buying a used one. That's about what it costs around here to have someone do a rebuild if you tear it out/down and put it back in.

Also agree with tearing into it first to figure out what exactly is wrong.

sdmartin65

The $900 quote still needs a cam, other misc parts and heads? Redone heads cost $500 depending on options in my area. Rebuild would add up quick, lot of money for a scrap yard truck.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Plus 100+ for a gasket kit, 60 - 70 for head bolts (you can't re-use them), 250 to regrind the heads, unless that's included in your quote.
With new pistons, the engine has to be balanced (rebalanced, as the counterweights don't match the pistons anymore) otherwise your new bearings won't last very long. The whole assembly has to be sent out for that. Probably about 500 there.
So like sdmartin65 said - rebuild's gonna add up quick.
Which is fine, but once you stuff that shiny new motor in there for all that money, you'll pretty much be committed to fixing everything else on the truck that might be wrong.
As to the used motor, 100k is pretty low for these trucks, they're usually good for at least 300 before they need a rebuild.

ebrobb

OK, Thanks again for the replies, and I have some news to report, sorry I was extremely busy over the weekend, and didn't get a chance to log on and reply.


I did stick a battery in the truck and turned on the key to see the actual miles on the truck. 173,500. Which is pretty much what I thought.


Also, and I didn't explain this before, I can't just fire it up as is, because the original engine is partially disassembled. The PO began tearing it apart while still in the truck when it began to make those 'bad noises' he described. He either ran out of time, money, or knowledge or a combo of all of the above.


After poking around under the hood, some more Saturday, he has stuff strung everywhere, bolts and nuts are scattered around under the hood and on the floor of the cab. He did bag and label some stuff, but he apparently pulled all the push rods (which I didn't notice before, I knew the valve covers were off, but I didn't notice he had pulled all the pushrods) and I can only find 4 of the 16. So now I'm wondering how many more parts are missing.


I think trying to put it back together and hear it run, is going to be a waste of time, as he already said it has a knock/rattle or something going on.


And he has hoses and wires pulled off everywhere, I am going to have all kinds of fun trying to figure out what goes where. Also, I noticed he busted a couple of the sensors trying to get the wiring loom off, he must have got pissed and just busted them, instead of figuring out how to disconnect the wiring. In all, the upper intake, distributor, valve covers, and pushrods have been torn off the engine.


Also, I have several things I would like to do before winter shows up, so I don't think I'm going to have much time at all to work on it over the next several weeks. It may just sit until spring, or I may just throw it up on craigslist and if someone gives me what I paid for it, they can figure out what to do with the truck.


Also, there are several f-150's in my area that while rusty they are said to run good, and it seems like they can be bought for $1200-1500. Even with a used motor I would have more than that invested just trying to get this one running, and as it has been pointed out, it may need some more repair besides just the engine. So I'm starting to think maybe I just cut my losses now, and get rid of it before I even start messing with it, instead of getting in over my head, and spending way more than what the truck is worth.


Thanks again.

ebrobb

OK, another update.


I have decided to just put the non running truck back up for sale and not even begin working on it.


With the motor needing replaced and who knows what else, I just don't want to start down that road.


And some of my family members have been irked that I even bought the truck to begin with, namely my wife and my Father-in-law.


So I am going to put it up on the local craigslist and just hope to get my money back out of it for a parts truck or fixer upper.


If I have to call the scrap yard and have them come get it I will if it doesn't sell in a month or so.


Thanks again for all the replies and opinions.


BTW, the truck will be listed on the Des Moines Craigslist if anyone is interested.