what do u guys think
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: tinley park
what do u guys think
So I saw an add on CL for a running 272 y block out of a 1956 f500 fire truck,contacted guy he said it ran 10 years ago when he pulled it. It has 4000 miles on,he did a oil pressure test came back at 40 idle and 60 reved up,also says has good compression. He also stated he ran some deisl in it when he stored it just to coat the valves and rockers, he's askin 1000 for it which I think its high,why do u guys think. It's going in a1956 f100
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Running and "ran 10 years ago when it was parked/pulled" is two completely different animals. If it can't be started/run or pulled down to verify condition prior to purchase, I'd assume the worse and consider it no more than a core worth no more than maybe 300.00. IMHO 1000.00 is a lot of money for a used engine unless it was a fresh rebuild by a reputable rebuilder with documentation.
There is a guy here locally that bought a "running when parked, then rebuilt" honda motor. When he pulled it down it only had 2 pistons in it and the 2 that were there had no rings!
A fire truck engine typically would have low mileage, but would likely have many hundreds of hours of running/idling time which can be more deadly to a motor of that era.
There is a guy here locally that bought a "running when parked, then rebuilt" honda motor. When he pulled it down it only had 2 pistons in it and the 2 that were there had no rings!
A fire truck engine typically would have low mileage, but would likely have many hundreds of hours of running/idling time which can be more deadly to a motor of that era.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
It's a good story and it may be worth the gamble. If you absolutely need a Y-block, then why not explain the risk you are taking and offer him $350? The worst thing that will happen is he'll say no. If it was me, I would look for a 351. They are much lighter and the rebuild parts and supplies are much cheaper. Good luck, Jag
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
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From: Kalamazoo MI
I just picked up a Y-block under similar circumstances for $375 and that was against my better judgement. Sadly, many "arm-chair" mechanics and collectors think they are sitting on gold but yet they haven't done anything with the item they have. "10 years ago" often means 20 or more years and often there is a reason they were parked in the first place. Not saying the guy is lying but I also have seen so-called "oil pressure numbers" given out by sellers that aren't true. Unless I see an engine running (whether on video or in person), I assume the worse. Offer the guy real cash at $300, maybe $350. If he says no then walk. Y-blocks aren't like 351's, etc. They are more expensive to rebuild and don't give you more advantages over a more modern approach. Also it is not like there are 50 guys lined up to buy a y-block. Good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,295
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From: NM
Fire truck engines don't typically get a lot of use. Where else are you going to find an engine that will drop right in, factory original (not rebuilt) with that low of usage? Work with the guy, get him to agree to take it back if you get it in and running and it's NG. Any money you save buying any other engine you'll spend adapting it to the trans and frame, probably 2X - 3X. A different engine almost certainly means a new trans, new motor and trans mounts, mods to the clutch linkage.... 
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,291
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From: Lancaster county, PA
I agree a 1000.00 dollars is way too much! Keep looking if you really want a Y Block there out there, my one 56 has a stock 223 strait 6 and my other truck also a 56 had no motor in it so I did a 302 crate motor and c-4 tranny. Good luck with your project which ever way you go!
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Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: W. Central FL.
IMO, way too much for a 272 Y block based only on what the seller is saying. The last couple engines I've bought used seemed good to OK initially but both needed serious work. Luckily, I only paid core values for both. Even examination with a bore scope, there could be problems you won't see. With low mileage and unknown hours, there could be valve and head problems due to oil coking in the galleys. Y blocks notorious for this problem.
If this replacement is to replace an existing engine, why not have it rebuilt? Then you know what you have. Rebuilding a Y block is not cheap but a thousand dollars will go a long way.
Next, I'll ask, what do you envision for the truck? Daily around town driver or interstate cruiser?
If this replacement is to replace an existing engine, why not have it rebuilt? Then you know what you have. Rebuilding a Y block is not cheap but a thousand dollars will go a long way.
Next, I'll ask, what do you envision for the truck? Daily around town driver or interstate cruiser?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Agreed it may be a particularly good engine based on its past use, bit it's still a pig in a poke no way around that. It will still need quite a bit of work, maybe not a rebuild. So maybe a few hundred.
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From: tinley park
Well my plan is a weekend driver that we can have fun in, the guy owns a trucking company and is a truck mechanic,yada yada yada. I already have the mounts and the transmission.etc,but 300-350 seems like a reasonable offer,I just wana get the truck running. Also if he's says no I will look for something else.
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