Will a $300 Budget Engine Swap Save This Abandoned Ford Econoline?

[@TheQuestionableGarage]

If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out my sponsor Morgan & Morgan. You can submit a claim in 8 clicks or less without having to leave your couch. For more information, go to tryforthepeople.com/questionablegarage

[@EequalsMC2ed]

They are scumbags. Thanks

[@EequalsMC2ed]

I recommend not doing that

[@josephfitzgeraldnsw5794]

Thanks ❤

[@josephfitzgeraldnsw5794]

You can sue them up to two years after the accident!

[@harryfaberiii3261]

Thanks Morgan & Morgan my premiums have never been higher.

[@MichaelBEarl]

There is little better than watching Jared run into problem after problem and still have a positive "I can fix this" attitude. Hat's off to you man. Keep it up.

[@rodss67]

I agree. I tend to get pissed when I hit a bump in the road.

[@blahblah4125]

Luke 14:28-30 Before starting a building project, it's important to consider the cost and make sure you have enough resources to finish it. I am not religous, but that one from my childhood stuck. Seems relavant. :)

[@darrenswails]

Another translation slightly paraphrased : what man builds a house without counting the cost, or else you get half through and the people laugh at your calamity...

[@antonietilanus3395]

37:09 that really helped, had the idea that I didn’t do anything to my project. But now that I think about it those small things that I did do really added up. Love you’re videos

[@TheQuestionableGarage]

You got it! You walk a mile one step at a time, and finish a project one bolt and wire at a time!

[@chuckschultz7028]

Nice save on the cylinder head. Old school mechanics could not just buy "fully loaded" replacement heads at the local parts store.

[@Rekuzan]

430K subs, and Jared still reads the comments! Now THAT is true form.

[@KingKeson]

Whoo! honey come quick! A new episode of The Questionable Garage just dropped! It’s sure to be another banger! Jared doesn’t miss!

[@mahouMorgan_P]

What's funny is that the small block Falcon six came in 170, 200, and 250 ci variants. The big six was 300, but pistons were lengthened and rod shortened to make them 240

[@2SlayZGTE]

A new TQG episode makes even a kinda crappy day a heck of a lot better! Your perseverance, knowledge, and kindness make this the best channel on KZbin! Your encouraging words/advice are appreciated and are applicable in so many other areas of life. Thank you for being so awesome! And as always, Editor Duane did a fantastic job making everything pretty and choosing some great tunes!

[@decaharms]

Thanks again for the encouragement! - Duane the Editor

[@gregedmand9939]

My theory on why a vehicle parked for decades is being a trifle obstinate at bringing it back into service is: no one likes to be neglected. So just to prove it, they make you work hard to reestablish a relationship. But oddly enough, if you show them enough patience and love they warm up to you and reward your hard work. Avoid taking too many shortcuts, listen to their grievances and do your best to address them.

[@jamesonpace726]

Dude, sweetly said, but it's a machine, subject to rust, time, friction & so on. Yes, it has a soul, but....

[@gregedmand9939]

@jamesonpace726 Machines? I thought we were talking about dating older folk! 😉

[@s.gossett5966]

You may not be a "Ford Guy", I appreciate the effort you're putting into getting it roadworthy.

[@kenny3217]

This is where I am on my '80 Corvette, spent almost 80 hours over the holidays basically doing exactly the same top end rebuild you did (among many other things), got it back together and running near perfectly.... and now it is time to address the whining bearings in the T10 4 speed. I was hoping I could enjoy driving it longer but they are not getting any quieter, and I think the pilot bearing is going now too. It also has a pretty torn up ring gear on the flywheel due to a previously improperly shimmed starter so it all has to come apart. Going to bite the bullet tomorrow, get it up on stands, and start pulling it apart...... again.

[@SailaSobriquet]

I've seen you on VGG, but never knew you had your own channel. Sub!

[@TheQuestionableGarage]

Glad you found the channel and thanks for subscribing!

[@justinwise6950]

@@TheQuestionableGarage I remember seeing you on Freddy's channel and thought you were hilarious and smart! I still like Freddy but I am more excited for your content.

[@TheQuestionableGarage]

@ Appreciate you! I love doing my best to teach and go into more detail. Some people like pure entertainment and not showcasing work, I like making it realistic and share some knowledge. If you see this couple ‘day’ rebuilds and can’t figure out why you are taking long, it’s discouraging.

[@lanashill7949]

I haven't heard the word "grodie" since grade screwl. In the 60's. Great video!

[@danatkinson6698]

Resealed is a good way to say it. And the big block moniker is closer than you think since both the 240 and 300 are big 6 engines.

[@mark3547]

Hello from Louisville, Ky. Yes, I did own a 1969 Ford Econoline van and it was a lot of fun. Eventually I sold it and have regretted it ever since. It's really been a pleasure watching you work and problem solve on this project. Thank you so much for the excellent video content and the walk down memory lane. Mark

[@dj-kq4fz]

Jared, thanks! I learn a lot from these, sometimes too late to save me from messing up my own projects, but hopefully when I dig back in I'll be better informed. Much appreciation for your time!

