rebuilding a 351m
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Williamsport, PA
rebuilding a 351m
I have a 351M that i am considering having rebuilt. How much would that cost? Also, what would the cost be just to have the valves, lifters, and cam replaced?
Would having the heads rebuilt be easier?
thanks,
Dan
79 F-250 4x4
Would having the heads rebuilt be easier?
thanks,
Dan
79 F-250 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 198
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From: Rocky Point, North Carol
It really depends on how extensive you want to go with your build. Ebay is a great source for parts if you don't want to spend too much money. What is the condition of the engine now? (i.e. good compression, does it turn over, burn oil, etc.) Are you building it to get more HP out, or because it doesn't run now?
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Junior User
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From: South Williamsport, PA
The engine runs pretty good. It has lost some power that i would like to regain. It burns some oil but not so much that I am worried about fixing it immediatly. I think most of my problems are in the valvetrain but I don't have the time to start tearing it apart on my own. Any idea of the cost of having a mechanic work on the vavles and heads?
Dan
Dan
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 198
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From: Rocky Point, North Carol
You would have to get an estimates. Cost can depend on area, who does it, and whether or not the motor is still in the truck. I know I was quoted 550 to spin the cylinders, replace the mains, cam, and rod bearings, do a three angle valve job on the heads, replace the timing chain, and reassemble the lower end. That was with me bringing the motor in torn down, and buying my own parts. I think they wanted about 75 bucks a head for the 3 angle valve job. This may or may not be accurate for where you live!!!???
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From: PacNW
You need to be a little bit cautious about rebuilding the heads and putting them on a high mileage bottom end. The additional stress caused by the top end having good compression can result in excessive blowby past the rings and in some cases I've seen the PCV system get overwhelmed and the engine start spewing oil out the dipstick tube. It doesn't happen all the time but it pays to be aware.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Williamsport, PA
hey bill, thanks for the advice. I will definitly check that out. Could a mechanic check out the rings when the heads are off to see if they are in good enough shape to handle the compression?
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From: PacNW
Actually the best way to determine ring condition that I know of is a wet/dry compression and leak down test. Both of these are performed with the heads still on the engine and you should be able to find a competent mechanic to perform them if you don't have the tools yourself. You can buy the tools at an auto parts store, a compression tester is pretty cheap, the leak down tester is a little more spendy.
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