ok, I just had to ask, sounds like the vehicle is worth saving.

Just my thoughts-If it is your main source of transportation, I think the idea of finding another yblock in running order might be a good solution. You will have I think the least down time and probable cost.

Your current engine can be fixed, with the right amount of time and money - just maybe not the right time for that, so I wouldn't ditch it, just set it aside and do it right as time and money allow, then you'll have a brand new one to drop in.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Hoosier Hurricane, you are right, I don't think it was as good as it could have been, but I think I got it spinning fast enough to give me an idea. Or at least that is the hope.



bird55, This is a 292 2bbl in a 59 F100. And it has spent most of its life doing what trucks are supposed to do. I have been slowly straightening and repairing a lot of buggered up stuff and keeping it original is not my primary concern.



Ol' Ford Nut, I know there is someone out selling a 292 from a 60's F100 that is going at a decent price. I may take a look at it to see if I want to try and replace a Y for a Y.



I honestly knew the motor was on the tired side of things, just didn't realise how tired. Hell I can kick it off instantly without a hint of any smoking until it was opened up, so I was really keeping my fingers crossed that this oiling issue was blockage and not what it is looking like it is.

http://hillbillyheretic.wordpress.com

If the starter is failing, you probably didn't get a good compression test.  But all the symptoms point to a very tired engine.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

What model of car is this engine in? And what is the cars condition?

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

If money is limited don't even think about rebuilding this old tired engine. If it is as bad as it sounds you are talking new pistons, boring block, all new bearings, new cam and lifters and everything else. Would hit close to $2500 easy or more.

You better start looking for another running engine that you can check out before buying.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

Thanks for the replies everyone.



I work from home, so when things are dead and I need to get away from my test I fiddle on the truck or motorcycle.



But I unfortunately got quite a sign today. I definitely have either a bad starter or solenoid. However with the plugs pulled I could get a decent crank off the motor.



I have an older rubber booted compression tester which I had tried out on my Goldwing yesterday for giggles. 125 t0 145 per cylinder.



It was drizzling today so I just got out to try the truck.



the best I got was 75 on Cylinder 6 and Cylinder 2 was about 20...



I think this poor old Y is just tired. So even if I traced the exact source of my oil loss, I really will only band-aid what in essence is a motor in dire need of a rebuild.



Anyone know what the average rebuild cost is for a 292 in California? I know that there are a lot of variables, especially if there is any excessively worn parts, but a general ball park figure if I have a rebuildable core?

http://hillbillyheretic.wordpress.com

Howdy,





If you have a severely "sludged" engine, when doing the above, you run the risk of breaking loose a piece of "sludge". That's what could be blocking the oil to the rockers, cam, or even a rod or main bearing. (in the latter cases, you'll know when it spins/seizes a bearing and puts a rod thru the crankcase!! )



It's not pretty when the bearing seizes to the crankshaft either....



spun rod bearing:









If your engine is so "sludged" that oil passages are clogged, it needs to come apart and and be cleaned completely.





Cheers,





Rick


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1955 F-600/272/E4OD// Disclaimer: No animals were injured while test driving my F-600 except the ones I ran over intentionally!

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This post was created using OpenSuSE Linux x64 and Firefox

Drown me in beer, I should have explained more on "flushing the motor". I would not recommend flushing, if the motor held even low oil pressure and the rockers were getting some oil. If the motor is that worn that it will not oil the rockers after it warms up, the old mill would need a overhaul anyway, before it completely let go. You would not have a lot too lose. On the oil pump once in awhile the plunger will stick open if it's dirty or bent or broken spring or any other reason. I didn't mean to mis-lead you, but I should have asked you more facts. There are some folks that still believe non-detergent oil is the best for old motors, I don't. The big thing is you are trying to keep the old ride running and I appreciate that. I've kept my old 55 going for over 37 years. They are one of the most forgiving motors ever made. Hell some folks didn't change the oil ever, just added to. I've seen rocker boxes with sludge half way up the springs and the pan with sludge up to the pick-up screen and still running and holding 4 to 8 lbs. presure. Hell at my age drowning in beer wouldn't be all that bad! Good luck with the old ride. All will work out in the end. 

You will probably get lots of different opinions, but I do not like to flush old engines. As long as the crud clings to something, it does no harm. If you break it loose, it can cause problems. I have been using Marvel Mystery oil for over 50 years, but we referred to it as an upper cylinder lubricant or top oil, which meant it was meant for the upper part of the engine... namely valves and rings. ATF will also work as an UCL, but it will not lubricate an engine.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Old Y Block,



I have cleaned and desludged the innards recently. did the trans fluid before an oil change with a Marvel Mystery oil chaser. Hell part of me wonders if I did more damage than good by cleaning it out.



However, I will be dismantling the oil pump tomorrow and checking for any sludge internally, just to be safe. My starter is dragging real bad. I got the truck on a charger right now. I am hoping that the solenoid hasn't decided to give up on me. But I am trying to avoid throwing parts at it, until I have a better idea on what is wrong with it.

http://hillbillyheretic.wordpress.com