Ford 400 motor issues?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Burlington, WI
Ford 400 motor issues?
I'm considering buying a 1978 Ford F250 camper special truck with a Ford 400 in it. I've heard that these motors are good for nothing more than guzzling gas while they are stock. Since I have almost no money to work with, is this a half decent motor to work with while it's stock? I've also heard that these things are now where near reliable. Is this true as well? I'm confused.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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No, there is nothing true about that. For the size of the motor & what it moving down the road it doesn't use any more fuel than one should. Reliable, I've seen more than a few through the years with well over 100k on them and still running fine.
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Posting Guru
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From: Burlington, WI
That's a relief. I have the chance to buy a camper special with all the factory options for $800 and all it needs is exhaust and a starter. just wanted to see if it would become a money pit like my other truck.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
They are good motors, but be weary if it has a lot of miles on it (over 100K) and you're not wanting to put money into it. 335-series motors (400 included) are known to have oil pressure issues earlier on because of the order of the oiling system. Stay away from flickering oil lights. However, they will continue running for some time even with next-to-nothing oil pressure.
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Posting Guru
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From: Burlington, WI
This motor has about 130,000 on it and the owner says he hasnt heard the engine run since he got it a few years ago. It's had a bad starter for quite some time. How does that sound?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
I personally wouldn't buy a truck that I couldn't hear fire up and drive around the yard unless it's for parts. $800 is a good deal though. If those miles are original, I would expect pretty low oil pressure at idle by now.
For $800, it's probably not a deal breaker. If the rest of the truck is in good shape, it's probably worth it. If you get the truck and it happens to have oil pressure issues, you could try running 20W50 for a while to see how it does, and if it finally starts knocking, you're in the truck cheap enough that a rebuild would be feasible.
For $800, it's probably not a deal breaker. If the rest of the truck is in good shape, it's probably worth it. If you get the truck and it happens to have oil pressure issues, you could try running 20W50 for a while to see how it does, and if it finally starts knocking, you're in the truck cheap enough that a rebuild would be feasible.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Suburbs of Chicago
I'm with fmc. Don't buy something you don't know if it works or not, especially a big investment like a truck that you plan on driving a lot.
I've got 192k on the clock on mine, and I doubt the engine has been rebuilt. It's definitley tired, but dernit its the most reliable truck in my family. I put some of that lucas oil stabilizer in there. It's like honey its so thick, that prolly helps. I'm in the process of putting a rebuilt engine in one of these days though.
I've got 192k on the clock on mine, and I doubt the engine has been rebuilt. It's definitley tired, but dernit its the most reliable truck in my family. I put some of that lucas oil stabilizer in there. It's like honey its so thick, that prolly helps. I'm in the process of putting a rebuilt engine in one of these days though.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 58
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From: Wyoming
I have a '79 with the 400, all original, and it still gets up and goes. Needs some timing and idle adjustments, but the nice things about these trucks is that most things are easy to fix yourself and parts are readily available, not to mention all the free, excellent tips and help you can get from the FTE forum.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arlington,Wa
I'd Do It!!
800 bux?? Sounds like a good buy to me. I bought a 79 F-350 for 500, cleaned it up, fixed some holes in the floorboards rebuilt the top end (had a 460) and sold it for 1400. I think with these old trucks, anytime you can buy it for less than 1000 and it runs......your doing good. I have the 400 in my truck, and as you can see from my sig its built mildly. I love it. It started as a 351M and in stock trim, yes it was a dog. I put dual exhaust on it, an Edelbrock intake, RV cam (with new timing chain) and a Carter 625. I had guys asking me if it was a 390. 
(I use to do a fair amount of wheelin) Head on over to the 335 series forums and read some posts regarding the 400. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(I use to do a fair amount of wheelin) Head on over to the 335 series forums and read some posts regarding the 400. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Jersey Shore
I have had nothing but good luck w/ my 351m's and 400's for the past 20 yrs.+, ..I run 20w50 oil along w/ a teflon additive called Tuf-oil ...a couple ounces each oil change, this assisted w/ the cold weather starts w/ the thicker viscosity oil and I believe has added some longevity to my Ford fleet, the additive actually increased my mpgs in my wifes car by 5 mpg.. sounds like a sound investment as long as it turns over..
, if you can't do it w/ the starter at least bring some tools to make sure it is not seized...good luck
, if you can't do it w/ the starter at least bring some tools to make sure it is not seized...good luck
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