Notices

Stuck 351M...need help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 19, 2008 | 08:22 AM
  #1  
Can DO's Avatar
Can DO
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, CT
Question Stuck 351M...need help

I need some advice. I have a 77 f250 that I want to restore. The engine was stuck, I managed to free it up. I noticed during the process there wasn't any, ( very little) antifreeze in the radiator. A friend said to try and get it running. He said if you get it running you will know if there are any problems with it.The truck was sitting for a good 10 years. My brother who use to own the truck said in had problems with the Holly 4bbl. I put marvel mystery oil down the cylinders, and every couple of days turn the engine over with a 1/2" ratchet and socket
I tried to jump it and get the engine to turn over. No Luck. It could hardly turn over
What should I do?Should I try to get the thing running like my friend said, or should I just concentrate my efforts to going through the engine.
I have a little engine rebuilding experience, but need a direction to go in. Plus trying to build this truck on a limited budget for the next few years. I would appreciate any help
Can Do
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2008 | 09:44 AM
  #2  
EFM's Avatar
EFM
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
tough call:

I turned over an engine that had been sitting in a car for over 8 years and worked fine
but the engine was well covered.

Its heads or tails, because if u have moisture in the cylinder that created rust once u turn it on hells gonna break loose, pitted cylinders and rings are not a good combination,
I would at least remove the heads for inspection
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2008 | 12:55 PM
  #3  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Why don't you try pulling the distributor and running the oil pump with a primer shaft, then try turning it with the starter.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2008 | 04:19 PM
  #4  
gearhed1971's Avatar
gearhed1971
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Little Falls,New York
I've got a good 400 in the classifieds for $300 if you're interested.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2008 | 04:20 PM
  #5  
gearhed1971's Avatar
gearhed1971
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Little Falls,New York
Its also a 1977 engine,if you care about numbers
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 06:29 AM
  #6  
Can DO's Avatar
Can DO
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, CT
Originally Posted by MBDiagMan
Why don't you try pulling the distributor and running the oil pump with a primer shaft, then try turning it with the starter.
I think I know what you are talking about with a primer shaft. Who sells them, or how do I aquire one?
Can Do
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 07:00 AM
  #7  
Can DO's Avatar
Can DO
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, CT
Originally Posted by gearhed1971
I've got a good 400 in the classifieds for $300 if you're interested.
I'm interested, but I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Out of work for a while, recooperating from a sist in the leg. Plus I'm trying to unload a 4.6L with tranny I aquired recently. Would you be interested in swapping?
Can Do
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 09:50 AM
  #8  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
You can get one at Summit or even at your local auto supply. If you have an old junk distributor you can easily make one.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 08:00 PM
  #9  
Can DO's Avatar
Can DO
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, CT
Il'l give Summit a shout, tommorow. How long should you run the oil pump for? Should I add anything to the oil?
Can do
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 07:19 AM
  #10  
MBDiagMan's Avatar
MBDiagMan
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Just run it until you have full pressure. Rotate the engine a little and run it to pressure again until you have pressurized all around the crank. This might help your situation.

You should also remove all the spark plugs and squirt Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders, LEAVE THE SPARK PLUGS OUT while you are pressurizing the oil system and turning the crankshaft. DO NOT LEAVE THE SPARK PLUGS IN while you are turning the engine. This can cause liquid lock and damage the engine. DON'T REINSTALL THE PLUGS UNTIL THE CYLINDERS HAVE ALL LIQUID REMOVED.

After you have done all this, make sure you blow the MMO out of ALL cylinders before putting the plugs back in. Actually, before you put the plugs back in but after you've done all this lubricating, turning and oiling, try to turn the engine over with the starter. This will not only free up any corrosion in the cylinders, but it will blow the MMO out to ensure that you don't have liquid lock.

If you can't get the engine to spin well with the starter while the plugs are OUT you have little hope of getting it to spin with the plugs in.

Best of luck and keep us posted.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
abe
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 6, 2014 11:40 AM
Boodrow379
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Feb 1, 2013 08:40 PM
Lathan Stanley
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
25
Sep 23, 2011 09:40 AM
Quick444
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
150
Feb 14, 2010 08:54 PM
wolftools-n-more
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
22
Sep 10, 2009 10:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:50 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE