I took the other head off earlier today, found one nasty looking #8 piston that definitely needs to be replaced. The nut got between the cylinder wall and the piston. Messed it up BAD!! Yep, the nut definitely fell in alright, just not the #4 cylinder as I thought. It was the #8. Very disheartening. Also looks like the cylinder wall is pretty banged up as well. I'm lost... I just can't believe it... However, my brother said he may happen to have a used piston that may work. However, if the cylinder wall is banged up, it's gonna need a sleeve. Yea, I might as well have that motor re-done next year. Not worth the pain and aggravation. Just rip that motor back out and take 'er to a shop. For now, the car's gonna sit for awhile... like 6-8 months. Oh, well. Here's some pics so everyone can see how utterly destroyed I am, and the motor. View attachment 24153 View attachment 24154 View attachment 24155 Damn, so close... Anyway, take care guys,
Andrew, from the looks of the ...twisted piston...you have other problems... now is a good time to go for a ...roller...motor... let us know what you find or don't waste your time tearing it down... ...Frank
Been there and done that. Had a screw come out of the bottom of a carb and end up in a cylinder on my first engine rebuild. I thought that it was the end of the world, but I sleeved it and replaced the piston and was good to go. Your piston being twisted is a huge issue though. I'm with Frank, maybe it's time for a roller motor! A friend of mine just got a fresh 331 from a Mustang that burned for $600. Nice motor for what he paid! So don't be too discouraged.
Yeah, the roller motor sounds like a great plan! Exactly, what all is involved in building a roller motor?
you have a couple options.. the easiest one is this go to the junkyard.. look for a big ford car.. find a 5.0 roller motor, try and find a car with motor still in it, that has not been touched. see if you can get it started before you yank it.. i would look around.. dont get the first junkyard 5.0 you find.. get one running already.. you might need to take a battery and cables with you to jump it.. or you can find a motor that has been yanked already and just strip it down and start a slow build over the next 6 months.. so it doesnt eat up your money all at once, unless you have the cash to do it all at once.. with christmas here.. tell your family that money will be fine good luck
Well, even more bad news... The top of the piston was movable by hand! So, I turned the crank and found that the cylinder wall is junk. Seems the connecting rod had broke off the piston and hit the side of the cylinder wall. So now there is a hole through the wall. I had just talked to my uncle, and he suggested calling a place in Cleveland called Budget Engine Rebuilders. I called them up and they said I could get a longblock, totally rebuilt and complete (w/o valve covers, oil pan, or front covers) for $895 with core charge for old motor. They also said the core charge could go up depending on the condition of the cylinder, whether or not it could be sleeved. My father and uncle believe it can be sleeved after seeing the damage. So, now at least I have some #s to go by. I think that's the way for me to go. Next year, I'll buy a longblock, put some new stuff into it, and install and go. Easiest, best way for me to go and most likely the cheapest. So, that's the plan. Thanks guys for your help and concern.
I know a guy who recently found a new motor for $200...easily converted into a roller. Just do a search on "scooper77515" and "roller".... Sorry to brag. I was just at the right place at the right time...
Yea, I would shop around. There are better deals out there on better engines then that. I mean, what was wrong with the "new" engine you're buying before it was rebuilt? I wouldn't feel comfortable buying something like that, I've heard of people getting burned like that even by well known remanufacturers.
Man that sucks. I feel bad for you but look at it like a chance to build a new engine up with performance in mind. Good luck and Craigslist or Ebay!
I like your ideas, guys. But finding a solid, used, running 302 up here in the middle of nowhere and saltland is like trying to find a rusty bolt in the middle of a 100 acre field! I was lucky to have a good brother... But here's the thing... I'm not rich (but I'm not scrimping for cash either) and don't have a heck of alot of time to mess with it. I want something that runs good and is fun to drive. Yes, I would feel a little better about myself if I built one up. However, for the same amount of money (already checked), I could spend the $1,100-$1,300 for a nice, practically new engine that I know (or hope, with good intentions) it will be right and run good. Sure, buying a used one and building it up would be a fun and knowledgeable experience, but it's just like you say: You don't know what your getting. This place has very high feedback and has been around for years. My uncle bought an engine from them (a 351W) and it ran great till he sold the car it was in, and it had 195,000 miles on it when he sold it and was still running great. I consider my 302 as a "learning experience". I am only 19 years old, and I have a lot to learn yet. It was a nice try and I figure it was well worth the time and money for the experience. However, I don't like history repeating itself. So, I figure I'll do it right and get the longblock. Less stuff for me to screw up...again. The other reason I'm going with the longblock is that it will be quicker and easier. Lot less screwing around and more time getting it running...right. I called that place back and they said for $200 more I could get a roller motor. So I figure that's what I'll do. I'll easily have the money by May to buy it, so I can install it and get 'er running by mid June. Perfect timing, weather will be nice. Anyway, take care everyone. Wish me luck on my "new" project! I'll let y'all know how it works out. For now, though, I have to get that old motor out of the car, strip 'er down and get it ready for the exchange. Then park the Mav outside till Spring. (My dad really wants his garage space back! ) Anyway, thanks for your time, thoughts and concern. I very much appreciate it! It got me this far, now I have "Mavericktile Dysfunction" now more then ever! Thanks,
