This Ain't Mopar....

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RustyRatRod

RustyRatRod

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But it's small block Ford and it's a subject that's been very popular. I got my 75 F250 back running again today after a camshaft and lifter failure. I ended up using Blueprint Engines 30SAE break in oil. I got the engine cleaned up from the failure, lubed the camshaft lobes with ZDDP paste and the journals with Ultra Slick. I coated the lifter bottoms with ZDDP paste and the sides with Ultra Slick. I also made some mods to help oil pressure, as these engines are known for problems in that area. That's why I put the truck down originally back in February. It lost oil pressure at idle. I got the engine running this afternoon. I primed it the day before, so oil pressure buried the 80PSI gauge as soon as it fired. I got the RPM up to the ~3000 RPM range varying it somewhat. I ended up having a bit over an hour run time on it. Cut it off and let it cool all the way back down then restarted it and gave it some RPM a little while longer. When I felt like it was enough, I finally let it idle. It was the same old lumpy Crane Fireball it was that I took out. Holds about 40 oil pressure hot and will bury the 80 mark at 2K. I went ahead and dropped the break in oil out tonight and removed the filter. There was ZERO metal in the oil and ZERO metal in the filter. I think maybe we got it. It runs good. There's no valve train noise whatsoever, and it doesn't skip or run rough. I do have some leaks at the collectors under the truck I need to fix and of course, the power steering pump decided to take a crud. But so far, it's lookin good. Anyway, here's Gladys back in all her lumpy glory. I hope for a long time now.

 
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isn't 80 a little high ...maybe a little lighter relieve spring
i've seen vw/audi pump-up the lifters too much when cold and missfire
 
So after this, best I can tell is, I had a parts failure, plain and simple. I did everything the same the last time that I did this time. Only thing I did different was use a Summit cam and lifters. So all I can advise is, if you decide to use a flat tappet cam and lifters, either go with a reground factory core from someone like Oregon Cam Grinders, or an older NOS American made cam and IF you choose new lifters, have them refaced. I also cannot sing the praises of the Blueprint break in oil enough. I also think that's a big part of the picture. I don't know what the answer is. I wish I did. Other than go roller from now on, I have no idea. If I have any more trouble with it, that's what I'm gonna do.
 
sr71mopar said:
Id rather have a good 400 over a 390.
Click to expand...
There are some who believe the 351M and 400 (along with the 351C) are all arguably an improvement over the FE line. While the 335 family is a great line of engines, It's hard for "me" to say they are "better". Just look how long the FE was in service. 1958-1976. That's a long time and they were in tens of millions of vehicles. Especially if you include the line of medium duty FE engines like the 361, 391 and 428. They were fantastic workhorses. I often tell Kitty that I would love to go back in time and see Gladys brand new. Being both an F250HD and with the Camper Special package with the 360 and T18 4 speed, I'm sure she was a sight to behold. She still really is.
 
RustyRatRod said:
But it's small block Ford and it's a subject that's been very popular. I got my 75 F250 back running again today after a camshaft and lifter failure. I ended up using Blueprint Engines 30SAE break in oil. I got the engine cleaned up from the failure, lubed the camshaft lobes with ZDDP paste and the journals with Ultra Slick. I coated the lifter bottoms with ZDDP paste and the sides with Ultra Slick. I also made some mode to help oil pressure, as these engines are known for problems in that area. That's why I put the truck down originally back in February. It lost oil pressure at idle. I got the engine running this afternoon. I primed it the day before, so oil pressure buried the 80PSI gauge as soon as it fired. I got the RPM up to the ~3000 RPM range varying it somewhat. I ended up having a bit over an hour run time on it. Cut it off and let it cool all the way back down then restarted it and gave it some RPM a little while longer. When I felt like it was enough, I finally let it idle. It was the same old lumpy Crane Fireball it was that I took out. Holds about 40 oil pressure hot and will bury the 80 mark at 2K. I went ahead and dropped the break in oil out tonight and removed the filter. There was ZERO metal in the oil and ZERO metal in the filter. I think maybe we got it. It runs good. There's no valve train noise whatsoever, and it doesn't skip or run rough. I do have some leaks at the collectors under the truck I need to fix and of course, the power steering pump decided to take a crud. But so far, it's lookin good. Anyway, here's Gladys back in all her lumpy glory. I hope for a long time now.

Click to expand...


Thing sounds great :) I really like ford engines myself... just hate their wiring/suspension :)

My last ford stroker with AFRs and all the fun stuffs :)
engine.jpg
 

It’s funny how engine preferences can be specific, I’m not a fan of the FE but I like the 427 which is actually 425 cid because of its racing history. It’s hard to believe that the super stock FE cars are turning 9000+ rpm now days.
 
Don't run it until Sunday. I'll say some prayers for your cam and lifters in church. I'm glad to hear it hasn't had any problems so far!
 
I like FE's becasue my dad had several built ones. Had a built 410 Mec (390 w/428 crank) break the yoke on a Dana 60. I built a 460 for the 79 F-150 4x4 I had and loved it. Had a 92 GT Mustang, I miss that car a lot, it was just a fun car. Messed around with the Turbo 2300 for a while too, those can be a hoot.
 
jos51700 said:
Don't run it until Sunday. I'll say some prayers for your cam and lifters in church. I'm glad to hear it hasn't had any problems so far!
Click to expand...
I'm actually hoping to DRIVE it Sunday. I would have already, but the P/S pump took a crud and I have one that will be here tomorrow. I never in my wildest dreams wouldda ever thought I'd have to order a Ford P/S pump. They used that same pump on literally everything for decades. At least I can still get one.
 
dano said:
I like FE's becasue my dad had several built ones. Had a built 410 Mec (390 w/428 crank) break the yoke on a Dana 60. I built a 460 for the 79 F-150 4x4 I had and loved it. Had a 92 GT Mustang, I miss that car a lot, it was just a fun car. Messed around with the Turbo 2300 for a while too, those can be a hoot.
Click to expand...
I could be a 100% Ford guy real easy. If @Princess Valiant hadn't found Vixen for me, I probably would be.
 
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