In put on 351 Windsor motors

[gb70]

My wife and I picked up a used 1982 motorhome https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/show...e/0#Post394048
and it has a 1982 351 Windsor motor with 85,000 miles.

With proper care how many miles can these small blocks 351W go?

[Lynn]

OK, I'll take a stab. Biggest factor is whether the engine has had "proper care" for the first 85,000 miles. If not, then maybe 85,500????
Lookig at the pics, one would guess that the PO took very good care of the engine. Regular oil changes are the most important. I remember an inordinant number of these engines sludging up horribly back in the 80's (I owned an independent repair shop at the time). More than one full size Ford or Lincoln had to have the oil pan and valve covers pulled just to clean everything out. Even then, it was impossible to get it all. The oil return passages in the heads get restricted to the point that the oil light will come on, even though it is not low on oil. Oil gets trapped in the upper end, not draining down fast enough to feed the oil pump.

You might pull a valve cover (whichever one is easiest) just to make sure the engine is clean inside. I would if it were mine, just for the peace of mind.

On another note, I have never torn down a windsor engine with significant miles (over 75,000) that didn't have at least one cracked piston skirt, usually more than one. Probably due to the short rods putting too much stress on the skirt. Although, I am thinking this is more of a problem on the 289 / 302 engines. Just can't remember that well.

Bottom line: if the inside is clean and it isn't using much oil, just keep the "proper care" going, and it could have many miles left in her. 150,000 wouldn't surprise me.

Good luck.

[gb70]

Thanks Lynn, I was thinking of pulling a valve cover to check that. I was reading an article in Mustangs monthly last night where the builder was tearing down an original 289 that was driven mostly on the highway and not as much in town. It had over 150,000 miles and the owner had done his routine oil changes. The bottom of the valve covers were super clean as was the oil pan. I was thinking that it is most likely that the previous owners had it on the highways more than the city. If it was taken care of as much as the rest of the coach it should help my engine life. I have never had a 351W before. I think for my next oil change I will drain a quart and add a quart of oil cleaner additive and run it warm for 5 minutes. That should help free up any sludge it may also have.

What brand oil do you suggest may be best here for this application?

[Sportyworty]

These are great engines and can withstand a considerable amount of neglect. Ford manufactured that engine for over 35 years. It is our 350 Chevrolet.

[Lynn]

Probably will get about 100 different opinions on oil if you ask 100 folks. Can you still contact the previous owner? If you pull a valve cover and it is good and clean, then contact po and see what he was using. Fastidious guys are usually very brand loyal. It is more a matter of personal preference than anything else, but still very safe to use the same brand he was using. If you continue with the same oil and it is low on zinc (and almost all are), then find a zinc additive, something like GM's EOS (Engine Oil Supplement), and put in about half the can with each oil change.

If you don't know what kind of oil he used, or if by some chance, he was having it changed at a "quick lube" place with "whatever", then my PERSONAL preference is Redline. No additives needed. Drawback is it is difficult to find, but you can buy it from Summit. About 8 bucks a quart plus shipping. I use it in my daily driver (745i turbo with increased boost). Lots of guys on here and other knowledeable websites like other synthetics. I am sure there will be no shortage of opinions.

[markjohnson]

Oil is such a controversial subject these days that I don't know what to even think anymore. I'll stand in the back of the auto parts store for almost an hour reading their bottles trying to make a decision. I tell 'ya, one of my motorcycles has a strict rule in the owner's manual to NOT use any oil that says "energy conserving" in the round approval circle on the back of all oil bottles. Street car oil has really gone down the tubes thanks to the EPA stepped in to tell them how to make oil and what they can and can't use as additives these days.

[ANDY M]

Shell Rotella. Best oil for the price, available anywhere.