I have a 1987 F-150 4x4 with 115,600 miles that is acting quite tired. The truck is all original having a 351 Windsor 4V and a C6. I have a Ford buddy who says the engine and tranny are "good stuff". I bought the truck with 89,000 miles on it and the oil pressure has slowly declined since I bought it and is pretty poor currently. I replaced the vavle cover gaskets this past summer which helped oil consumption but it appears to still leak some from the oil pan area, most likely bottom end seals. I know the oil level got a little too low earlier in the summer as I forgot to keep and eye on it for my wife, she was driving it until I got her a van.

The stock 4V carb has been rebuilt twice, a Holley manufactured for Ford, that I've been told is pretty much junk. I have been getting very poor fuel mileage and the truck has poor power. The truck runs very poorly until it is well warmed up (carb I expect) and when it is warmed up it still doesn't have much get up and go but it doesn't skip or miss. My dad has a mechanic who looked at it and said the motor is just tired out and needs rebuilt. He said it is common, in his experience, that these engines get sludged up pretty good and wear the bearings requiring a good rebuild around 100,000 miles. My truck fits this description well as the valve covers and heads had a fair amount of sludge buildup when I changed the gaskets. I plan to check the compression on the engine and was wondering if anyone knows what that should be for this engine. I expect to find it to be low and am trying to decide what to do. I don't use the truck a lot but when I do I tow an enclosed sled trailer and two sleds 3 hours each way to snow in NY. I also use the truck for working, hauling whatever and can't justify a newer truck as this one is in good shape other than the engine. Any ideas on rebuilding and any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Dec-01 AT 07:32 AM (EST)]First I would say if you can be without a second vehicle for awhile then pull it and rebuild it. Second if you can't and are not really that up to speed on mechanics I would say pay a visit to Auto Zone(it was western auto when I was in the states?) they offer rebuilds pretty cheap they come in a few options along with some mods to them, and a warranty. Engines are an easy job just sit down and figure out what you want then start reading about the parts ie Summit catalogs and price compare and then go from there. Then when you order them take it out and apart.....make sure you have a bunch of coffee cans and bins and maticulously label the parts. Send the block to have whatever machine work needs to be done. I would recommend a new intake (Edelbrock Performer and matching carb) a mild cam, Clevite 77 bearings, and Keith Black Hyper Eutechtic(sp?) pistons with at least a single moly ring. Going 30 over with the pistons would be a wise choice. Also having the whole thing blue printed and balanced would be good it will run better with better response and the engine wear will be less with better wear characteristics. As far as puttin in some extra $ I would say something like the Trick Flow semi twist wedge or Edelbrock Performer heads. The Edelbrock would be better so all components match.While you are at it maybe a new crank. If you are not gettin' new heads at least get the old ones cleaned up and the seats re-cut. I know this will start a fued but go with an Edelbrock carb, they are less finicky and easier to fiddle with. If you do get a Holley e-mail me at jrjohnson717(No Email Addresses In Posts!) so I can give you a few pointers on how to make them work better. If you do get a Holley make sure its the double pump version you will be happier. Oh yeah Summit Racing offers complete re-build kits with alot of the stuff I have mentioned. Buy a new high volume oil pump, AND a set of new gaskets maybe Fel-Pro. Also check your valve springs, hell just buy a new set they should be replaced ayways its about that time. I do hope this was what you were lookin for and not a whole bunch of extra jargon. If it was what you needed you can email me anyways I am interested in how it goes, also you can rate me if you wish lol. Man I do envy you I love buildin' engines, just no point in doin it every other week.

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