Engine replacement

[Foiler]

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 Ford doesn't make this motor anymore, everything I have is obsolete.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

[TNGW1500SE]

Sea Dog wrote:
Sounds to me as though the OP is getting sucked in.
If the engine is toast, why can he not give specifics?

It is very unusual for a 460 to go bad at any mileage.
29000 miles? come on!

Sometimes the customer just wants to "replace it all". Nothing wrong with that! If he just replaced the gaskets or "fixed" what's wrong, other internal parts could be already damaged from running low on oil. A rod could let go a few miles after the "repair" was done and that would suck! If he puts in a "new" engine, he "shouldn't" have any problems. If that was my choice, I'd shop name brand and look for nationwide warranties that covered towing.

[cwit]

I'm with Seadog someone want's a cheap 460 and found a way to get it.

[Sea_Dog]

Sounds to me as though the OP is getting sucked in.
If the engine is toast, why can he not give specifics?

It is very unusual for a 460 to go bad at any mileage.
29000 miles? come on!

[tropical36]

Foiler wrote:
Well there are a few issues with getting information on the state of this motor.

It is very hard to work on, I know, because I changed just the water pump through the doghouse a few years ago. Also I am looking at a $150/hr shop rate to diagnose. Then just repairing oil leaks is going to be pricey and I still have and old motor. This thing is so hard to work on that it could get close to what the replacement is going to cost.

My concern is that, I spend all that money then get to replace the engine, anyway. Trust me, I have been involved in mechanical repair, personal,family and friends, most of my life and this this puppy is sick.

The coach is in excellent condition other than the engine. So I might be able to sell it to an RV park to just use as a rental in a permanent location and I doubt that it would be worth much in that scenario. We still want to do some traveling but not constantly. Too many other things to spend time on. A new engine will keep me in the RV game probably as long as I can do it. It really seems to be a reasonable plan. I can't buy another coach for what the engine will cost, especially not one that is in comparable shape coach wise.

Thanks for your everyone's input, has been helpful but lots of other factors involved that have not been discussed here. Just have to weigh the options and make my best guess as to the best course.

Don't know your financial situation, but if me, I'd be looking for another coach and for doing whatever I could with the old one.
I mean, one must consider the actual worth of any 96 Gasser.
I have a 98 National Tropical 6350 Chevy, ready to go anywhere, that most likely doesn't have a counterpart anywhere, where one might look and hope to be selling it soon, once we take delivery on another coach. Now, what can I really expect to get out of this jewel and even after spending the last 9yrs, making it better than it ever was with mods and upgrades?

[time2roll]

You can still buy a rebuilt flat-head V-8. 460 should be easy.
Seems odd to need a bottom end. I would want to pull the heads in place if you can for inspection.

Nothing wrong with just putting in a rebuilt engine.

[ArchHoagland]

I'm curious how often you changed the oil in that engine.

[BigRabbitMan]

Jagtech wrote:
Then there's all the little things that aren't quite right after a new engine is installed, making several return trips to the installer a necessity.

This isn't necessarily true. I did a complete engine/transmission change/upgrade and have not had to redo anything to date and I have about 7,000 miles on it since I fired up the replacement engine. Done right the first time, there is no need for a second time.

[Jagtech]

My hesitation with replacing the engine is partly what issues you will almost certainly find once they start on it, such as additional exhaust work (headers), etc. Then there's all the little things that aren't quite right after a new engine is installed, making several return trips to the installer a necessity.
The old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here.
JMHO

[mike_brez]

On page one of this thread I gave you a link you his thread.

[Foiler]

Thanks, will see if I can find him.

[BrianinMichigan]

Geo Critter is the guy that replaced his about a year ago. You might look him up.

[Foiler]

Well there are a few issues with getting information on the state of this motor.

It is very hard to work on, I know, because I changed just the water pump through the doghouse a few years ago. Also I am looking at a $150/hr shop rate to diagnose. Then just repairing oil leaks is going to be pricey and I still have and old motor. This thing is so hard to work on that it could get close to what the replacement is going to cost.

My concern is that, I spend all that money then get to replace the engine, anyway. Trust me, I have been involved in mechanical repair, personal,family and friends, most of my life and this this puppy is sick.

The coach is in excellent condition other than the engine. So I might be able to sell it to an RV park to just use as a rental in a permanent location and I doubt that it would be worth much in that scenario. We still want to do some traveling but not constantly. Too many other things to spend time on. A new engine will keep me in the RV game probably as long as I can do it. It really seems to be a reasonable plan. I can't buy another coach for what the engine will cost, especially not one that is in comparable shape coach wise.

Thanks for your everyone's input, has been helpful but lots of other factors involved that have not been discussed here. Just have to weigh the options and make my best guess as to the best course.

[Horsedoc]

Jasper crate engine would be my choice for a replacement. They have warranties on engines and trannies. My F-250 diesel gave up after I towed too long and too heavy in overdrive. Much better tranny than I had work wise. Bigger cooling system for it also

[wildmanbaker]

TNGW1500SE wrote:

Foiler wrote:
Heard from the dealer and it is going to require a new engine.

Why?

Did they do a compression test?

A cylinder leak down test?

Did they pull the oil pan?

Use a scope to look in the cylinders?

Did they take the valve covers off?

Or what?

Is it smoking?

Is it leaking?

Are the plugs covered in burned oil?


You said it's a low mileage engine and it runs good. I don't understand why it needs a new engine. The dealer can say that but why??? It sounds repairable to me. I'm no expect. Just an old ASE Master Certified Technician that owns his own 10 bay shop that works on 400 (or so) cars and trucks a year 😉

PS: If it does need an engine, Jasper makes a good product but the warranty will vary when you tell them it's going in an RV.

I'm with you. It more than likely was leaking pan, valve covers, and valve seals that were causing the usage. Most engines with less than 30,000 miles, will have major failure, like lower end or broken pistons. It seems like the OP had his mined made up to just replace the engine. Most dealers use to give a complete analysis of the engine condition, before giving the bad news.