Looking for advice about 88 F150.
Asked by Avila_Raab Jun 25, 2020 at 11:08 PM about the 1998 Ford F-150
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have an 88 F150 with some issues. The main thing is that it's blowing quite a bit of smoke from burning oil. It seems like every mechanic in my town hates doing engine work. I think they all make a living just swapping out easy parts so I can't get a real opinion about how to diagnose or repair the smoke. I'm thinking about just doing a rebuild which is about $2000 not including pulling and installing. I've never dealt with engine smoke before and I'm not sure what to do. There are crate engines for sale that are far less than what some people here want for a rebuild. Is it a better option to look for one online that's already been rebuilt for like $1400? Or is a rebuild on my engine a better option.
13 Answers
I would probably go with a crate engine. Do your research and buy the best one you can.
If you're only seeing blue smoke at idle that goes away when driving it's valve guide seals and not a reason to change the engine in my opinion. Also check the PCV system. Make sure the PCV valve is not clogged and the hoses are not clogged and properly routed. A faulty PCV system can cause smoking and oil usage as well. Better to spend $10 on a PCV valve and some hose before condemning the engine! Hope that helps! Jim
Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago
Yeah, I'll check the PCV system, but it smokes at idle and while driving. It will occasionally stop smoking, but it smokes most of the time.
When it runs out of oil the smoke will stop ;)
Ok, sounds like it's time for a rebuild or new engine. With it smoking most of the time that points to worn out rings. Just didn't want you spending a lot of money if it could be fixed cheaper. Jim
Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago
@F_O_R, yeah and I found out there's a plug under all that mess that'll drain all the oil out and save me some time.
Good luck with your project. Which engine do you have?
Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago
It's the Inline 6. It's like diving a friggin tractor, but I love it. I wish a had a little more cash to just rebuild it without stressing about it.
The 300 six is a workhorse of a motor. They can go almost forever with proper care. I would love to have an older pickup with the 300 six and a 5 speed transmission.
Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago
Thanks a lot everyone for your advice, I'll probably post this question as another post, but I'm just curious if there's another engine I could swap that has a little more HP. I like what everyone's saying about the 300 inline 6, but since I'm throwing a new one in anyways I thought I'd entertain the idea of something a little faster.
The V8 302 and V8 351 were available options for your truck. Switching to a V8 will probably mean the transmission will have to be swapped out along with upgrades to the suspension. Hope that helps! Jim
I would check engine specs. The 302 probably has more HP but less torque. I know you can hop up the 300 6. You might want to look into it.
