Hello everyone! Just bought a new (to me) 1987 F250 7.5L 460 with a BORG WARNER T-19 and 4WD for only a couple hundred bucks because it isn't running. Only has 83,xxx but it was used hard as a plow truck by people who didn't take care of it and may have blown the transmission according to who I bought it from..

My question is what is the best way to bring it back to life on a budget? I don't have much mechanical experience but have been working at a shop as a lube tech for awhile assisting with engine rebuilds and have been working on small engines in my spare time and feel comfortable tackling just about anything at this point.

Currently I have installed a new battery, removed spark plugs, sprayed penetrating oil in the cylinders and turned it over by hand a few times. Tried to start it from the ignition module with no luck so I shorted out the starter solenoid and it turns over from the starter. However, after checking for spark from the distributer and starter coil, I'm not getting anything. Also the wiring harness is a complete mess with shorted wires and loose butt connections everywhere. So, I'm thinking its an electrical issue. What should I do next? Also, tips and tricks for bringing one of these back to life? I just want to get it running right now to see if the transmission is blown (Not sure if you can blow up a manual trans besides just the clutch?). Anyway parts are hella cheap for these engines so I'm hoping I can get a decent running 4wd truck for under $1,000! Thanks ahead of time!

 

They carbed an 87? That should be EFI

First things first you need to repair bad wiring. If you youtube wiring you can learn to repair what has been done.


if you think the transmission is gone, have a transmission shop look at it. it needs to be properly diagnosed.

 

My best advice is buy a book and follow the diagnosis procedures.

Always diagnose before throwing parts at a car. you can replace everything and still not have it running if u dont diagnose.