1978 F-150 problems
 

Ok i have recently pulled and rebuilt the running engineout ofmy 1978 Ford F-150 and the rebuild went great. Although no that im trying to put the engine back in it will not turn over. I can turn the engine by hand when it is not bolted up to the bell houseing but as soon as i bolt it up and set it in the motor mounts it will no longer turn over and acts like it is seized. At this point ive never had this problem and really have no idea what to do so any help would be great.
Thank You
Stetson

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

Manual or auto?

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

Sorry about not saying but it is an automatic and the pickup was drivin for 6 years straight everyday to work untill i got my new one then it went straight to the shop about 3 months ago were it is now

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

Not much that could have went wrong if you were able to bolt the engine to the trans.. Did the engine slide right up against the trans/dust shield leaving no gap before tightening, or did you have to pull them together with the bellhousing bolts? If the engine spun through 'completely' on the stand, and the starter is out of the equation (?), try loosening the torque converter nuts and see if the converter can move in/out, as well as 'shift' in the flex plate holes.. Should easily rattle/move in the holes.. If the converter is loose, try rotating the engine through the starter opening, or the inspection/access plate opening..

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

ok thanks ill try i got another hint out the torque converter not being on all the way i was told that when you put the torque converter on that if you turn it about three turns it will click three time and will slide back on just enough to were you can not get any fingers behind it and i will also try that after i experiment with your idea becouse i really dont want to ahve to tear the engine completely out again if i dont have to so thanks a bunch

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

Thats why I was asking if it slid in all the way, and up against the trans/dust shield plate with no or only a slight gap before bolting, rather than being 'pulled' in with the bellhousing bolts..

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

If the converter studs are 'free' meaningyou can move the converter in/out and it's loose in the flexplate holes then the converter is set correct..

RE: 1978 F-150 problems
 

i always put my engines back in the engine baywith the trans inneutral, that way you can spin the torque converter freely.