New motor or/and transmission for a '94 E350? (351W / E40D) - Page 2

JWA · 02-02-2015, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianW

The part of the equation that is missing is that it might make financial sense to mod the motor in a specialty vehicle like an SMB, where the replacement cost and availability is different that a regular E-van.

Also an excellent point---after all this isn't just another '94 E350.

Is the stock motor (assuming renewed or repaired) suitable, reliable and MPG-efficient enough for this application?

I'm not too familiar with the 351's as a daily driver engine----just curious.

carringb · 02-02-2015, 09:45 AM

It's possible, but would required a full engine and dash wiring harness transplant, an newer transmission (different valve bodies) and some fuel and emissions systems modifications, and figuring out how to make the ABS still work.

The 351W is a great motor, so I just don't see the value in swapping in a 5.4L. Maybe a V10 if you wanted more power without the extra noise of a tuned 351. The 5.4L doesn't get that much better fuel economy than the 351, and barely makes more power than the HO version (265 HP vs 240). Best I got with my 351 was 15.5 MPG, vs 17 we can get with my dad's 5.4L (the newer drive-by-wire version get do slightly better even).

k2orbust · 02-02-2015, 10:39 AM

I've got the van to a shop now, and they'll start taking things apart to see where the problem is. If the motor is toast, I'll just put in another 351W, probably remanufactured. No time for a bigger project right now.

BajaSportsmobile · 02-02-2015, 01:32 PM

I hope you've found a good shop, because so far you have been getting nothing but bad information.

It is going to be something simple - 351W are just about bomb proof and you didn't say you heard a bomb go off.

E350 · 02-03-2015, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E350

Here's your engine forum (and mine for my 5.8L Bronco):

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum55/

The 5.8L is IMHO a good engine. I wouldn't swap it I would buy a long block preferably from Ford but all the autoparts stores sell them. I like OEM Ford parts.

Before spending a dime, however, you really need to diagnose the problem. "Somewhere between a new starter motor and a new engine ..." is a little vague.

Hey, so what if I like quoting myself! So dude, here is the deal. People who buy used/or older vehicles usually cannot afford (or for other reasons, chose not) to buy new or under warranty vehicles.

Used/or older vehicles are not as reliable (let's assume for purposes of this discussion) as new or under warranty vehicles.

Here's the immutable trade off. In order to own a used/or older vehicle and not quickly be monetarily raped by a shop and spend enough money such that you could've bought a new or under warranty vehicle, you need to substitute money for knowledge.

Dude, buy the OEM dealership shop manuals for your vehicle off of ebay. Drivetrain, body, and electrical. Look and listen to your engine. Post videos on the forum and ask for responses and then read, do what people suggest and then post your results and refine your question(s) and ask again.

Then repeat.

Then repeat some more.

Your wallet is off to a very bad start. And it is not your wallet's fault.

Don't get me wrong.

Because I am not wrong.

But I have personally made the same mistake that you appear to be making, and I am just trying to help as is everyone else here. Everybody here likes you and wants the best for you. We all lshare a common interest. That is what forums are for. Welcome! But so far, your posts are cringeworthy.

Wrong question to ask most shops: "Hey do I need to replace this engine or the starter motor?" (Thought bubble: "Well I need to make my boat payment, so let's cover everyone's bases and chose the former...")

k2orbust · 02-03-2015, 10:04 AM

Sorry to make y'all cringe. Definitely feeling off-balance since I haven't have time to learn what this van's normal operation looks and sounds like.

E350 · 02-03-2015, 10:21 AM

You have fantastic resources available to you.

Just stop, look and listen.

Video your concerns and learn how to post videos. And these guys here and the engine gurus over at your fords-trucks.com engine forum (you will learn who they are by their reputation points - I am not one of them, but I am learning from them) will get you sorted out.

(Motorheads can be your best internet buddies. Videos are just "engine porn" to them.)

And make sure that you post your location and pictures of your van. Pictures of your van will give you credibility as to not being a phantom "help vampire." Your location may help others help you either in person or by recommending a worthy shop in your area.

Edit: BTW, welcome to the world of OBDI. Buy this Ford OBDI code reader:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ustomerReviews

Your 5.8L engine's EEC-IV plug (pre-OBDII) is under the hood on the driver's side near the brake reservoir. Or be a real man and make a jumper and learn how to jump your EEC-IV plug and count the flashes on your dash. No one will talk to you if you haven't pulled or won't pull your codes. Hint: I bought the above code reader and its extension cord so I could read it while in the vehicle...

BajaSportsmobile · 02-03-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k2orbust

Sorry to make y'all cringe. Definitely feeling off-balance since I haven't have time to learn what this van's normal operation looks and sounds like.

We welcome you to the Sportsmobile world and just don't want to see you get ripped off.

We are anxious to here your results.

Viva · 02-03-2015, 11:11 AM

No cringing here. New-to-you vehicle, and it sounds like it's not even in your town. Ugh. Sometimes for one reason or another you do end up having to rely on a shop (even if you'd rather no)t. And plus, not everyone has the desire or ability (at least at a given moment in time) to do this type of work.

Almost all of my vehicles have been older/used, and I do less than 25% of my own work; yet I still find them economical and enjoyable as compared to new (not that I mind new either; just depends). I do typically try to have an understanding of what's going on even (or especially!) when I'm not doing the work, but I'm just saying that I think it is entirely possible to have a used vehicle and have someone else work on it and still have it be a viable choice (even for the wallet). To each their own.

At any rate, as Baja said, Welcome to the gang! Like others here I am very curious as to what the problem turns out to have been, and also pulling for you to get it resolved as painlessly as possible.

k2orbust · 02-03-2015, 11:41 AM

On Sunday I rescued the vehicle on a flatbed tow truck (gosh bless AAA) and now it's back in my town (San Jose). Had to pick a new-to-me shop because the people I know better don't have the space/lift capacity for this thing.

The diagnosis is a seized engine, so a video would be kind of boring. There is still oil in the oil pan so that's not the problem. Distributor does not spin, which might have indicated a broken timing chain. Open to any diagnostic suggestions, and I'll post if/when the cause of death is found.