Starting up the Ford 390FE on the Run Stand!

Took a gamble on this Ford 390FE a couple years ago with no known information. Started it up but quickly realized why it was pulled!

[@larrykittell726]

David Freiburger has said, Don't make it perfect, just get it running. Put that engine in and go cruising.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes I’ve been trying to remember that. Definitely need to get the galaxie going

[@mry82]

yes, option 1! :)

[@countswing284]

Drop it in as is and enjoy the ride! Cheers! 😎👍🏎🏁🏁

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Definitely!

[@rayhubbard1367]

Omar, I’m’m all about Option 1. Good enough is good enough. Drop it in, work the bugs out of the car, have some fun. Never let perfection be the enemy of progress. Tri-Power later.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Thanks that’s sounding like a good plan!

[@TrashcanGarage]

I'd go for option 1, given the serious wear on the bearings that should be addressed as well before you add bolt-on goodies like a tri-power.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes, I think if I’m easy on it should last me until I can get the 428 back. I’ll run a bit thicker oil on it

[@laingconley5316]

Option 1. Get it going as-is.

[@stephenholland5930]

Great job fixing the oil leak. Option 1 for me.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

YES

[@jdgardner502]

I would've rolled bearings in there while you were in there. Plan on dropping it into Neutral at every stop light when your oil pressure dips and your oil light stay on. Ask me how I know.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha oh man I hope that’s not the case with mine. I’ve been turning it on daily and it seems to be at 15-20psi when fully hot. It’s got 10-40w with a zinc additive so I’m hoping it will last me. Thought about bearings but the crank definitely needs to be polished. Just gonna run the dice and run it for now! Definitely easy going on it !

[@boblill8476]

Option #1 . Get the whole car squared away with single quad on 390 and FPA exhaust. It will just be a matter of swapping in the Omar prepped Tri-power 428 WHEN it’s ready . I realize that it’s easier said than done 😎 .

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes it will be easier in the long run to switch the engine. Now to put the work in!

[@afwoods]

Option 1. That tri-power setup is cool but those are a real pain.

[@bcmcintosh]

Option 1 and drive it. Enjoying the car now will keep you motivated. I have a '64 XL (right down to the same color as yours) with a 390 and also have a '66 428 sitting on the sidelines.

[@roadstonowhere1971]

Looking at the bearings, I would drop it in as is and enjoy the ride until rebuild time.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes that’s what I’m leaning towards to. It’s definitely rebuild time but it should last me a bit more if I’m easy on it

[@patrickreid2767]

Good stuff!! Option #1 for me! Get it up and running fast!

[@daledavies2334]

When going in to replace the rear seal, replace all the main and rod bearings. This will save time and later expense. Also poke at the timing chain to check the wear there. That would be much easier to change now while the engine is out. Yes you have 428 to eventually install, but those worn bearings will let the crank jump up and down which will allow the front and rear seals to leak. If an automatic, the oil pressure light will flicker at stops when warmed up. Do not worry about a different intake, fix the bottom end before those worn bearings bite your butt. You are courting spun bearings with what you have done. Put a true roller double roller timing set in. When assembled again, test run on your stand. When you are confident it is good, you can be confident it will give years of trouble free service.

[@bd0727]

I have a tired .040 over 390 in my 63 Galaxie 500XL convertible. Despite being worn and leaking oil, it is a great driver. One cylinder is slightly down on compression but it was a nice build 15+ years ago w/ forged TRW pistons, nice cam etc. When it is warm, oil pressure would be 10-12 psi (10W30) although when cold it was 50 psi. I first moved to 10W40 which helped hot oil pressure. However, when the car sat for a few weeks the valve train would rattle when fired until oil PSI came up. I moved on to Valvoline VR1 20W50 and replaced one quart with Lucas oil treatment. Adding Lucas solved the problem with startup valve train rattle but combined with 20W50 really had cold oil PSI too high and increased all of the oil leaks from the front cover, rear main seal. When the summer drive season is over, I'm going to pull it out of the car and decide if rings and bearings will get the job done or if more serious work is needed. Long story short, I'd go 10W40 and a quart of Lucas, drive it easy and enjoy cruising your Galaxie. A full rebuild is easy to say in the comments but $$$$.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes I’d like to rebuild it but all the money will go towards fixing the 428 block. That’s awesome that your 390 is still kickin, I hope mine can last until the 428 is completed!

[@tonychavez2083]

i just started mine on a run stand. ran great for about 15 minutes and then started losing oil pressure big time down to about 5-10 psi. started about 45-50! scratching my head now. All new parts..... nice video

[@ramseyth]

Great video Omar. Run it as is. It starts quick and runs smooth. Cruise it until the 427 is ready.

