lookin for a motor for my '78 f250

found a few on craigslist that are pretty close.. and im not really sure what to look for..i figured one thing to do is take the plugs out and see if i can turn the motor..anything else?

 

Pull a valve cover and check the oil return galleries for any sludge or debris. Also might want to pull the water pump off and check water passages if you are serious about the engine. Look for rusty scale in the passages. Also, if possible, pull the oil pan and check for sludge in the pan, plus run a magnet through the oil film in the bottom of the pan to see what metal shavings are in the oil.

Another thing to be wary of is new looking parts, like a water pump, oil pan, timing chain cover, etc. on an outherwise older looking engine. If those look new, then you have to wonder what they are hiding below.

 

ok..ill keep that in mind..i seriously need an engine.

i dont know how much longer i can stand to use my f150 as my farm truck too..i need to get my f250 up and running again

 

what motor??

 

ive been lookin at 460's

to replace my 400