Hello all,

I have a 1998 F150 with 120K miles that died on me.

I fear that the engine is seized, because it won't turn over. The oil dipstick is dry, however, the oil gauge did not indicate anything was wrong?? No knocking was ever heard.

I took the starter out, which is good. I tried turning the engine from the crankshaft bolt where the pulleys are, but it just won't turn. By the way I also took out the sparkplugs. So now I am stuck thinking that the engine is seized. Is there anything else I should try??

If the engine is indeed seized, what are my options?

I guess I could look for a salvage engine, but how can I be sure that engine will last?

Can anyone suggest a good engine rebuilder. I am in the Chicagoland area.
What should I expect a rebuild engine to cost me?

Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

Have you tried turning it with the belt off? I had an alternator lock up once and the belt wouldn't slip and I thought the engine was locked up.

Here is a thread on replacements :https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ongblocks.html

 

Exactly, take the belt off, I've had an alternator and an A/C compressor lock up and kept the engine from turning. Both times I was worried the engine had siezed until I took the belt off.

 

Thanks for your suggestions.

I pulled the serpentine belt off and tried to turn the motor. Unfortunately no luck. I am certain that the engine is seized. I added 2 quarts of oil, thinking that the dipstick will actually have oil on it, but still nothing.

I am looking for a rebuilt engine now and I would like to know if what kind of experience to expect.
So far I saw Jasper Engine ($3044), PowerPro2000 Engine($2375), Rhino Engine ($2375)... What others should I be looking at?

Which one should I choose? I am not familiar with engine rebuilders, so how do I know which one is better than the other? Is Jasper much better, does $600 more get me a much better engine?

If anyone has any experiences, I would appreciate knowing (good or bad).

Thank you.

 

I don't know much about rebuilt engines, if it were me I would look for a low mileage salvage. I got one for mine that had 11,000 miles on it cost around 1200 dollars. It has about 140,000 miles and still runs well.

If you decide to go with rebuilt, I would consider the warranty that comes with it.
There might not be alot of difference between the engines but the warranty could be longer on the higher cost ones.

 

Well you have a choice to make, are you going to keep the truck for a few more years? If so go with a reman engine. If your going to get rid of the truck then go the cheaper route.

I just put a new long block reman engine from FORD into my 99 F 150 with a 4.6 and 85k miles about a month ago. (See post on Weird 4.6 blown headgasket) It cost me $4500.00 to have the FORD dealership do the job. The long block cost about $3200.00 and $1080.00 labor. I had to replace one exhaust manifold, because it was warped and the EGR tube also, so that is how the $4500.00 came about.

I priced other remans and salvage yard take outs. I figured I would spend the $$ and have a FORD reman installed by them. It came with a 3 year/75000 mile warranty also. Heck that is longer than they warranty a brand new $30000 truck. And I do not have to have the new truck payments either. lol