So, I think my 302 engine (149k miles) is toast. I'm trying to "restore" this truck since the best vehicle is the one you've got, and I finally got around to doing a compression test before I dump any more money into it. My rationale, though, is that if I drop 2-3k bucks into this to get it exactly where I want it I'll have a better vehicle than if I go out and spend the same amount (which is basically what I can afford out of pocket...not looking to get a payment) since most trucks in that price range would probably have the same issues this truck has, both mechanically and cosmetically.

I'm fairly certain I did this right (followed instructions I found online), and the consistency of the readings leads me to believe that's the case.

It drives "fine" in that I have decent power, and can get back and forth to work without problem (5 mile trip one way). The gas mileage is terrible (9mpg), and on cold mornings it has issues starting up right away.

Here are my findings:

Cylinder: Dry/Wet

1: 95/95
2: 85/100
3: 90/100
4: 80/100
5: 70/85
6: 90/110
7: 85/100
8: 90/110

Based on what I've read there's not much positive that can be said about these readings. Seems like every cylinder increases pressure on the wet test (which I read indicates worn rings), and the initial pressure reading on each is at or below 90psi.

So, it looks like a new (to me) engine is in my future. I have never rebuilt one, and I think if I were to go through the trouble of doing that then I'd rather get a 351 that's either passable, or rebuild it and swap them out. I'm all about the educational experience so, while I'd rather be doing something else, I don't mind doing the work myself.

As for my plans otherwise for this truck I think I'll still do them, since again I own this outright and I don't want a payment, and any cost it takes to "restore" this would have to be done again on a truck that fits my budget.

My plans:

Body facelift (fix rust, get painted (using local community college...just paying for materials, make own engine cowl hood, etc)
Auto to Manual swap (purely a matter of personal preference)
Interior facelift (changing color, bench-to-buckets, overhead console, etc)
Exhaust makeover (headers, and all new out the back...not sure details)
Suspension rebuild

I have the benefit of working overtime basically whenever I want so I'm taking this one project at a time, and paying as I go. If the engine really is toast I guess I'll just drive it until it quits, while prepping a new one.

Thanks for your time.

 

I wouldn't pay any attention to those compression readings. If the engine runs good and has decent power, drive it. That engine will probably run a very very long time if you give it a chance to. If you are just driving 5 miles in cold weather and then starting up cold again to drive home in cold weather, your 9 mpg isn't too bad. Hard to say what causes the hard starting in cold weather, I know some here will say the low compression but I'd say something else also.

It sounds like you got money burning a hole in your pocket, but you asked about the compression.

 

Haha, yeah, I'd say burning a hole in my pocket is about right, although really I'm just tired of driving a truck that is rusty (the classic wheel arches, etc), and looks and sounds scuzzy on the inside and out.

I do like the look of the OBS F150's, and if it's worth it I don't mind doing the work and paying the cash to get it looking like it should.

This all started when a headlight went out and I discovered the lens cover was cracked and the headlight was full of water. If I replace one, then I have to replace the other, right? And then I discovered the header panel was broken, and then, and then, and then...haha. My wife hates me. :-)