[@byler390]

Since it’s on a stand, prep it for painting. It would clean up nicely

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

That’s the plan! I’d like to paint it black with the gold valve covers

[@rz8dwx]

Put the 390 in as is till the 427 is ready. Then put the 390 in the Comet. Fun

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

390 in the comet would be insane!

[@ProjectMercuryMarauder]

That’s what I’ve been saying this whole time he needs a 427!!! 🏁🏁🏁🏁 and then put the 390 in the Comet!!!! ☄️ Then put the 428 in the 68 Fastback Mustang!

[@SUPERJKJEEP]

I would replace the oil pan, I hope you don’t have a blown head gasket, I would rebuild the motor Omar.

[@ProjectMercuryMarauder]

The engine at one time actually had water in it from being outside.

[@benben-sahile9322]

Option 1 Omar! The tri power is cool but it’s a pain in the a@@ to tune. Also when you tune it will still find a way to get out of tune. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

[@johnsarian_cu]

I continue to be 😲 at how well that engine starts cold. Idles immediately. And sounds when you blip the throttle. Me - I would be nervous as heck to touch a thing. Drop it in and GO baby! Just watch oil pressure especially close LOL.

[@markbreaux6613]

A Good Cruise will help You think more clearly on what to do next! GET ER DONE !😎👍

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Very true!

[@chetwinkles5051]

It seems basically stock and well worn so I vote option 1 after cleaning and a spray can type restoration as Vice Grip Garage calls it. Drive, enjoy and plan for the future with the 428.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes it will live its last moments cruisin while I get the other 428 done

[@RoninDosho]

Option #1 makes sense, to me. This 390 sounds good to go. Get it in there,

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

I think it’s time !

[@paulmuntalbano7342]

As always, Thanks for the great, informative video. Love you humility...

[@johnropeleski6006]

Hi Omar, I had a 67 cyclone with a modified 390 . That car was a beast.as far as your options go,the cheap route to go is install it as it is.And run a high viscosity oil,zinc additive. If it were mine I would do a complete rebuild, good luck👍

[@bassandhotrods]

I'd go option 1 since you are eventually pulling it for the 428. Great work on the main seal. I uploaded a vid of the first start on my cobra today so I guess Father's Day Weekend is engine time!

[@RooSerena]

Hey man came over from hagerty saw your video over there best of luck ill keep tuning in to see your progress on stuff. Im a GM Mopar and AMC nerd so happy to learn about fords always loved the big body fords and the pintos been backyard building my 73 Vega wagon with a 6.0LS in it keep at it!

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Very cool! Much appreciated! I love anything AMC as well, just don’t see much of it nowadays

[@woodwelder]

Great effort! Engine sounds solid 🤔 that is the test when it’s in the car 👍

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes I’ve been turning it on everyday, and so far it seems to be fine!

[@teddymullins3706]

Option 1 it sounds good Just like it is!

[@bigospig]

Considering the wear on the main bearing, that had surprising good oil pressure.

[@martinjay5906]

Handy running stand, good job on he seal sir. Get the engine in and cruise.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Thanks, I’m stoked the seal fixed the leak!

[@taylormayberry4826]

I still have a the rope seal tool I got from my dad he bought it around 1976 . Looks a little different the piece that pulls the seal thru looks like the old finger cuff toy when I was a kid

[@alfredgrafke1792]

Great job Omar. I love watching your videos. You’re very patient and take time to show a lot of detail of what you are doing. Problem with a lot of classic car mechanics today is they aren’t very detailed oriented. But you are. I have a 69 Mach 1 with a 428. I and I think I have the same problem oil leak you had. Do you think that rear seal assembly could come out without removing the trans and fly wheel assembly? Your reply back would be greatly appreciated Omar. Thanks for sharing.

[@kramnull8962]

If that was a 65 or 66 390 then it may have been bored or cylinders worked over before. Most all 65 and 66 352 and 390 had an issue with the rings seating properly. Most were taken back to factory and torn down. That was all that was needed. The blocks were put into service too soon, needed more time to cure.

[@dennisbrown2571]

Option 1. Time to get that car on the road and enjoy it.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes!

[@rgbigdog]

Looking at the main cap bearing and seeing the copper I'm thinking maybe you should check all the bearings and if need be put in new ones.

[@HinmanAveRepair]

I vote #1 as well. Get the Galaxy on the road and build your 428 as you have time and funds.

