I have 96 f250 with a 351w with 210,000 miles. It is tapping on the right side. Could it be a valve. I first thought it was an exhaust leak. Now im not sure. Motor seems fine otherwise. Doesnt use a lot of oil.

I am thinking of going into the motor. Working the heads and/or a new/re manufactured long block. With this many miles, would working the heads be smart or should I just rebuild the entire motor?

Thanks

Skipper

 

If the truck is in good shape and you plan to keep it for a while more a replacement motor or rebuild would be the best option IMO.

 

If you like the truck and you want to keep it, then a rebuild isn't a bad idea. I've recently been in a situation of either getting a reman block or doing a rebuild and after research and asking around and talking to people it seemed that doing a rebuild was the way to go. I talked to people that have had hands on experience with cheaper remanufactures boring cylinders to different sizes, using different sized pistons, using varied sized bearings, etc... to cut corners so that they can get blocks out the door cheap. I also talked to a local shop that stopped using Jasper engines a couple of years ago because too many people were coming back with issues. After talking to people I found a fairly local rebuild shop with a great reputation, and that's where my engine is now.


As for the tick... It could be a number of things. Lifter (clogged, or not holding oil), rocker arm (damaged or loose), worn out/broken valve spring, chipped valve, who knows... You could try to figure it out and get some more miles out of your engine. It'll probably hold up for a while longer if there doesn't seem to be anything else wrong. But, if you're already got a rebuild/replacement in your head then you could just go ahead and do it.