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Advice on buying can I make it home!?
Been reading through these forums for a few months now. Found me a 66 with a 302 and original c4 auto tranny. He bought the engine from an individual. Body is in great shape, interior is nice all lights and gauges work. Only think is oil pressure light comes on after it's warmed up. Now.....I haven't seen it in person yet but ive read what could be causing this and where to start. My question is....it's an hour and 20 mins away from my home. Can I limp this baby home without damaging it if it's not knocking or smoking after warmed up?
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Originally Posted by Cody Simpko
(Post 17122116)
Been reading through these forums for a few months now. Found me a 66 with a 302 and original c4 auto tranny. He bought the engine from an individual. Body is in great shape, interior is nice all lights and gauges work. Only think is oil pressure light comes on after it's warmed up. Now.....I haven't seen it in person yet but ive read what could be causing this and where to start. My question is....it's an hour and 20 mins away from my home. Can I limp this baby home without damaging it if it's not knocking or smoking after warmed up?
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Good advice I'll definitely get some on my way there.
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Update: I told the gentleman if it was driveable I would be ready to buy he says that the low oil pressure light comes on and unless the lift is wrong I could lock up the engine. Guys....what do y'all think? Chance an 1 hour drive on the engine? Buy a oil sending unit and install before I leave to see if that's the cause? If I do that and it's not the cause what steps should I take on site before I buy to ensure im not going to damage it?
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And I do sincerely apologize this is a 65
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Some things to consider:
1. Bring a mechanical oil pressure gauge with you and hook it up at the engine to see if the oil pressure is really dropping dangerously low (less than 30 psi IMO). 2. If oil pressure is OK, sign up with AAA (if you don't already have it) and take off. 3. If oil pressure is below 25 PSI, just rent a tow truck and/or tow dolly. |
Originally Posted by Cody Simpko
(Post 17122632)
And I do sincerely apologize this is a 65
If you can't use or rent a trailer or tow dolley, I would drive it the hour. 50 year old trucks can have electrical issues. Make sure the level is up on the dip stick, hold your nose and take off. Stop along the way, add a little gas, and if the oil is still up I wouldn't be overly concerned. I would at least look for a tow dolly if you have something that will pull it. John :-X06 |
I would have towed it home to be safe.
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Originally Posted by Cody Simpko
(Post 17122632)
And I do sincerely apologize this is a 65
The 302 engine has been swapped in, wasn't available in F100's until 1969. The huge radiator isn't original either, looks to be from a 1930's car.
Originally Posted by Cody Simpko
The body is in great shape. :-huh
Lift the piece of metal from the bed floor to see if the bed is rusted out. Rust repair can be very expensive, the right cab corner is rusted out, so there's probably more rust in other locations, some hidden from view. Look at the radiator support where it bolts to the R/L frame rails, lower sections of the front fenders and doors, the left cab corner, floor pan, bed cross members. This truck has been repainted, bondo was used to "hide the sins." Use a magnet to discover how much bondo is present...and where. |
I agree as far as the oil pressure issue. Bring a pressure tester (harbor freight would have a cheap one that'll give you a basic idea), and maybe a new sender. But, there are other things to think about. Depending on how long it's been sitting, the brakes and tires may not be safe to get you home. How old is the gas? When was the oil changed? If he's been driving it somewhat recently that stuff may not be a concern.
As far as condition goes-- different people have different ideas of what good condition is. It may not be 100% rust free, but it's a good looking truck for sure. The interior is pretty cool, and a lot of work has already been done to make it more drivable for you. If the engine doesn't have any major issues, this could be a good cruiser. Not sure what your end goal is though. Btw, while you're checking on oil pressure, it wouldn't be a bad idea to run a compression test on the engine. It's not a hard process and harbor freight can sell you a basic kit for that too. |
Originally Posted by jowilker
(Post 17123040)
It does have a 66 grill in it. ;)
I would at least look for a tow dolly if you have something that will pull it. John :-X06 Based on photo's, not sure I would get overly excited about purchasing this truck? I do like the 302 but IMO, as other member's have pointed out, there are a number of time, labor, and cost issues. Anyhow, had an urge to chime in? |
That Giant aftermarket radiator says overheating issues to me. -relatively easily solved with a good shroud that fits the fan. If it's running hot, that would thin the oil causing the light to flicker, especially if the sender is the least bit weak. My 351 does exactly that on super hot days here in AZ. I have a direct reading gauge, and my pressure sometimes drops to 5 or so at idle hot (that's with 20-50 oil). that would flicker a light for sure. I've been using mine for 15 years this way. It's still together.
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You say the oil pressure drops when it warms up. Does it increase if you increase the RPMs?
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