[@johnkelly5487]

Great job, Jack, RI, USA

[@kimmorrison9169]

Those new headers ought to help power a good bit. Those original cast iron logs were horrible. Think I would have replaced the bearings while on the stand. No sludge in that oil pan either! Wish you luck with it. Those old Tbird gold rocker arm covers tell me its an early 60’s engine.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes, I can start to make the exhaust as well and it will all be the same when it’s 428 time. I thought about replacing the bearings but the crank needs polishing as well. I think at that point I’d just rebuild it. I’m hoping it will last me for now just to cruise it

[@KevinJStoll]

Option 1 It's ready to go so you can go cruising man.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Definitely

[@thesupacoop4002]

Option 1. Also depends on how much you value that 390. If the mains are worn, then certainly the big end bearing are too, not to mention the cam bearings etc. I would run a good thick oil with some Moreys or Lucas oil additive to get that oil pressure up. Dont spend any more time or money on it and stick it into the Galaxie. Oils cheap, car parts are not (at least here in Aus)

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Very true. I’ve been turning the engine on a lot more to make sure it’s good to go. I think it will last me a while if I’m easy on it

[@davidbaldwin2729]

I favor option 1, go with the current 4 V setup and see how well it drives. agree with 20W50 or 10W40 plus zinc. nice stand. cheers

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Agreed! I did put 10-40 with a zinc additive. It definitely needs the thicker oil haha

[@VintageTinGarage]

Put it in the Galaxy the way it is. Option 1.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

That’s the plan!

[@Carcrafter7165]

Option 1. Omar. Question what weight motor oil are you using??? With the wear of the bearings you showed I would recommend either Valvoline racing 20w50 or Castrol 20w50 with a WIX 51515 filter to capture any wear material that you can. The engine sounds and runs really well 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Right now I put 10-40 with a zinc additive. It seams to be holding at about 15lb-20lb when it’s fully hot. Might try the 20w50 thanks!!

[@davidkanipe1812]

Hi Omar, run the FE as is and when run have the 428 ready switch them. The rebuild the 390 with the tri-power and drop it into something else you find. Great videos tho. Regards, Dave K

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes you’re correct, I’d love to rebuild this 390 and put the tripower in the future for something else. For now I’ll just try to get this thing on the road !

[@rgbigdog]

Can you rig up a throttle to the panel on your engine run stand. That way you can rev the engine and at the same time monitor the engine gauges.

[@1959triumph]

Option 1 ra m it in and get it useable

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Hahaha yes!

[@Mercmad]

If the pan is straight on the flanges ,you shouldn't need the RTV like the previous person gooped on it. That stuff going through your oil pump is a great way to destroy an engine. Worn Main bearings will always cause the rear seal to leak, regardless of type. A few extra thou. of clearance will allow the crank to flop about making the seal loose.

[@Engineerd3d]

I would do a set of bearings on that engine! The cost of the bearings should not be terrible!

[@eddiejeselink2996]

Omar, great job. On that old engine don't forget the zinc, or just run Castrol classic 20w50 which has zinc. Oh I forgot your in California. Get it in the car and roll.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes I’ll be running a thicker oil on it, I think it will last if I’m easy on it

[@chucktunstall7426]

Thanks for the video

[@imanenigma3348]

Get it going as is mate. Just in case the old 390 is a bit iffy, you have not wasted too much time on it. Go cruising with the 390 and build the 428.

[@dougabbott8261]

option 1..... you have spent considerable time and money on 428 so just put in 390, as it is ,until 428 is ready. 390 probably needs a complete rebuild. Any sign of your interior showing up for the Galaxy? Thx Omar

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes 390 will need a rebuild, I think it will last if I’m easy on it. Just until the 428 is done. The seat upholstery came in, just waiting on door panels but I can definitely get started on the seats!

[@chrisminchopoulos2811]

option 1, I would get it running and driving and enjoying.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

That’s the plan!

[@grandpar468]

Omar , they say the only dumb question is a question not asked , so here goes 😊Did 390 blocks have 352 embossed on the rear of the block ?

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Yes, some 427s and 428s had 352 embossed as well. The FE can be tricky to decipher but once you’re around them for a while you pick up the clues on how to identify what it is.

[@charlesrose5945]

Option 1 and go for a ride!

[@dodge-io7gd]

It has 352 cast in the block behind the flywheel

[@earlt_vw]

Go with the 4 bbl an get on the road! Nice work!

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

That's the plan!

[@bobwhite4344]

good job.

[@weaverhchrist]

Option 2-----TRIPOWER!

[@afwoods]

Had my mechanic do the rear main seal on my 428 and I gave him one of those Sneaky Pete tools. He didn't even open it.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha man that’s funny, I think with the FE the tool is not needed

[@SamuelSoto17]

What’s up bro love your vids! I got bumpside f250 with a 390 as well. Leaks an oil as usual and I’m sure it it rear main seal. I want to tackle the job myself but I’m worried if loosening the caps will warp the crank? I’m located in montebello! Any help is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Man I’d love to own a bumpside someday! I don’t think it will warp the crank. I loosened the main caps except for the front cap which allowed me to slip in the new seal. I think it’s doable if you take your time and don’t turn the crank while you have it all loose of course.

