QUESTION:
Which engine rebuilder is reputable? I would rather not have to use the warranty.

This is regarding the truck in my sig: 1980 I-6 4.9L / 300 CID

We got my boy's F-150 running again when we heard a bang and then it would just spin over and had poor compression (measured 30psi vs ~100+psi a short time ago). We suspect either a timing gear broke or maybe something on the bottom end. We will drop the oil pan first to see if there is any metal or see any busted rods, etc. then take off the timing gear cover and look at that. Everything looks good under the valve cover. If it is the timing gear and all else is good, we will re-gasket it, too.

If it is catastrophic, we will put in a new (to the truck) engine. My neighbor votes for a junk yard engine, claims it is a $400 deal. I looked around, they are not so common and prices go from $400 up to over $1000 for a junk yard engine. I am not sure what the right answer is and I am not in a position to do the rebuild my own self.

 

Given the less than overwhelming response, I consulted the online Magic 8-Ball, gave it a virtual shake.

Me: "Am I likely to find a good rebuilt I-6 for my boy's 1980 F-150?"
Magic 8-Ball: "Outlook not so good."

I guess I'll keep asking around and maybe focus on local shops.

 

jfruser,,
love your 8-ball answer...funny.

I always hate to reply to questions like this as ALL engine situations are different and I am not a engine builder.
Some guys have deep pockets and just take the truck to a shop and have it rebuilt and just pay and drive away.
Guys like me, pull the engine, tare it down, find out what is required, have machine shop do work the block.
buy needed parts and put back together.
I always figured if I rebuild my engine, I know what I have. On a used engine,, WHO KNOWS what history that engine has....
All I got.
Alex

 

I am not set up to do the rebuild my own self. Just not enough space under cover.

We could, however, manage a swap. My neighbor favors a junk yard engine. I could live with that, but those engines are not common in junk yards anymore and can get costly quick. When the cost of a junk yard engine approaches that of a commercial rebuilt engine, I am tempted toward the rebuilt engine. Maybe that is not the right way to think. Not sure, as I have not done this before.

 

There is a member in the 80 - 86 truck area that got a rebuilt from local parts store.
It was a v8 but otherwise you could search or ask the question over there to find who he went thru.

I think the hardest part of rebuildig it yourself is finding a machine shop as a lot of them have closed up.
Dave ----

 

If you decide to drop in a junkyard engine ask yourself what you will do if:
IT HAS A REAR MAIN SEAL OIL LEAK?
IT OVERHEATS?
IT HAS A KNOCK?
IT HAS LOW OIL PRESSURE?
IT HAS LOW COMPRESSION?

Even if it has a warranty that could mean pulling it back out and returning it to the place of purchase.
I sure would sleep better knowing all those scenarios were addressed prior to installation.

 

If the timing gear broke, then the distributor will not turn or turn consistently.
Does the distributor turn when you crank the engine over?

 

Not sure. I think I need to go out and try this.