Engine is out, what to do before install

dreo2003 · Feb 8, 2008

hey guys,

I'm swapping a new (used) engine in my 85 F250. the guy at the yard says it has 100k miles on it, its a 351W HO and it cost me $350. good deal or no??
im thinking about what i should do with the motor while i have it out. what do you guys think i should do?

the truck

some pics of the engine i got.

Storm · Feb 8, 2008

Uh..

Major clean up.. Paint the headers.. I'd clean it all up honestly..

Andyman8282 · Feb 8, 2008

Yeah, I'd probably clean'er up and replace all those wires/hoses. Might wanna re-seal the gaskets too and throw on as many "new" moving parts as possible.

How many more $'s you wanna throw at it?

dreo2003 · Feb 8, 2008

yea im definitely going to clean the thing up before i throw it in there. its just that its been really cold and i haven't had a chance to go up there. the most i want to spend is $500. the blown engine in the truck now has a holly 650 carb on it. i don't know which carb this new engine has. i was thinking i would swap the carbs. instead of painting the stock exhaust manifolds i was thinking maybe just get new longtube headers. what do you guys think?

d-kuzmen · Feb 8, 2008

I would reseal the engine while it's out, change all the gaskets. (except the head gaskets) Check the t-chain, and mabe pull to cam and check that for any wear issues. Now is the easiest time to do that type of stuff, why wait to install it that the rear main leaks because it go dry and brittle.

Skandocious · Feb 8, 2008

Yup, check the cam and maybe pull the valve covers off and make sure everything is okey dokey. And you'll probably want to put on longtubes now if you're on doing that later.

eco · Feb 8, 2008

What to do while it's out?

I would have to say...everything.

lil_dq · Feb 8, 2008

I would check into a serpentine belt conversion for it I really like only having to replace one belt!

msb71 · Feb 8, 2008

New manifold , gaskets , wiring , vacuum hoses, paint , longtube headers, list could go on.

Mike

money_pit · Feb 9, 2008

If the truck it's going into has a auto then I'd put a front tc seal in the trans.

Lost · Feb 10, 2008

Good luck on swap . Like said do the gaskets the rear seal especially. Clean house in engine compartment that is a nice looking truck my favorite color combo Black on black with black pin strips . Oww and chrome.

dreo2003 · Feb 11, 2008

thanks for all the help everyone. thanks for the compliment lostin90s. i'll replace the gaskets and seals when it gets a warmer. i'm doing this all outside so i have to rely on the weather. i still have to take the old engine out. i was thinking after i do the swap, i would take my time and rebuild the engine that i take out. does that look like the right engine (the guy said its a 351W out of an '85 econoline) and did i get a good deal ($350)?

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Engine is out, what to do before install

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