Good evening,
New member here. I have owned my ‘89 F-250 for about a year. It has 32000+ miles on odometer so I’m not sure if it’s turned over once, previous owner was not forthcoming. It ran for a short time but my mechanic said it would need a bit of work. It had been sitting up in the hills of Tennessee for I don’t know how long. Rodents and critters had taken up residence in the engine compartment, chewing up wires and building nests where I wouldn’t think a nest could be built! Body is in decent shape, interior is in great shape.
My question is this: would it be better to just replace the motor or fix what is there? I don’t have a big budget but would like to get it road worthy as soon as I can.
Thank you for your suggestions, comments, advice.

 

Welcome to the site..

What engine?
At first, more likely second time around, it could still be a good runner with some service life left. ‘ A bit of work’ meaning what? When it’s ran, how did it run/sound?
I’d evaluate what’s there before pulling the plug. Rodent damage would most likely have to be repaired anyway (if a reason it quits) if the damage was any part of the electronic/engine management systems.
If it comps out ok, (always a good starting point for the unknowns) fairly oil tight, cooling system clean/reasonably clean, it may be a runner. Having a comp test done straight off will give you a good idea of base engine health. If the cooling system looks like tomato juice, then a red flag there. If it’s bleeding oil, evidences of, meaning looks like it’s been run out, tired, then a re fresh may be the route to go...

 

Hello Hayapower,
The engine is the 5.8 liter 351 W. When it ran, it was really rough. My mechanic, that I have known for many years, said that it seemed to be running on only 7 cylinders. Quite possibly the rodent damage had gotten to the wiring and that he would have to remove the plenum to get to the problem. It does leak oil. The cooling system seems to be okay, he didn't say it was an issue when I initially took it to him. I would want it flushed anyway. Is an aluminum replacement radiator better than stock?
Also some of the wiring looks like the previous owner tried to add some accessories. It does drain the battery over night if I leave it connected so I take the negative cable off. He had a kill switch connected to it but i removed it when I replaced the battery. My mechanic is also aware of this issue and would address it.
The second fuel tank has been removed and the gas line plugged up with a bolt! I would like to replace it though. It is straight piped with no catalytic converter.
It did have Maryland plates so I guess it was okay to run that way?

My mechanic is a certified Jasper Engine installer. I have looked at a replacement engine on their website, it would run about $3600+/-. Do you think I would end up spending this much just getting it to run properly again?...

Thank you again for the advice and suggestions. My wife is even excited about getting this truck running again!