[@1986krazy]

"Don't punch your engine blindly." -Jared, 2025 😂

[@VolkerHett]

The las time I was so early Neil Armstrong made a small step! :D

[@rogeralbans4082]

Fun fact, the rockets on Moon mission was really just the exhaust pipe of a well tuned Ford 300!!!!

[@stevemustaikis6602]

I've got a 1974 1 ton 300 . Been in storage for over 30 years . Stopped driving it because the gas tank had so many pin hole leaks , seal 1 next day leaked in another spot. Steering box was completely worn out also.

[@justinpakarno4346]

Blue, very good call and nothing can go wrong. Be sure and stick the rear window trim from a 79 Coupe DeVille so that it holds the thermostat open a little.

[@chassegallerie2910]

That ultra-sonic cleaning tool sounds like the noise air compressor system do in a garage, when it's not in use. Also, I understand those old vehicles. They were at their pension and then you force 'em into work again.

[@evasesh6585]

So for a 1 piece oil pan gasket, you can get those from the parts store, you just need to ask for an oil pain gasket for an early 90s ford truck with a 300. You will have to modify the oil pan by grinding down the raised bolt holes. But its a really good upgrade to do.

[@markhesanalienking9757]

YES! Been waiting forever for this! Thanks Jared!

[@williamfricke4464]

We use the valve grinding compound on screws you do not want to strip. A sab on the head gives better gripping and less stripping the screws. Kept the factory original side cover screws undamaged on a 77 cb550F.

[@Erik-vx7lg]

I appreciate you not editing out the challenges

[@sadiejustin]

Dwayne wins the interwebs for the week for the multi face punch edits! A tip of the cap to you sir! 😂

[@decaharms]

I'm sure you'll see that clip a few more times! I'm just glad Jared didn't lose and eye over that punch. -Duane the Editor

[@ryt2carry]

My granddad had a van just like that. He died in ‘76 when I was a kid, but I remember riding in that thing. It would be so much fun to have one of those, just to be close to him again. Looking forward to seeing it on the road again.

[@INSENTER]

My dad had one from his dad when he passed. It had a 302 in it. And though i was a cocky kid " who knew everything". Those were some of my best memories with my dad. Working on that rusty van..i learned column shift on that thing too

[@ThezNutzGarage]

I need this van!

[@The.Real.Reaper]

It is ironic seeing you and Derek save that van was what brought us to your channel and subscribed.I like those old Ford Van's, even though I'm a Chevy guy, I don't hate on Fords. I have a 1967 C10 driver currently in a shop until this summer. While it's my baby, my fiancé, Tina, has M.S. and has to use a walker or her wheelchair. So I looked for the last two years trying to find one of that era here in MT. No luck, really. I thought it would be cool to add a handicapped ramp for her on a classic van instead of the extreme cost for a newer one. Our 2019 Buick Regal TourX Wagon works, but it makes it hard to load and lift the chair in and out of the wagon. Unfortunately, with my own health due to back surgery last July and next month knee surger, my van plans are on hold for a while too. So it is nice to see you be able to fix one I can't right now, Tina, and I enjoy all classics being saved and reused for new life. If you sell this one, I hope we can afford whatever it goes for, but not getting our hopes up, unless you sell it this late spring or summer, when finances will be way better. Regardless of your selling it, we are excited to see what all you do to it. Thanks for doing what you do. Fans, Azrael, and Tina 😁

[@harpercasey49]

This brings me back. I grew up down the road from where you're at rn and growing up my dad would buy work trucks and vans and we would go through them just like that and paint them then sell them a couple times a year.

[@truetech4158]

Grandpa the painting painter painted his Econoline and 20 coats later it was was fully insulated and bulletproof and possibly never saw rust even as of now. He only painted it when it wasn't moving, by habit. I think he painted spots on the sleeping family pet to have a Dalmatian.

[@markhesanalienking9757]

Jared you have to keep this van! Keep improving on it over time.

[@MarchHare59]

Thank you for working so hard to bring that old van back to life, getting it out of your yard and giving her a second chance on the road. The engine looks super btw. 👍👍👍

[@markclark250]

@ 22:00 That's not why valve seats have multiple angles. They only seal on one angle, the rest are for better flow.

[@ralphadams4478]

Paint lifter side cover a different bright paint to add infulance to looks

[@died4us590]

I saw a video where a guy took a tire valve stem and compressed air to add pressure to a can of wd-40, and it worked to get what was left in the bottom of the can out. I don't think he modified the valve stem at all, but he tried it on a couple different cans, and it worked on all of them. I plan on trying it, because i have a couple cans that aren't spraying, brand new. I hope it will get any gunk cleared out. This van is pretty cool, it just looks better than all the variety s. of mini vans that were mass produced over the year's. I am looking forward to the Mopar restoration getting some more love. You are doing such a great job on it, especially since body work of this type is new to you with welding in all the new sheet metal. I need to patch a couple fenders, and I'm gonna give it a try, even though I've never done it before. I figured if you did all that metal work yourself, i can give it a try with the little bit of welding I've done. I like the variety of project's you work on, and always look forward to a new video. Thanks for all the tips I've picked up watching, appreciate it. G-d bless.

