Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

[captmello]

I'm towing a 20' bowrider, approx 2400 lbs with fuel and gear. I tow in some areas with long hills and my truck really has some trouble getting up without getting hot. I've got a 1996 F150 with 4.9ltr 2wd supercab, long box with 227,000 miles. I commute with this truck daily and it runs better than ever. I'm wondering if I could boost my towing power by rebuilding the head and changing the exhaust or perhaps the motor is simply getting tired. However, Would a new 300 ci L6 tow much better concidering the size of truck and boat? What else could a guy do to this motor? I suppose a compression check is in order.

Anyone towing with a similar combo?

 

[bassman284]

Re: Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

Well, at 227 K it could be just a little tired. More likely it's the 227K on the cooling system that's causing the problem

A couple of years ago, I started having the same problem with my Jeep GC, 5.2 V8 and about 160,000 on the clock. It got where I'd be hitting 230 - 240 degrees on a 80 degree day with the AC off. Had my mechanic put in a new radiator and do a super flush of the cooling system. Took care of the problem.

I don't think rebuilding heads on an engine that old will help much.

 

[muskie hunter]

Re: Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

Well, at 227 K it could be just a little tired. More likely it's the 227K on the cooling system that's causing the problem

A couple of years ago, I started having the same problem with my Jeep GC, 5.2 V8 and about 160,000 on the clock. It got where I'd be hitting 230 - 240 degrees on a 80 degree day with the AC off. Had my mechanic put in a new radiator and do a super flush of the cooling system. Took care of the problem.

I don't think rebuilding heads on an engine that old will help much.

Exactly what he said...New radiator time!!

 

[captharv]

Re: Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

I had an 1981 300 inline 6 in a ford F150. It did not have limited slip. I towed almost 6000# with it, however, here in Fl most roads were flat, problems were at the ramps with wheelspin.
That engine thinks its a diesel, and may be the most bullet proof engine they ever made.
My suggestion is to not worry about the engine. Look at the rear axle. Probably a 2.73:1. I would replace it with a 3.55 limited slip. With O/D on, the hiway RPM will be about 2000 now. with O/D disabled (proper way to tow), about 2500-2700. This will give you the pulling power and ramp traction you need, without getting crazy MPG

 

[captmello]

Re: Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

New radiator time!!

This is a good idea. In fact it's had a slow leak for a while now. It just never gets warm under "normal" conditions.

My suggestion is to not worry about the engine. Look at the rear axle. Probably a 2.73:1. I would replace it with a 3.55 limited slip.

I hadn't concidered this but does make sense. I do worry about gas milage as I drive at least 80 miles a day! But you think it won't make much difference? I have to admit I have not had the tire slippage issues mentioned earlier. I'm often suprised at the lack of slippage. I've watched newer trucks sliding back and forth at the landing. All my truck does is drive right out.

Thanks to all for the input.

I think I'll wait a couple weeks to let the weather get really cold before changing the radiator, adds to the misery of having no garage.

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: Towing performance w/rebuilt engine?

New radiator and a good cooling system flush works wonders on engine temp. Also think about a after market engine oil cooler. Summit has them pretty cheap. A good trans cooler if a auto will work also.