What to do with a 352 . .

[TimeWarpF100]

Original 352 From my 1966 F100

Couple reasons for pulling the 352:

1) Bad oil leak at back of engine

2) Truck dyno test mule for the 418 FE

This engine ran soooo well did not use oil (until it developed the leak)

Because I wanted to replace all gaskets and seals once it was out, clean it up a bit with a bit of detail work before I drop it back in,

Pulled the intake, oil pan just to take a peak at the bearings. Was reasonably sure the engine had never been apart or out but was curious as to what the bearings looked like after 50yrs of use. This is the 3rd 352 truck engine I have taken out and apart that ran really well. None had been apart.

Pulling pan it looked pretty darn good in there for not having been touched.

[TimeWarpF100]

No doubt the original date coded FoMoCo bearings

Rod bearings 11/65

Main Bearings 10/65

Block is a December 3, 1965



Truck had great oil pressure yet and no funny noises. Ran so good one would think it had a fresh "rebuild".

Amazing that this is the 3rd one now that could make it and run great, look good inside and not pour oil after 50yrs of use.

By looking at it it would have gone a long time yet. Very little slop in the timing chain. (do not think its been replaced but not 100% sure yet)

Check out the condition of original bearings and the rope seal . . No leakage from the rear main.

[TimeWarpF100]

Funny part is I had checked valve cover bolts prior, torqued them a few moved but oil leak got worse.

Once I had engine out something that did not cross my mind was it had a too long bolt in the passenger side rear valve cover. It was "tight" but not holding the valve cover and reason for the leak. So could have just replaced with proper bolt and left it alone . . .

Already thinking I have a real nice "390" crank laying around . . .  Are standard bore 4.050 pistons readily avail? Be a nice easy and cheap way to gain the 40 cubes . . LOL

Just what I need yet another project! At least it will be good for the next owner . .

[ScotiaFE]

Number 8 rod has been out before though?
And the drain cock is a sure sign that someone was working on the block
at some point. Those old drain plugs don't come out easy.

[machoneman]

Why does the entire bottom end have virtually no oil showing? It looks mighty dry for such a well running engine. Did it sit for a long time before you pulled it?  Mine are always a drippy mess with the pan off.

Unless your wallet is mighty thin  I'd slap that good lookin' puppy back together with a new chain, gaskets and run it. That is....run it over to a bone yard and find a good 390 to work on separately. JMO! 

[blykins]

I'd slap that puppy back together.  I love those old 352's.

[TimeWarpF100]

Number 8 rod has been out before though?
And the drain cock is a sure sign that someone was working on the block
at some point. Those old drain plugs don't come out easy.

No reason to believe the pan has ever been off.

When I bought the truck 4yrs ago it had been sitting 20+ years, one of the expansion plugs was leaking so I replaced it, of course installing the drain at that time.

6 months or so ago when I had it up on hoist to replace a carrier bearing and do a brake job I noticed another plug was seaping.

At that time I replaced the rest of the expansion plugs.

Here in AZ I have no issue removing a drain plug. No different than any other nut or bolt . .

[TimeWarpF100]

Why does the entire bottom end have virtually no oil showing? It looks mighty dry for such a well running engine. Did it sit for a long time before you pulled it?  Mine are always a drippy mess with the pan off.

Unless your wallet is mighty thin  I'd slap that good lookin' puppy back together with a new chain, gaskets and run it. That is....run it over to a bone yard and find a good 390 to work on separately. JMO!

This truck is my daily driver so engine was still warm when I pulled it . . Only vehicle I have for daily that has working A/C

For some reason we were having a "COOL" spell here so thought good time to pull the engine.

Now, why would I go to bone yard to find a 390 when I have the perfect candidate here and a super nice 390 crank ready to go that has no value to sell? Add the crank and rods bore it .050 and I have my 390 . .

As far as looking dry I have "Magic Wand~Magic Soap"  Wave Magic wand and it removes the oil film for dis-assembly. Getting old and do not like my hands to get dirty.

Interesting thing is when engine was turned upside down to remove pan I heard a "tink" upon inspection found a extra rod nut in the pan.

[TimeWarpF100]

I'd slap that puppy back together.  I love those old 352's.

Kinda what I am thinking . .

I still have 2 complete 1966 352's that are in equal shape. If the truck is being sold why spend any more $$ than needed. Actually, it would be perfectly fine as is.

Now that it is this far apart a ring and bearing job may be in order as have the parts on shelf . .

Problem is it will then turn into "might as well's"

Exactly how my "390" project started. Only 500 miles on it so just take it apart and look. Now thousands of $$ later . .