[@SamuelSoto17]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie koo koo, would I have to drop the transmission?? Obviously,right??

[@SamuelSoto17]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie lol I’d also love to own a galaxy someday, I love the look of the headlights and front grill such a sick cruiser.. I’d say option 1, drop the b*** in and enjoy the galaxy. I want to be able to daily drive my f250 but just leaks a bit of oil and planning on redoing whole brake system with new lines etc

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

@SamuelSoto17 I think you can do it with the transmission on, you might have to raise the engine though if you’re doing it in the truck

[@seanroane5036]

Option 1

[@robertvaughan6125]

I still have 5 428s for sale cjs and police interceptors

[@markbreaux6613]

Got any motor mounts for a 460 to a 68 Torino FB you wanna let go? Crites closed down.. 😒

[@gibby9209]

What happened to the Tri Power?

[@rgbigdog]

If that was a cold engine with new oil your oil pressure should be higher than that at idle. With them worn bearings you may want to go with a heavier weight oil.

[@Slugg-O]

Oh man, DON'T do it. Those mains are shot. Get a set of bearings from Rock Auto for $90 and roll them in. If money is tight then push it aside until you can order a set. I'm not trying to rain on your parade but that motor is on the razor's edge of major *FUBAR* damage. I guarantee once it gets hot the oil pressure will drop and the engine will start eating itself to pieces. Be patient. Get a set of bearings and it may do fine as a cruiser.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes it’s well worn. I’ve been firing up the engine and will make sure it’s good to go. I’d like to put new bearings but the crank needs some work as well. Eventually it will get rebuilt

[@Slugg-O]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie Okay. Sounds like you are aware of the risks and plan a full rebuild anyway. Those are really good motors.

[@booncha1971]

1..................have some fun with it

[@mmotodad]

Did you build or buy that run stand?

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Built this one myself, have some videos on the channel!

[@gusorion8151]

Did you give up on the Mustang?

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha never! I would really love to start on the mustang but I’m trying to to get the other projects running and driving

[@wiremupaki3793]

Just drop it in

[@paulmuntalbano7342]

Install the 390 FE!

[@rayt1590]

1 vote for Option 1. (Life's too short)

[@AnthonyDupuisJr]

Where did your oil pressure go ?

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha surprisingly it does hold oil pressure at 15-20 lbs when fully hot. I’ll be running the engine a lot more to see how it does

[@AnthonyDupuisJr]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie yes coz it was 60 at the beginning 😬

[@sammyvices2547]

Get the galaxie in the wind bro and drop her in

[@richardoswalt1009]

Looks like you need new bearings my man, I would not put the engine in without them..

[@russschubert6709]

I’d say with the bearings being worn I’d leave it and run it

[@DCrockett1]

It sounds solid. Just drop the pan and put bearings in it and front and rear main seals in it. That is a good mule engine. Is $150 bucks gonna bankrupt you? Putting it in with loose bearings and leaking seals is completely foolish. But you be you.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

I was thinking about new bearings but the crank definitely needs to be worked on. At that point I’d just take it all apart and rebuild. This is just temporary until I can get the 428 completed

[@DCrockett1]

​@OmarRamirezGalaxie I didn't know you had already mic the crankshaft and found out it was out of spec. So I guess your going to put it in with a rear main seal blowing out oil faster then you can put it in.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Rear seal was replaced. Crank was not measured. My point is, it’s temporary. It will be taken out and rebuild when the 428 is done

[@DCrockett1]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie Gotcha

[@dodge-io7gd]

Ru sure that's not a 352 ??

[@seanroane5036]

option 1

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

I say drop it in and drive.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Leaning towards painting it black and letting her rip

[@patrioted9543]

Put it in and go cruising.😃

[@jmunoz1414]

1# drop it in

[@w.e.n8030]

#2

[@hope2someday691]

Put that classic on the road. Using a six pack on that tired old motor is just asking for an uncontrolled disassembly. And it would be way too much carbonation.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha yes I think the tri power would end the engines life. I’ll just be taking it easy for now and focus on getting it on the road

[@hope2someday691]

I have a 1969 Mach1 that had a 390 with the Tri-Power on it. The motor had ported Cobra Jet heads a big cam long tube headers and it was difficult getting the tune correct. After having the carbs rebuilt by a carb guy it ran great. Much better gas mileage than the 800 double pumper it replaced but a loss of top end power.

[@garyhalk5430]

Option one too much fuel for that stock 390

[@robertcruz9489]

Sell me the fastback 😊

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Haha that thing is rough! I’m looking for a 68 shell to convert it all

[@robertcruz9489]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxie make a video on it !

[@alanwhite3280]

Option l

[@chucktunstall7426]

Option 1

[@CornellSmith-c1n]

Option 1

[@beksd9362]

Option 1