rebuild kit?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: dayton ohio
rebuild kit?
so I got my 1986 f150 today it has the 4.9 in it and the feedback carb (I think) and it leaks oil really bad and I want to rebuild the engine but I don't know what kit to buy. and I kind of have a small budget 
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
From: SW Colorado
I'm a Freshman user on this board too, but I've been doing vehicles for a long time. If I may, let me suggest that you hold off jumping into a rebuild until after the engine's true condition is better known.
Granted, I don't know anything about your truck (congratulations, BTW), but sometimes what appears to be an ugly situation turns out to be not nearly so serious. Regardless, even if it does need a rebuild, it's best to know what is actually going on so you have a better idea of what to look for while the engine is apart.
What's it actually doing, and where is the oil coming from?
Granted, I don't know anything about your truck (congratulations, BTW), but sometimes what appears to be an ugly situation turns out to be not nearly so serious. Regardless, even if it does need a rebuild, it's best to know what is actually going on so you have a better idea of what to look for while the engine is apart.
What's it actually doing, and where is the oil coming from?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Oil in the air filter is generally caused by a bad PCV valve allowing oil mist to find its way into the air filter housing. I never been able to stop it completly changing the PCV but a new PCV has reduced the amount of oil soaking into the filter for the PCV.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I agree with Chris, and I rep'd him for his statement. Just because an engine leaks oil doesn't mean it is worn out. It means that the gaskets are leaking. Only something like a leak-down test can ascertain the condition of the internal parts.
I would thoroughly clean the engine and engine compartment. Usually that requires several cans of engine degreaser and a few trips to the car wash, but you really need to get it clean. Then determine what is causing each leak. Sometimes a leak can be slowed, if not stopped, by snugging up the bolts. But other times it will require removing and replacing the gasket, although you might want to wait on that to see what the internal condition of the engine is.
To do that you should do, or have done, a leak-down test. That will tell you a lot about the rings, valves, and head gasket. If that says the engine is badly worn then turn your thoughts to rebuilding, which will cost at least $1000 and probably almost twice that much. But, the 300 six is one tough engine so you may find that it'll serve you well in its current condition if the leaks are stopped.
I would thoroughly clean the engine and engine compartment. Usually that requires several cans of engine degreaser and a few trips to the car wash, but you really need to get it clean. Then determine what is causing each leak. Sometimes a leak can be slowed, if not stopped, by snugging up the bolts. But other times it will require removing and replacing the gasket, although you might want to wait on that to see what the internal condition of the engine is.
To do that you should do, or have done, a leak-down test. That will tell you a lot about the rings, valves, and head gasket. If that says the engine is badly worn then turn your thoughts to rebuilding, which will cost at least $1000 and probably almost twice that much. But, the 300 six is one tough engine so you may find that it'll serve you well in its current condition if the leaks are stopped.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: dayton ohio
thanks gary, next thing to do is a major engine cleaning btw it burns oil real bad to. how should I check what that is?
btw it burns oil real bad to. how should I check what that is?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
If the rings are bad then a rebuild is necessary. But sometimes it isn't the rings but the PCV system that is causing the crankcase to become pressurized and force oil into the cylinders as well as past the gaskets. So check out the PCV system as well as clean.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Does it blow a big huff of smoke when ya first start it for the day? Than clear up some after it warms up? This would be valve guide seals and
doesn't generally denote an engine overhaul either. Again this is just a gasket or seal and doesn't mean the engine need a complete overhaul.
The leak down test or a simple compression test can and will tell us a lot.
Most likely all ya really need is some new gaskets and seals. That is a very long service engine and can go several hundred thousand miles.
doesn't generally denote an engine overhaul either. Again this is just a gasket or seal and doesn't mean the engine need a complete overhaul.
The leak down test or a simple compression test can and will tell us a lot.
Most likely all ya really need is some new gaskets and seals. That is a very long service engine and can go several hundred thousand miles.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: dayton ohio
Does it blow a big huff of smoke when ya first start it for the day? Than clear up some after it warms up? This would be valve guide seals and
doesn't generally denote an engine overhaul either. Again this is just a gasket or seal and doesn't mean the engine need a complete overhaul.
The leak down test or a simple compression test can and will tell us a lot.
Most likely all ya really need is some new gaskets and seals. That is a very long service engine and can go several hundred thousand miles.
doesn't generally denote an engine overhaul either. Again this is just a gasket or seal and doesn't mean the engine need a complete overhaul.
The leak down test or a simple compression test can and will tell us a lot.
Most likely all ya really need is some new gaskets and seals. That is a very long service engine and can go several hundred thousand miles.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 0
From: Haysville, KS
If you are talking a true rebuild, you're also talking machine work; clean and check block, bore / hone cylinders, cylinder head work, deck block and head, maybe even line bore and then there is crank and cam work. Once that is done, the 'rebuild' starts..
On the other hand, if you are just replacing gaskets and seals; there are plenty of gasket kits out there.
I'm a big fan of do it once and do it right; I'd hold off on the rebuild until you have the funds and know what the real issues are.
That said; I have a 4.9 sitting in the bed of my truck that I'm just getting ready to rebuild... I must be crazy..
On the other hand, if you are just replacing gaskets and seals; there are plenty of gasket kits out there.
I'm a big fan of do it once and do it right; I'd hold off on the rebuild until you have the funds and know what the real issues are.
That said; I have a 4.9 sitting in the bed of my truck that I'm just getting ready to rebuild... I must be crazy..
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: dayton ohio
So i found out today i have to replace like every gasket on the engine plus it most likely needs piston rings. It smokes like a diesel when i start it and when im giving it gas while driving
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
While it is probable that you need to replace the rings, it is still possible that a plugged PCV system can cause it to burn oil. I would check things out as previously suggested before tearing into the engine. A rebuild will cost more than $1000 if you assemble the engine.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
Also, since you have just aquired the truck, it is possible the oil needs replacing. Since Summer, try using a 15W40 [i.e. Rotella] and a good oil filter [Motorcraft Fl-1A] and see if the smoking lessens.
The recommended weight of oil is 10W30, but with wear, clearances increase and the thicker oil can help. By the way, the oil and filter change requires 6 quarts.
The recommended weight of oil is 10W30, but with wear, clearances increase and the thicker oil can help. By the way, the oil and filter change requires 6 quarts.