How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: USA
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
This winter I'd like to have the engine in my truck redone. (77 351M) It's got 100k miles on it and probably needs valve seals, etc. I was thinking of also doing the 351M-400 conversion which I believe is just a new crank and pistons). I also want to clean, paint, dress-up, etc and possibly add a cam. Is this something that someone who doesn't know alot about engines but has shop manuals or a good book on rebuilding can do himself over the winter? I figure if I get over my head too much I can take it to a garage and have it done/fixed but I am interesting in learning about this so it might be a fun project and the money I save on labor can be spent on the tools to do the job right. If I find it needs bored or anything I'll take the block/head/whatever to a machine shop for that kind of thing.
Can I handle it or would it be too complicated?
Is there a good book out there on this thing, I found one called "Rebuilding your Ford V8" or something like that but haven't bought it yet. I also have a Haynes manual and will buy the Chiltons or anything else necessary.
Can I handle it or would it be too complicated?
Is there a good book out there on this thing, I found one called "Rebuilding your Ford V8" or something like that but haven't bought it yet. I also have a Haynes manual and will buy the Chiltons or anything else necessary.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
Take a look on amazon.com or here at motorhaven.com, should be several books available on the 302/351. If you have the time, patience and tools you should be able to handle it if you're even a little mechanically inclined.
2 pieces of *free* advice?
1. It's always easier to take it apart than it is to put it together.
2. The shop always charges more if you tell them you already tried to fix it and failed.
;-)
2 pieces of *free* advice?
1. It's always easier to take it apart than it is to put it together.
2. The shop always charges more if you tell them you already tried to fix it and failed.
;-)
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: USA
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
Thanks for the advice.
I am somewhat mechanically inclined. I understand how most everything works and I'll learn fast on everything else. I've just never opened an engine up myself so that's why I'm hesitant. I'm sure it will be a good learning experience, I just don't want to ruin something or cost myself a ton of extra cash just because I tried it myself and shouldn't have.
I am somewhat mechanically inclined. I understand how most everything works and I'll learn fast on everything else. I've just never opened an engine up myself so that's why I'm hesitant. I'm sure it will be a good learning experience, I just don't want to ruin something or cost myself a ton of extra cash just because I tried it myself and shouldn't have.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
Well as long as you follow directions from a good book, or even a few books, you'll be good to go. With the help of us at FTE and the manuals you'll be fine. If worse comes to worst, you take the parts to a shop and have them assemble it. You won't lose any money unless you outright BROKE something, which is hard to do. The main advantages you have, is time and patience. It'll be fun and you will gain experience from it, so go for it.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.
Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin - One Happy FTE Member
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin - One Happy FTE Member
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 321
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From: kansas
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
There is no other way to learn. Alot yourself plenty of time (all winter?), and remember not to let it get to you. In terms of difficulty it's as hard as you want it to be. I've seen people roll a block around in the dirt and put it back together with used parts and still get it to run. Not something I'd advise. On the other hand Don't go Psycho with the bigger is better philosiphy. Sounds like your plan is right on track. Definitely pop into the 351m/400 engine section and solicit advice.
Goodluck
Goodluck
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,024
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From: Elon, NC
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
>Is there a good book out there on this thing, I found one
>called "Rebuilding your Ford V8" or something like that but
>haven't bought it yet. I also have a Haynes manual and will
>buy the Chiltons or anything else necessary.
The first book you mentioned is a definite must have.
Haynes and Chiltons are better than nothing........barely. I've found too many mistakes and unclear instructions for me to trust them completely. Just my $.02 worth......
I did my first rebuild last winter. It had me pulling my hair out. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. As the other posters have said, there is NO better way to learn.
Good luck and happy wrenching,
Ron
>called "Rebuilding your Ford V8" or something like that but
>haven't bought it yet. I also have a Haynes manual and will
>buy the Chiltons or anything else necessary.
The first book you mentioned is a definite must have.
Haynes and Chiltons are better than nothing........barely. I've found too many mistakes and unclear instructions for me to trust them completely. Just my $.02 worth......
I did my first rebuild last winter. It had me pulling my hair out. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. As the other posters have said, there is NO better way to learn.
Good luck and happy wrenching,
Ron
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
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From: London Canada
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
Everything I know is from "just doing it". You mentioned that you are mechanically inclined so that's all you need. You need to take your time. Do not rush!! As far as a manual...even the best NEED a manual for specifications and torque specs. It is great satisfaction when you finish it and it's done right.
Good luck.
BTW....this forum is an excellent resource as well.
Good luck.
BTW....this forum is an excellent resource as well.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
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From: Indiana
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
Ken2600, Pick up a Tom Monroe book.
"How to Rebuild Ford V-8 Engine, 351C-351M-400-429-460"
It is an extremely good book, and will take you all the way from A-Z, with no wondering what is being said, like a lot of other books.
It is very rewarding to hear that motor fire after you did it yourself!
Of course farm out your machine work.
"How to Rebuild Ford V-8 Engine, 351C-351M-400-429-460"
It is an extremely good book, and will take you all the way from A-Z, with no wondering what is being said, like a lot of other books.
It is very rewarding to hear that motor fire after you did it yourself!
Of course farm out your machine work.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
How hard is it to do a basic engine teardown/rebuild?
A few things to think about. Buy a bunch of plastic bags that seal and label the parts with tape or with a tag. Do Not Throw Anything Out Until You Are Done! Take a bunch of pictures as you tear it down. Nothing speaks more then a picture. Especially if you have the nagging wife who wants you to stop what you are doing right in the middle of a difficult process only to forget where you were as you think of ways to have her knocked off. Personal experiance when I was rebuilding my 60 F-100 Step side. Plus you can make a scrapp book of you and your baby as she was transforming. Remember hammers are for nails not piston tops. Easy off oven cleaner is great for removing oil varnish and caked on grease. Just limit the time it is in direct contact with aluminum. Very corrosive to it, wont eat it in a second but will do some damage if left over night. Again personal experiance. When you feel the need to throw something walk away for a few hours. Time away from the problem will help you figure it out. Hope this helps.
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