OK guys, I'm trying to decide whether or not to get a rebuilt engine for my truck. This was one of my plans when I originally bought the truck, but I ran out of money much to fast. Right now, I'm getting roughly 6 MPG, and with a 19 gal tank, its not to fun. Now I didn't expect to get very good gas mileage when I bought the truck, but I figured at least 9 or 10 would be great. When I bought the truck the owner told me the engine would never run, because it made all kinds of "crazy noises". I replaced the water pump and filled the empty power steering reservoir, which got rid of all the noises. The engine runs, but doesn't seem quite right. Once in a while, I get a little backfire while it is sitting idle. I haven't had a chance to check the timing so I'm not sure if that is whats causing the backfire. The previous owner said he had sent it in for a compression test, and the mechanic told him that the 8th cylinder was under 40lbs of pressure, but he thought the mechanic was trying to screw him. I'm not sure if that's whats wrong with the engine. A buddy of mine said if it runs, don't fix it. Now I've talked to a couple of engine dealers and they tell me that I'd get 15-16 mpg with the rebuilt engine, but they are trying to sell me an engine, so I dont know if I should trust them. Anybody have any suggestions on this? Let me know. Thanks

Brendan
1977 F-250
351M / 4 Speed
33" BFG Tires

 

Brenden, Why don't you post your town and state here, maybe one of our readers lives close by and would be happy to take a look at it for you. From what you have described, a carb rebuild, and a tune up might be in order. The Ms are not known for great milage and certainly not 15-16 but should be better than 6. Is your truck a 4X4? a 3/4 ton or heavier? You could have a short rear gear. Is the engine turning a lot of rpms at 60 mph?
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John

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John, I live in Lynn, MA if anyone is nearby. The truck is 4X4 and is geared real low. I haven't really got the truck over 60, because it handles like a 10-wheel dump truck with a full load. Plus I can feel gas gage going down.

Brendan

 

Also, forgot to mention that the truck is 3/4 ton with 1 ton suspension. I'm not sure what the RPMS are at around 60 because don't have a tach, but they sound pretty high.

Brendan

 

Kinda what I thought, You got a bulldozer there, but a tune up could help your mpg.
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John

jowilker email me
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01

[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group

In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.