Houston, we have a problem

Started to take the 64 apart tonight.Will have some pics soon.Everything (gas tank,radiator,bellypan) came out so easy.So this is how it is to work on a rust free van! You guys on the west coast have it easy,no torches to heat rusted bolts,no rust in your eyes what a pleasure.I love this van but all did not go as smooth as I would have liked.
The motor (144) is froozen from sitting for 39 years.I went into this knowing this was a possibility but was hoping for the best.All I had was some marvel mystery oil so I squirted some in each cylinder and will try this weekend.

Anyone have any tricks to get this motor spinning again?

If I can not get it going what are my options?
I also have a Mustang and know people in the club and might be able to get my hands on a 200ci. Or should I keep the 144?

Will a 200ci be a direct replacement ? Any problems?

I may be jumping the gun here but I am trying to make the best out of a tuff night.

mike

go for the 200

I would go for the 200, especially if it has been running recently.

After 39 years, your engine is going to need rebuilding really...

Go for the extra power....

Sy

Is the 200 a direct bolt in replacement ? Trans? mounts?

I believe it's the same as the 170 but not sure about the 144.
Don't want to make this complicated otherwise I would through a 289 in it.

mike

go for the 289!

Talked to one of my buddies today,he has a 67 200 with low miles and a 65 that runs but is tired.He thinks the 67 might have a bellhousing issue.possible differant bolt pattern I am going there later today.

Can anyone shed some light on this issue?

also will a 289 fit inside my doghouse? I really rather keep that the same.

I had a 200 out of a Maverick in my last Econoline. I loved it...........took 2 trips across country in it............over the Rockies in mid-winter one trip.

NEVER A PROBLEM and cruised just fine.

Also...........I HAVE............unlocked many engines by filling the plug holes with transmission fluid.

Then use a nice breaker bar on the crank bolt in front.............rock it back and forth...........keep adding tranny fluid and letting it soak...

It may take days to break free............but usually does 95% of the time.

If it doesn't............IT'S SCRAP.......

The 250 is not a direct bolt in. It uses the same bell housing as the 240 and 289/302 not the 144. It is taller and wider than the 144/170/200. You would need to use a 65-67 crossmember and make new mounts, swap to a 240 bell and transmission and use a 63/64 transmission tailhousing. You would also have to use a 65-67 motor box which is taller in order to fit an air cleaner and has a hump in the back to clear the larger bell housing. Just as much work as putting a V-8 in. The 200 will bolt in with no modifications. I have a 71 200 in my 63 with 3.25 gears and it cruises nicely on the highway. I've driven it from RI to Maine many times and to Carlsile PA. If you do go with a 200 check the timing chain before you install it, it's common for them to be loose. The only other thing to look for is the bottom pulley. The Econoline has a single groove bottom pulley that is part of the harmonic balancer. Some 200's have the same set up with a removable outer pulley. They will work fine if you remove the outer pulley. Some have a one peice harmonic balancer/bottom pulley with two grooves. These will not work. You can use the balancer from your original 144 but the timing mark will not be in the correct place on the timing cover. You will also have to use the timing cover from the 144.
Fred

go for the V-8 swap got a 289 in my 61 pickup loves doin burnouts

Welcome to the site 61.

thanks for the welcome itruns great site