Ford V8 saga gets underway

[jasonnb]

Many thanks to those that responded to my earlier post re: a boat I was considering as a project. I has been bought. I think I'm dealing with worst case for the locked up engine. I now understand why a mechanic labeled it as junk after pulling one plug. The cylinders have some sand in them. I guess I will need to pull the engine to swee if it's rebuildable, but I'm leaning toward a fresh long block and new manifolds. All things being equal (the engine saw some salt), should I even see about rebuilding? or just punt and get the long block. Rebuild kits look to be $700 or so plus any machining. I'm still pricing long blocks. So far, least expensice is about $1400.

 

[Saperry]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

I would by a long block only as a last resort. Your crank is matched to your flywheel and harmonic Balancer. The cost should be the same if you exchange for a prebuilt long block or if you have yours rebuilt. It is very rare that a block cannot be rebuilt. If it is not cracked or the cyl walls are not rusted to the point where your cyl walls cannot be bored oversize. Even if the block is trash I would use all of the stock components if possible. Some 302's are internally ballanced some are externally balanced. If you use your own parts you will not have to worry about this. If you start swapping parts then it could be a problem. If you buy a long block or have yours rebuilt make sure the builder knows it is for a marine application. If he says that does not matter, go elswhere for your engine.<br /><br />Good Luck <br />Sean

 

[DJ]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

Jason,<br /><br />If you ar pricing an AUTOMOTIVE long block, it is NOT the same. The cam timing would be different and as previously mentioned, probably the balancing is different.<br /><br />I agree with Saperry, it is very unusual that a block cannot be saved.

 

[jasonnb]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

Well, looks like I'll lean back to a rebuild. I am really anxious to get the motor out and apart to find out exactly what I'm dealing with. My problem at this point is finding a way to pull/re-install the engine as the boat is taller/deeper than I anticipated. The unexpected things are what makes projects fun I guess.<br /><br />That price was actually a marine long block.<br /><br />Does anyone have a good source for a rebuild kit? I am unable to find many on the web. This one looks pretty good though. <br /> http://www.greenbaypartsworld.com/f302am.htm

 

[jasonnb]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

Interesting, I just checked witha local marine mech and he won't rebuild motors, only long block replacements.

 

[Saperry]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

He just has the machine work done at a engine build shop and replaces the long block with one that is already built and uses your block as a core to go back to the builder. It is quicker for him and probably cheaper. He does not have to by the equipment to bore out the block, turn the crank, etc. That is pretty standard practice for most shops. <br /><br />What you should (in my opinion) is find a builder who can do marine engines. Remove your endine and strip it down to the long block. Take the long block assy. to him. Let him tear it down and reduild it. Then build it back to complete engine and reinstall.<br /><br />It will take a little longer(maybe a week or so)but you will know all the parts match up when you go back together.<br /><br />If he has a prebuilt 302 marine long block that you knew was compatable with you flywheel and balancer then it would be fine to exchange. But you have to sure that it uses the same balance.<br /><br />On a car I could help you out but with a marine 302 I am little help. <br /><br />Again, I feel your best bet would be to have your engine rebuilt by a reputable engine builder who knows marine engines. That way parts interchangeability (is that a word) is not an issue.<br /><br />BTW, I have worked on Ford engines at dealerships or my own shop for over 15 years.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br />Sean

 

[jasonnb]

Re: Ford V8 saga gets underway

Fortunately, I have a low cost rebuilder (ie. free) it will just take him a while to get to it. He's just dissappointed that I'm not going to let him "spruce" up the engine with a lot of performance goodies since I want reliability first and reasonable fuel economy. I will just have to get a book so we fully have a grip on any differences between the automotive rebuild and the marine rebuild. I will likely order the marine 302 rebuild kit above after we get the engine apart and survey the damage.