76 F-250
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76 F-250
Just bought a 76 F-250 "supercab" 2WD. Engine code is "M" which is a 390, right? What is the hp rating for this engine? Is it a good builder for a workhorse truck? The engine is "frozen" from sitting for 6 years, what is the best way to unfreeze it, short of pulling is out and disassembly? I'm new to Ford products so go easy on me
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From: Houston/Hope BC
If the valve covers have an angle on the top, as opposed to a flat surface, it is a 360/390..... most likely 390. My Chiltons does not show any code "M", is this off the VIN or the engine identifier label? Squirt some marvel mystery oil in the plug holes, let it soak, and try breaking it loose with a breaker bar on the balancer bolt. 390's are a good series and make a good working engine. 76 was last year of production. No HP number available in my book. GL
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That's what I've heard so I will give it a try.
What is the best way to confirm this is a 390. The fella I bought it from said it is a 460, but it doesn't match the vin for a 460. Should I just measure the stroke TDC to BDC, or are there other visual differences.
What is the best way to confirm this is a 390. The fella I bought it from said it is a 460, but it doesn't match the vin for a 460. Should I just measure the stroke TDC to BDC, or are there other visual differences.
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From: Houston/Hope BC
I have limited experience with other than 400's. Try a search here on "identifying 460" or some such. There are many questions all the time on identifing unknown engines in various forums, I'm sure it has been covered in detail.
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390 is part of the FE family. It is an illustrious family. Includes 352, 360, 390, 410, 427 (as in shelby cobras) and 428. The FE has 1 easily distinguishing feature. The intake manifold extends under the valve covers. This design was to allow more of the port that is usually part of the head to be in the manifold and could be modified with a new manifold.
Odds are yours is either a 390 or a 360. There is no easy way to tell the two other than measuring the stroke with a dowel comparing TDC to BDC. I think the measurements are 3.5 for a 360 and 3.75 for a 390, but check for other threads to be sure. It has been posted many times.
The mystery oil is a good idea for breaking it loose but don't be surprised if the rings are shot shortly after you do. It's not the fault of the motor but more of the fact it siezed. The FE makes a very good truck motor.
Congrats and good luck.
Odds are yours is either a 390 or a 360. There is no easy way to tell the two other than measuring the stroke with a dowel comparing TDC to BDC. I think the measurements are 3.5 for a 360 and 3.75 for a 390, but check for other threads to be sure. It has been posted many times.
The mystery oil is a good idea for breaking it loose but don't be surprised if the rings are shot shortly after you do. It's not the fault of the motor but more of the fact it siezed. The FE makes a very good truck motor.
Congrats and good luck.
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