I just bought a 1996 Ford F250HD 460, E40D, 4x4. The truck has 164k miles on it and runs pretty good, but the 460 has some issues that I need to address.

First off, the 460 idles glass smooth. I mean you can't hardly tell the trucks even running - really surprised me for a big block. It's a 1996 California MAF SFI 460, and overall it runs well. It does seem to lack a little power though. So I went looking and the first thing I noticed is that the distributor is cranked in the advanced direction a bit. The harness connector has a little plastic pin to lock it into a hold on the manifold. It does not reach any longer due to the distributor being rotated further clockwise. It did pass smog yesterday, and they did time it. I'm concerned that perhaps the chain has jumped a tooth or that it has stretch. I know I can pull the cap and rotate the engine both directions and measure the amount of degrees to see what's up. To be honest to be on the safe side, I'd rather just pull the chain and replace it. However I'm a newbie to Fords having been a Chevy guy. How involved is this on my truck? What chain should I use? Should I replace anything else while I'm in there?

Secondly I have an exhaust leak on the drivers side. I located it as the rear most cylinder and figured it was a broken bolt. However to my surprise, all of the bolts were intact. The rear most bolt was loose - I tightened it however then noticed that someone had installed a gasket and it has blown out of position, creating a gap when tightened down. I have a couple of options - remove the last two bolts from the manifold and see if I can cut the gasket and then tighten the manifold down and see if it seals to the head bare without a gasket. My other option is to completely remove the manifold, and either install another gasket or reinstal the manifold bare. Providing the bolts come out (they look a bit rusty), it doesn't look to be a super bad job. Recommendations?

Then there is the smog pump delete pulley. Ford wants $262 list and the cheapest I've found is $192. It's wobbling, and was wondering if anyone has replaced the bearing or knows the part number of a Goodyear Gatorback belt that will fit correctly without the pump pulley. I have a newer 3G alternator if that matters.

Lastly I have some oil leaks. I know the valve covers are leaking, but I also think the intake is leaking at the front and perhaps the back. Is this common or could it be the distributor? It's not like pouring oil out, but it's not dry as a bone either.

Otherwise the truck seems pretty good. 75mph, no problems and drives pretty nicely. The steering is a bit loose, but that's another thread. I would appreciate any help and recommendations on parts for my 96 460 EEC-V.

 

Sounds like you're on the right track. I'd lean towards the timing too. I'm doing heads and timing chain and gears on my 79. Since everythings in my hand I'm replacing the waterpump (even though mine is good) timing cover gaskets, and front main seal.

On the exhaust, I'd take the exhaust manifold off (unbolt) and peplace the whole gasket. Degrease the engine and look to see if you're oil leak is the distributer gasket, or a valve cover.