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Foiler's avatar
Foiler
Explorer
May 19, 2016

Engine replacement

Had a 460 in a 96 class A go bad this Spring. Leaking and smoking, 2 qts. in 50 miles. Ford doesn't make this motor anymore, everything I have is obsolete. Not just anyone can do a swap in a gasser RV. Not sure of much except that it looks expensive.

At a Ford dealership now, they are evaluating the problem. Pretty sure they will have to overhaul the engine which I assume means removing it, looks like a difficult job.

Not sure if they would put a crate motor from a rebuilder, like Jasper.

Anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks,Terry

31 Replies

  • Haven't had the experience directly but there have been a couple of posting in the past concerning owners who did it themselves or paid for the work. Crate motors are available but the labor is the cost driver. You're going to have to make a hard decision considering the cost to repair could be higher then the value of the coach.

    Engine can come out two, maybe three directions. Out the top thru the dog house, out the bottom or out the front. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

    Going up thru the dog house may require a some disassembly of both engines such as removing the heads to fit the opening in the coach floor. There is also the problem of getting access with a lifting rig inside the coach.

    Going down might be a bit easier but will require removing the front axle and also lifting the coach to get the engine out from under it once removed.

    Going out the front will depend on if the front cap design will allow and how much can be removed without cutting.

    Think happy thoughts and its just a failed head gasket or something equally simple that can be corrected with removal. Tell us what Ford finds.