Questions and Answers

Ford E-150: Junkyard Or Rebuilt Engine Q. Dear Vincent, I have an un-kill-able 1978 Ford E-150 with a 351W and 4 speed manual transmission. After 300,000 to 500,000 miles the engine is dying, bad front and rear main seals. I don't know the milage since the odometer went mad years ago. Also I have been using Morlyes and 20W50 oil to get decent oil pressure for about the last 100,000, so I doubt it is just the seals.

I need to choose an engine rebuilder or choose a good used, 130,000 miles from a wreck. When I used to be an import wrench, I preferred used engines from wrecks since I have replaced a number of "rebuilt engines". The exception was the engines we built. Unfortunately I don't know who makes a good rebuild from who makes a bad headache for domestic vans and trucks.

Is there a web site that lists suppliers with feedback? The only advice I have had is to use Jasper, but they want $1,800 for a 351W. I can get a used for $500.00, a Jasper for $1,800.00 or a Wright for $950.00. Both rebuilt's have the usual new parts: valves, pistons, bearings etc., and the usual remanufactured parts, cam, crank, rods, etc., and similar warrantees.

Since I am paying for the install, and will use the van with a trailer to move across the country, it needs to be a good engine. However it does not need to last another 300,000 to 500,000 miles.

Would you use a used engine from a totaled van, and if so how many miles is too many? Or would you only use a rebuilt, and if so which rebuilder?

Thanks for your time,
David

A. What engine depends on how much you want to spend. But most of all what kind of shape the truck is in. If the frame, suspension and body are basically sound and will be so for the next few years, I would go with the Jasper rebuilt. I like Jasper engines and transmissions because they are good. I can't tell you about their customer service because I have never had any problems with their products.

Now I would stay away from Accurate. I have never had a product from them that was any good. The last thing I bought from them was a transmission for my 1987 Nissan van and it blew up 4,000 miles after I put it in. Their customer service, in a word, sucked.

If the truck is in questionable shape, then a used engine would probably be the best choice. Price depends on milage. A low milage engine will cost more than an engine with higher milage. If it is at all possible, get them to start it up and let you hear it run.

If they can't start it for you for some reason, then you'll be rolling the dice on the quality of the engine. At least look at the vehicle it's coming out of. If the rear bumper has been pushed into the back seat, chances are good the engine is in good shape since it was junked due to an accident.

If the body looks good with reasonable wear and tear for a vehicle it's age, chances are it was junked because the engine or transmission was no good.

The junkyard will give you, at least, a 30 or 90 day warranty. But that covers the engine only. You will have to pay to have it replaced again.

If it were me, and the body will last another four or five years, I would go with the Jasper rebuilt engine.