bill cv

The 5.0 in my 84 Crown Vic wagon has either 127000 or 227000 miles. It starts perfectly, runs quietly, doesn't smoke. At any speed, if you "kick it down" it won't accelerate, but runs great at part throttle settings. It has a little rattle just before it shifts, and the oil pressure light is on at idle. When I replaced the valve cover gaskets, the engine was filthy inside. Burnt on oil, and lots of "grit" laying inside the rocker gallery. I plan to drive this car on long vacation trips.
Does anyone think (like me) that this engine should be replaced, or would you run it?
Thanks, all

Bert

I'd say to check the oil pressure to see what it reads. Since the engine is so dirty inside, I'd suspect poor maintenance. The oil hasn't been changed properly so It probably would be best to get another engine. More than likely, there's a lot of wear in locations you can't tell by listening. You can check for another engine here. http://www.car-part.com/index.htm

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Bert

bill cv

Bert, thanks
I planned on replacing it, but the more I drive it, the better it seems. It is scary, so I'm gonna change it.
found a good one out of an 84 cougar, 85000 miles, good compression and oil pressure (they say). I'll call them tomorrow. Otherwise, checker auto has a long block for $1200, with a year warranty. the used one is less than half the price of the 0 mile engine, so I'll talk to them first.

Bert

If you could see the service records on the used one, it might do just as well. Some rebuilers aren't very thorough.

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Bert

BigMerc96

I say replace it, 5.0s are relatively cheap and plentiful. Plus the last thing you want is to break down 250 miles from home (ask me how I know).

One option you may want to consider is an engine out of a late-model 5.0 Explorer, they are almost a direct swap and would be more powerful and fuel efficient. Although it would be easier if your car was already fuel injected('84s weren't, right?).

Just about any 5.0 will work in your car, its just a matter of how much time/money you want to spend.

Word of caution about the exploder engine: A LOT of the 5.0 exploders were cash-for-clunker victims and therefor the engines were destroyed. My local pick-a-part has a row of about 20 CFC'd exploders, the engines were supposed to be painted bright orange so you know its destroyed but I've herd some weren't.

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1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS ~89,000mi, Willow Green inside and out. It's very green.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Base V6 187,000mi (sold)

Bert

The 84s had throttle body fuel injection.

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Bert

tbird100636

Well this can easily be checked by attempting to crank the motor by hand off the crankshaft pulley bolts. No turn, locked motor.

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Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic

BigMerc96

I thought that they didn't get throttle body injection till '85 but I stand corrected, probably should have looked that up before I posted. Still though I don't know if that makes it much easier, it seems like its a pretty straight forward swap if the car already has Sequential Fuel Injection and the wiring for it and its computer. I've never done one of these swaps but I know that it can be done so I thought I would throw that option out there.

Good point, you should definitely try that before buying any junk yard motor, or any used motor that cannot be started for one reason or another.

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1996 Mercury Grand Marquis GS ~89,000mi, Willow Green inside and out. It's very green.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu Base V6 187,000mi (sold)