1976 F150, Supercab on the back extended cab glass. Trying to figure out what engine I have but when changing oil the oil pan drain is directly above a front cross member. I am thinking I dont have the original engine. (or did FORD like to make a mess)? I was actually replacing the fuel pump and had to remove the oil filter to get a bolt loose. Is it possible to ID the engine by the oil drain postion or the 7/8 drain plug? COULD THIS BE A BIG BLOCK?

 

How many bolts are on the valve covers?

351C/M/400 335 series: 8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal.

351M/400 335 series: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrow. The 351M and 400 are identical externally, only internal parts examination can tell them apart.

351W/302/5.0L 6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal.

429/460 385 series: 7 bolts in rectangular valve cover

352/360/390/427/428 FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.

 

Will these engines have the drain hole of the oil pan spill onto the cross member?

 

Yes, on some engines and models the drain pours onto the crossmember.

 

Yep, factory DESIGNED to drain right onto the crossmember. Go figure.

I usually steal some aluminum foil and make a sort of "dam/ funnel" hybrid to direct the oil into the catch pan.

Josh

 

I just changed the oil on my F150, which has the 300 I6, and yes, it drains into the cross member. It is the original motor to the truck too.

When you first take the plug out it pours right past the cross member, but after the majority of the oil is out, it drains into the cross member. I would rather it didn't, so after I put the drain plug back in, I just wipe it off. I think I hear a joke in there somewhere, but I will let that one alone!!

 

My 400 in my 77 F150 is the same. The mess isn't really my problem, but getting the damn plug out sure is.