I have an '89 E-350 cutaway cargo truck with a 460 engine. It's been going through oil (along with gas!) at an increasing rate lately, then last night it sadly, overheated and died. I'm going to retrieve it this morning and see if I can determine the issue, but I've been considering replacing the engine for some time anyway. A couple of questions, first, given the location of the engine, what has to be done to physically remove it and install the new one? Second, the 460 is an unfriendly and very thirsty beast. Will a different, perhaps smaller, and newer engine work for me without major modifications? Thanks!

 

Depending on what you haul or tow could a rebuilt 351 W motor work? Is it possible the transmission could be not too far behind in needing refreshed too?

I don't see your mileage posted but the symptoms and increased gas/oil consumption might have been a fatal event this time.

 

Thanks for your reply. I actually just got back from checking it out, and as it turns out, it appears it was just a bad radiatior cap gasket that was responsible for the overheating. It ran just fine after refilling it with coolant, and it ran cool-I'm still considering the engine changeout, or an overhaul of some sort to address the massive oil consumption, but just wondered what kind of additional difficulties and costs would be incurred because of the placement of the engine. Does the doghouse have to be removed to get it out, or get to it for major surgery? My mechanic is on vacation and I don't have a trusted source of information at the moment. I have no clue of the actual mileage since the odometer only has 5 digits, but you're right, the transmission could be suspect as well. No clue if a 351 would work, but I'd certainly be interested in finding out.

 

Take all this with a grain of salt------I've never done this myself but have a bit of experience dismantling collision damaged vehicles.....

Typically the van's would require removing most of the front end; grill, radiator & support and possibly but not necessarily the hood too---anything in the way of pulling the engine straight forward to clear the frame etc. The intake can be removed in order to attach the engine crane lifting sling giving a bit more clearance between the heads and windshield cowl panel---this may be a necessary step anyway. Removing the exhaust manifolds may not be necessary but detaching them from the exhaust system can't be avoided. The crank style engine sling allowing the block to be tilted on its way out has to be a huge advantage too.

Some pull the transmission at the same time and in your case might be wise since it would be a good time to have it refreshed-----kinda crazy to re-install it behind a new or refreshed engine only to have it take a dump shortly after all this other work and expense.

I would think the van frame would easily accomodate the smaller block 351 Windsor if that's your choice although the front springs might seem a bit stiff with the reduced weight. Existing exhaust system most likely won't match up so that would require replacing---one more expense. Radiator connections probably won't align either---alternator and a/c compressor would also need addressing.

Playing devil's advocate maybe first contact a few local engine machine shops that come with recommendations from several different sources----they'll most likely have some sort of exchange package deal for youd. Give them your old engine and in trade they'd give you a fully ready to go long block with a guarantee of some sort. I know you're looking for better gas mileage but driven carefully the 460 in theory would be better since you're working it less hard than the smaller CID 351. This makes a lot of sense but of course your right foot has to go on a diet! Every time the urge to mash the pedal arises think of having an egg just under your foot.

Tough choice but it eventually comes down to how much money you have or want to spend on changing the engine size. Don't know I've been helpful but your trusted mechanic will have some good ideas of his own---and prices to go with them too!

Best of luck----

 

How much oil is it using and are you sure its not leaking?

 

If your hauling heavy....stay with the 460....


Even with a smaller engine, doesn't mean you'll gain any mpg. If your hauling heavy, you'll work the 351 overtime, making it gubble gas.


Match engine to load - engine will live longer, and give maximum mpg.



If your a light loader, 351 should do fine, but don't forget, you'll also need a new transmission for the 351. 460 has the big block bell housing witch only includes the 400/429/460.


You'll need a small block tranny for the 351, witch will have to come off any truck/van with a 300-6cy, 302 or 351.



What tranny does it have now? The 3 speed C6 or the 4 speed E4OD?

 

It's going through a quart every 100 miles or so. Conservatively....probably more often than that. No-there's no leak involved, and it actually runs reasonably well, and the confusing part is that even though that much oil is disappearing, it smokes very little. You'd think if it was burning that much oil, there'd be blue cloud behind me everywhere I go. There isn't.

 

Have you checked the PCV system? Might be clogged, causing your oil burning....

 

It has the 3 speed transmission. I use it primarily to haul PA equipment for a band I perform with. Its cargo box is actually on the small side, only 11 feet, but we load it up pretty full, with some pretty heavy equipment. Thanks for the feedback on the smaller engine. Sounds like I should stick with the 460, all things considered.

 

Do you have an idea on total weight when loaded?

 

No, I haven't checked out the PCV system, but that sounds like a nice place to start. I have no clue of the actual weight, but I'd guess it approaches a couple of tons-a lot of very heavy speakers, amps, etc.

By the way, thanks for your input, I appreciate it.

 

I wouldn't put a 351 in it my e350 cutaway has a 351 in it. It gets 8mpg and can't get out of its own way. I think I would rather get 6-7mpg with the 460 and be able to get the thing to move.

I'm in the same boat mine leaks oil from every gasket possible. Its time to just replace it.