97 F150: replace or rebuild engine?

[Brads03starcar]

Hi, I am considering buying a 1997 F150 XLT (4.6L, extended cab 4x4) but it has engine problems. The current motor has just over 200,000 KM and uses oil. Current owner says low compression on 2 cylinders. Is it worth the trouble to rebuild the stock engine, or take the risk with dropping in a "wrecker special"? Either way, the truck is in overall great shape (no rust, damage, etc.) and the asking price is dirt cheap. Opinions?

[Flyingjackal456]

It all depends on it you're going to do the work youself. You can take off the heads, send them in for a valve job and milling. The valve job alone would probably run up roughly $125 per head (2 heads). Replace the head gaskets and bolts, an you should be golden. To have the engine fixed at a garage it'll cost $1500, maybe more. You can ask for quotes.

A wrecker is another way to go, but most of the times the mileage is not too far off from 200,000 km (124,000 mi) Unless you want to spend near 700+ for the engine.

[Brads03starcar]

Hi, I just talked to the current owner again, he said he is unsure which cylinders are low, but it smokes heavily when cold and uses quite a bit of oil driving around town, but interestingly almost nothing on the highway. Is this a head issue, or possibly rings? The reason he is selling the truck is the shop told him $1200 for gaskets (probably incl labour), and he doesn't want to turn it into a "money pit".

Is this truck (1997 F150 XLT 4X4 SC/LB) worth $2500? It's in overall great shape, just motor issues, and comparable trucks in Saskatchewan are going for $7000 to $9000...