To pull the head or swap in a used engine???

[Joshua Eachen]

Cyl #6 is dead/very weak... Compression check on 5 and 7 come up 145ish give or take a few! #6 however had a whole 32 psi. Has spark has fuel.
I just bought it... 97 XLT 5.4 225k miles. Changed plugs and coils. All the plugs were burnt up pretty bad, not to mention there were 3 different types of plugs in it and the #6 plug was completely melted away to the threads.
My question is is it quicker and easier to change the whole engine or pull the head and investigate ??? I can pick up a 180k mile used 5.4 for $450

 

[stamp11127]

I'd get compression numbers on the other engine and do a swap.
You have a "good ol boy" engine now. Half ass maintenance if it got any.

 

[Joshua Eachen]

I'm a diesel mechanic for a living, not afraid to tear into it! Just never personally pulled a head on one of these... But from watching a few YouTube videos it looks like I could definitely pull the engine and drop in a used WAY quicker than the head job and probably around the same $ depending on what's wrong with this engine

 

[and0r]

well, you can pretty much rebuild the 2v 5.4 for $450, that way you know what you are getting, and you know what's new. or, you can spend $450 on an engine which supposedly has 180k and be taking a chance on its condition. and potentially spend the same amount again just to fix it.
but judging by the sound of things, your current engine was previously owned by questionable people.

swap it

 

[docraymund]

Just change the engine as long you check the other one carefully. 180k miles is also aged.

 

[Joshua Eachen]

well, you can pretty much rebuild the 2v 5.4 for $450, that way you know what you are getting, and you know what's new. or, you can spend $450 on an engine which supposedly has 180k and be taking a chance on its condition. and potentially spend the same amount again just to fix it.
but judging by the sound of things, your current engine was previously owned by questionable people.

swap it

Definitely questionable!! Lol. It was one of those I got it from a friend's cousins brother and it's always been well maintained deals. But for $275 I guess I can put a little $ and time into it. But as I tear into it I find more and more things wrong... Like rear up upper trailing arms made from C channel with hole drilled in them for the bolts it actually surprisingly drives and rides very nice.

 

[juan214]

I would do the engine swap. The more I tore mine down the more I found wrong from the engine rebuilders work. Added peace of mind you'll know what you're getting when you do the work yourself.

A new Ford crate engine is another option if you're going for a rebuilt engine. Check the numbers and research.

Good luck

 

[and0r]

Definitely questionable!! Lol. It was one of those I got it from a friend's cousins brother and it's always been well maintained deals. But for $275 I guess I can put a little $ and time into it. But as I tear into it I find more and more things wrong... Like rear up upper trailing arms made from C channel with hole drilled in them for the bolts it actually surprisingly drives and rides very nice.

can you take pictures of this and post them here?? haha

 

[Joshua Eachen]

can you take pictures of this and post them here?? haha

Yes I will take some pics today when I get home. I'm actually changing them out today. Got both uppers online for $45 shipped. I don't understand why people do stupid dangerous things to there vehicles over $45

 

[juan214]

Did you get OEM style or solids? post before and after pics.

 

[Joshua Eachen]

Did you get OEM style or solids? post before and after pics.

They are just OEM style but fairly stout. I am going to be looking into putting a lift on it at some point and then will be getting solid control arms.

 

[Joshua Eachen]

I got the pics trying to figure out the upload process now!

 

[and0r]

I got the pics trying to figure out the upload process now!

click "upload a file"
right next to the post reply button!

 

[Joshua Eachen]

 

[Joshua Eachen]

 

[Joshua Eachen]

 

[Joshua Eachen]

That is the " custom" trailing arms and the melted plug I pulled out of the dead cylinder

 

[and0r]

Hahahaha, Damn, I cant believe that actually works.
Those plugs are hilarious too!

Very nice.

 

[juan214]

Thats crazy that rear one will wear through especially if there's no bushing or a sleeve welded in it. Days are number on them. Looks like the bolt is just hanging in there. Swap them out soon or you'll be swapping out the truck or rear end.

That's called a plug nothing to do with spark at all it keeps the fuel off you head and intake. Had to put my two cents in LOL.

Is that your dust shield rotted as well or just scale, though it was the lower arm til I looked at it closer.

 

[Joshua Eachen]

Thats crazy that rear one will wear through especially if there's no bushing or a sleeve welded in it. Days are number on them. Looks like the bolt is just hanging in there. Sway them out soon or you'll be swapping out the truck or rear end.

That called a plug nothing to do with spark at all it keeps the fuel off you head and intake. Had to put my two cents in LOL.

Is that your dust shield rotted as well or just scale, though it was the lower arm til I looked at it closer.

Already swapped in the new ones today. The ride is 150 percent quieter and stiffer!
That is the dust shield rotted away. Looks like it was rubbing on the brake disc for awhile.