I have a 2000 F250 4x4 with the V10. It has high miles (just over 200,000) but I got it dirt cheap so figured if I had a problem with it I could deal with it and still be a cheap pickup...well, I have a problem now.

Right to the point, the motor dropped a valve. Looks like a valve spring broke, letting the valve drop and bounce enough to unseat the retainers and in it went. I'm thinking about dropping in a used replacement motor since I won't just patch the one hole up and put it back together, and from what I've found I can get a decent pull-out motor for about what a rebuild kit would cost (plus I would need the heads reworked, maybe machine work, etc...). Sound like a good plan? Also thinking I may go ahead and drop on the headers while I'm at it. Any other things to think about doing?

Now my real question. What's the easiest (I can't imagine there is really an "easy" way, just looking for easiest...) way to get the engine out of the compartment. From looking at it, I think unbolting the trans, removing everything I can from the front of the engine, and come out the front will be tight but doable. Does the radiator support come out somewhat easily on those pickups?

Thanks for any help, have loved the pickup up until this...

 

Just completed an engine swap myself, here's a link.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...2000-f350.html

My project included a swap to a newer E-series motor and required two engine stands. My thread has a lot of info read through it and let me know if you have any question. Oh yes, regarding the headers. Check out my recent thread.

 

Relatively simple engine to remove!

Biggest tip: Remove grill, radiator, shroud, fan swing condenser out of way. Now you have a huge hole in front of the engine to stand in.

Remove intake manifold, and you have easy access to all the tranny bolts.

Other info: You can use short block from any V10, 2v or 3V. You do want to stick to 2V PI heads. Clearwater Cylinder Heads sells rebuilts at very reasonable prices with all spark plug holes already inserted.

I found complete 2006 3V engine with only 6K miles on Craigslist. Used the shortblock from that, parted out the rest. Got the 2V heads from CCH, a PI intake from a JY. Couldn't be happier.