New life for old engine
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 77
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From: Oceanside USA
New life for old engine
I have a clean 1970 F250 Camper Special EXT that I have owned since 1990. It has been good to me but is starting to get tired power wise. As far as I know the engine has never been opened up and has close to 190,000 miles. I have decided to keep it but right now I do not have the money to have the 360 rebuilt and made into a 390. I am thinking of doing somethings to get a little more power as I tow a classic 74 Bronco with it and it struggles on steep grades. What would you guys do to give it somemore pep. It is basically stock and even has points with a really old metal coil, so that stuff is likely worn. I also have some new headers that are laying around and the exhaust is dual but is rusty.
I am thinking pertronix, tune-up, header w/ new exhaust and maybe a carb rebuild.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
I am thinking pertronix, tune-up, header w/ new exhaust and maybe a carb rebuild.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
I think what you said you would do would help especially if the engine has hardly been touched so it could use a good tune up and then if you really wanted to start saving for a 390 or you can swap one out but thats up to you
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Dave, There would only be a darn few FEs on this earth that have 190,000 miles on them without the rings being replaced. This is mainly because of the oil and gas that was used back then. Parts weren't as good as they are today.
If your engine is down on power it is because the rings are well worn. Keeping it tuned up, and maybe the carb rebuild would help a little. I like the Petronix or another simular system for the ign. Leave the headers off until you rebuild the engine if you must use them at all.
John
If your engine is down on power it is because the rings are well worn. Keeping it tuned up, and maybe the carb rebuild would help a little. I like the Petronix or another simular system for the ign. Leave the headers off until you rebuild the engine if you must use them at all.
John
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 77
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From: Oceanside USA
John, the engine is likely warn but still runs decent and does not smoke though it has always used oil. Basically I am just looking to get some pep out of her by doing things that I would have to do anyway when I have the motor redone or swapped out. Any keys things that may help that are not too expensive, then I am interested in doing.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 278
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At 190,000 miles, I would suggest getting a new timing chain and gears or atleast check them for being stretched.
Pull the distributor cap and place wrench on the harmonic balancer bolt and move the bolt back and forth clock to counter clock wise to check for slack at the distributor rotor.
There will be a little but there shouldn't be much.
Not sure maybe 1/4 inch (could be wrong here)on the balancer before response from the rotor.
If there is much more, that will be where your power loss is coming from.
I think a standard chain and gears will last around 100,000 miles so if yours hasn't been replaced, I would suggest doing that.
Pertronix is a good upgrade.
You will have issues pulling the exhaust bolts and will probably break at least one off in the head if they haven't been recently removed so I would hold off on the headers until a full rebuild.
Good luck with the truck.
Ken
Pull the distributor cap and place wrench on the harmonic balancer bolt and move the bolt back and forth clock to counter clock wise to check for slack at the distributor rotor.
There will be a little but there shouldn't be much.
Not sure maybe 1/4 inch (could be wrong here)on the balancer before response from the rotor.
If there is much more, that will be where your power loss is coming from.
I think a standard chain and gears will last around 100,000 miles so if yours hasn't been replaced, I would suggest doing that.
Pertronix is a good upgrade.
You will have issues pulling the exhaust bolts and will probably break at least one off in the head if they haven't been recently removed so I would hold off on the headers until a full rebuild.
Good luck with the truck.
Ken
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 54
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From: syracuse, kansas
Always used oil? My Fe experience is that they are very good on oil. Does it leak? Timing chain, electronic ignition, carb rebouild. When you pull the points, go ahead and pull the breaker plate and inspect the springs and weights (Broken, stuck, etc.)Aplly a little lube. Inspect the vacuum advance, (you can put a clean line over the end and suck on it) to see if it moves and holds. You would be surprised how much this will help performance.
