Bad Engine, need help

[AK-47]

Hey guys,

So I got burned REAL BAD by a "bronco builder" and after only 300 miles I've got a heap of problems and the biggest to date is water in the engine. The builder is radio silent and won't return any of my calls so his 3-year / 30,000 mile warranty is worthless. So...I'm considering biting the bullet and purchasing a new crate engine that comes w/ a real warranty vs burning money on tearing the engine apart to find the issue only to find more issues down the road (mom & pop build).

Can anyone suggest a good long block crate motor that's reasonably priced? this is a weekend fun car that's mostly being used on regular roads plus a some highway driving. Needs to be able to do 80MPH and sound like a beast. The POS is a 302 so whatever will swap easiest preferable. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

 

[Rustytruck]

80 mph and sound like a beast is going to cost you. Do you have a body lift, Raised fiberglass hood or a hood scoop? Bronco's don't like 80 mph and get very dangerous fast. Best have a very solid suspension and proper alignment numbers.
If I were to chase your Bronco desires I would do a purpose built 351 conversion. Do a search on this site, there is a ton of information for the performance you seek.

 

[Timmy390]

80 mph and sound like a beast is going to cost you. Do you have a body lift, Raised fiberglass hood or a hood scoop? Bronco's don't like 80 mph and get very dangerous fast. Best have a very solid suspension and proper alignment numbers.
If I were to chase your Bronco desires I would do a purpose built 351 conversion. Do a search on this site, there is a ton of information for the performance you seek.

I was thinking the same but didn't want to say it.

351W for sure but also, what gears and trans are you running. Tires too for that matter. Big factors in performance. Sound can be manipulated by the exhaust you chose. My "cherry bombs" sound GREAT but you an't talk in the cab when on the highway doing 55-60mph without yelling.

My rig will do 80mph no problem. I say this because when doing 65, you floor it and she just goes.......I've hit 75 once or twice merging but never sustained speed. RPM's get a bit high too......

Tim

 

[Brent13]

80 MPH in a Bronco? Get life insurance, you will need it.

 

[71Broncitis]

What kind of engine spec is must run 80 MPH? That's more a function of your gearing. What RPM range are you expecting to be in at that speed? What trans, tire size and axle ratio are you running?

I've had both of these at 80+ and they are stock 302s with C4s. Sure, they are wound up at probably 3500, but my Super Duty is not at its optimal RPM at 80 either.

A good handling Bronco is not much different at 80 than 65 other than stopping distance (just like any other vehicle).

Now expecting to run 80 in our 66 6 cyl. or 67 289 with 4.11s is not going to happen.

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[Nightstick]

I'd replace the head gaskets and see if you still have the water in the engine problem. It can be done without removing the motor and is a lot cheaper than buying a whole new motor to replace what could be a simple problem. While you have the heads off check for any cracks in them.

As far as exhaust, I run dual magnaflow "mufflers". Pretty sure they're the 10416. It's LOUD

 

[71Broncitis]

And as far as sound, that's mainly a factor of your exhaust and not the crate motor unless you want a real lopey cam at idle or the more unique sound of a Coyote or Ecoboost, otherwise most traditional V8s are mainly the exhaust.

I like the dual Flowmaster HushPowers with an x pipe we have on this one.

At idle or cruise RPM it has a nice tone but is not obnoxious. When you lay into it, it lets people know you are there.

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[AK-47]

Thanks all, the 80MPH spec was probably too aggressive for highway driving but I want the power if I need it, let's revise to 65-70...running 33x12.5x15's w/ a 3.5" lift, regular steel hood.

I think Nightstick's on the right path...gonna pull the head and check the gasket..fingers crossed that's all it is.

p.s. all paid up on my life insurance.

 

[71Broncitis]

My point is that cruising at 80 (or 65-70) mph has nothing to do with horsepower.

The three 77s I posted above probably range from a stock 220-250 HP to maybe 300 in the green one. Nothing fancy about that.

If you get an engine built for power on the top end, they will lack on the bottom end which is not usually desireable in a 4x4 with larger tires.

Whatever is wrong with yours can be fixed for less than a complete crate motor.

Find a reputable local shop or engine builder.



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[Apogee]

Water in the engine is usually pretty easy to diagnose...figure out what's wrong and then decide how best to flush your money down the Bronc-hole.

 

[Bonefizz]

Hey guys,

So I got burned REAL BAD by a "bronco builder" and after only 300 miles I've got a heap of problems and the biggest to date is water in the engine. The builder is radio silent and won't return any of my calls so his 3-year / 30,000 mile warranty is worthless. So...I'm considering biting the bullet and purchasing a new crate engine that comes w/ a real warranty vs burning money on tearing the engine apart to find the issue only to find more issues down the road (mom & pop build).

Can anyone suggest a good long block crate motor that's reasonably priced? this is a weekend fun car that's mostly being used on regular roads plus a some highway driving. Needs to be able to do 80MPH and sound like a beast. The POS is a 302 so whatever will swap easiest preferable. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Call this guy out so no one else gets burned. Who is it?

 

[spap]

First take the guy to small claims court. I think the max at small claims is 5 grand. Be prepared and have proof you did everything right as to breaking in the engine. Even a letter from an attorney might help.
I hate when people do that and 302 motors are pretty simple, kinda hard to mess up

 

[Timmy390]

I've got a heap of problems and the biggest to date is water in the engine.

Water where? In the oil? In the cylinders? Leaking externally?

Tim

 

[SHX669]

Water in the oil can be an intake manifold gasket . For some reason - some people don't use silicone sealant around the water ports on the intake.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Yes, Could be something as simple as a intake gasket.
I can't say avoid Felpro 2550 intake gaskets or their knock-offs enough.

 

[KyleQ]

Water in the oil can be an intake manifold gasket . For some reason - some people don't use silicone sealant around the water ports on the intake.

I've never done that, but I've always used good gaskets too.

I agree - yank the heads, bring them to a machine shop to have them inspected. Replaced head gaskets and go from there - it is fairly simple to do with pretty much hand tools. You can rent what you don't have-

 

[AK-47]

In the cylinders....ton's of anti-freeze came out when we drained the oil.

 

[AK-47]

Believe you me....I'm gonna call him out world-wide once my attorney says it's okay.

 

[Timmy390]

In the cylinders....ton's of anti-freeze came out when we drained the oil.

Two different things most of the time.....cylinders = steam from exhaust, in the oil pan is normally intake manifold gaskets. Sometimes a cracked block.

How did the oil look" Take a valve cover off and see id the rockers and springs are covered in "milkshake"

Tim

 

[Nightstick]

And as far as sound, that's mainly a factor of your exhaust and not the crate motor unless you want a real lopey cam at idle or the more unique sound of a Coyote or Ecoboost, otherwise most traditional V8s are mainly the exhaust.

I like the dual Flowmaster HushPowers with an x pipe we have on this one.

At idle or cruise RPM it has a nice tone but is not obnoxious. When you lay into it, it lets people know you are there.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Sweet Jesus I love this Bronco... It's actually how I'd like the one I just picked up to look like when it's done. Don't worry, it'll be a different color ;D. What the lift and tire size?

Sorry for the hijack...