how long can my engine last?

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Gerrad Reynolds

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I recently bought a 1989 eddie bauer bronco with a 302 and 268k miles....it doesnt smoke or leak and doesnt clank, smell bad, use excessive oil, or over heat (since i replaced the fan clutch and coolant anyways). Only major problems are with power steering and transmission leaks...and whatever else the emissions people can think of...but i would like to get an estimate or any input on how long these engines last. I would like to have this truck for as long as possible untill i get a real good job. Anyone have comments?

 

BMAD01

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Hi Gerrad!   I've heard tales of over 300,000mi on the 5.0L motors.  I have an 88 E/B with the same motor.  Mine is now rolling on 195,000mi.  It's been my daily driver since 2004 and I have personally put on every mile except the first 80,000mi when I got it.  I've taken er in for a complete oil change every 3000mi religiously since I got it.  I've had to change the water pump once and a timing chain cover because of a water leak.  When I had the cover done I had them put on a new timing chain and gears since it was all open and the timing was "floating" around because of the worn gears and chain.  These motors LAST if you take care of them.  How long?  Who knows!  Take care of stuff and it lasts!  Who knows what has happened to your motor before you got it.  The best you can do is to take care of it while it's on your watch.  Good luck, Brian

 

Seabronc

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Welcome to the Zone!! Post some pictures when you have time.

Like BMAD01 said, maintenance is the key.  Even when it starts to show oil pressure problems, it's life can be extended simply by using Lucas oil stabilizer.  If it ain't broke don't fix it :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />, maintain it.

:)>-   

 
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Gerrad Reynolds

Gerrad Reynolds

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Thanks...the last owner seemed to do ok but i am like the 7th owner and have had to replace lots like steering linkage and lots and lots of hoses...only oil problem is when you stomp on the brakes the gauge drops and check engine light comes on for a sec then it goes back to normal...but it is kinda hard to pass inspections...my state has a huge list of stuff you cant do

 

Seabronc

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Put in a quart of Lucas oil stabilizer. or try a new oil pressure sensor.  I always try the least expensive fix first,  Have you checked codes after it does that?   It might give you a clue.

Good luck,

:)>-

 
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Gerrad Reynolds

Gerrad Reynolds

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Ok so the stabilizer did nothing...but the sensor is fine...i found the problem seems to be the valve cover gaskets... there is oil leaking on to the exhaust manifold and the valve covers have been extremely dirty. Ill try that and hope it works out. guess i didn't have a reason to look until i found smoking oil on the exhaust and noticed the wet valve covers.

 

Seabronc

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Check your codes to see if it gives you a clue.  Could also be sludge in the oi pan reducing the amount of oil available, maybe even uncovering the pickup when the oil sloshes forward.  Definitely worth cleaning the valve covers and replacing gaskets plus cleaning the sludge off the heads and out of the return holes.  

I ran my engine with 10 W 50 and a quart of Lucas for years.  Your engine doesn't actually have a oil pressure sensor.  After about 1986 they only had a switch, not a real pressure sensor, it is only a on/off switch.  

Good luck,

:)>-

 
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Gerrad Reynolds

Gerrad Reynolds

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I started a thread in the 80-96 tech support section because I thought It was quite unrelated to this but could someone look at it and help me out? Its called passenger side valve cover removal

 

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