[@herbiehusker1889]

That van sure is Super!

[@clandestinerobot14]

My first ever real build with my pops was an econonline van 302! he was so pissed when I over-honed the seats in the head with an old school diamond blade cutter and he had to order a new valve to make it seat correctly. Some memories thank you!@!!

[@Hagantic]

The permatex goes bad if it sits for too long or if moisture was in there when it was packaged. Excess heat when stored can also cause the silicone to become much thicker.

[@pawegrzadka9852]

By having mulptiple angles on the valve you influence how air flows thru the opened valve😉

[@markhesanalienking9757]

Jared you are so smart and informative. That's why I love this channel so much

[@PatrickBrannonSr.]

I engine swapped a 240 years ago without a hoist . I have owned every generation of the E series van including the high mile 2005 that I daily drive now. Love the old vans.

[@OneCarGarage777]

Keep an eye on the top end oiling. The reason I say this is with the head being milled, chances are factory length push rods very likely will be too long. On the 300 , you have the non adjustable pedestal head. The tech data will tell you to torque it to like 17-23 lbs and let it bump. But again you'll likely need shorter push rods. You'll have a hard time finding a long enough push rod checker. I'll save you some searching. Go find Smiths push rods. They sell a kit with a long enough checker. They also can build you exact length push rods. All this to say. If the rocker geometry is off, it won't oil up to correctly. Trickiest Part of getting the 300 rebuilt correctly is rocker geometry. I speak from experience, that learned the hard way.

[@leonhart2452]

I had a 69 Falcon with a 170 straight six that had the three on the tree swapped to a floor shift. Ran very well. I could burn rubber through second gear.

[@leftoverparts]

6:13 Hammer!

[@rijksenm01]

I don’t know why but I laughed so hard 😂

[@Rustyoldsteel]

When ever i work on my project, I always make sure I do at least one job, now matter how small. That motivates me for the next time.

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Jared nice video 📹 and workmanship looking good give it some fancy spray cans

[@xxvjvxx]

I would say Craig's list rebuild stage 3, because its fully rebuilt/painted. the engine paint looks good for what it is. its not steve morris's valve covers for his drag car its an old van.

[@atlantamx3]

That van is SO cool. Really looking forward to more videos of this thing!

[@shirajulislam3215]

this is not a Craigslist rebuild, this is a Craigslist restoration. 👏👏👏 👏 bravo Jared for keeping it questionable ❤ #hondalimo?

[@jessetaylor4142]

Dwane is going to love using that clip of him getting smacked a lot.

[@decaharms]

Ha! I'm sure you'll be seeing that clip a few more times down the road :) - Duane the Editor

[@joshuataylor4256]

Love the fan and the build Thanks Jared for always keeping it real and informative

[@kamoboko86]

I love seeing the van again. Can't wait for the first drive.

[@HDRoofer]

"Don't punch the engine blindly"

[@AltGrendel]

No, you really don’t want to do that.

[@Dieselmachine4]

my first car was a 1970 ford econoline van with the 300 inline six. i loved that thing, had the 3 on the tree transmission. was not fast, but strong as a tractor and would a mountain off of the foundation. this brings me back. i called it Moby from the classic Moby Dick because it was white and was as big as a whale too. fitting to say the least.

[@Xtrafix2015]

I had one then I had maybe 20 more different cars after then almost lastly the econoline 2000 but dumped it after engine seized cuz of no oil, I know I could have fixed it but my last project is my convertible’85 riviera and I’m 56 and watching you gives me the inspiration to get it done somehow 😅

[@deadon4847]

The 240 head will bolt on to the 300, same gasket. the 240 head has a smaller combustion chamber and will raise the compression ratio of the 300.

[@ischmidt]

Lots of great work in this episode. It's not the exact right blue, but it looks great anyway and hopefully next time she'll run and drive. Can't wait!

[@earlyre]

My thoughts in the last video, had em again this one... If you were going to do this full project, instead of just getting it running, the van needs either a Barra, just to keep it Ford, ( Mike Finnegan MAY have one that Ben Neal left behind a few years ago) if you went that Route, if you got a engine and trans from an Australian Falcon, Haltech has a plug and play ECU that runs it out of the box... Or.. since you're Mr.Toyota, a 2JZ...

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

Jared, DEREK would be proud of you for FINALLY getting some power into this P.O.S. VAN .... Though unwanted and a hearty "HELL NO! QUESTIONABLE RUNNING ENGINE SAID "GOTCHA" , YOU DID IT!!!

[@danielsmith9500]

I’ve had the same proble with the cans of silicone

[@colinpearce7946]

I know it is a bit outback mechanic (check it out Australian outback mechanic) but place drill in vice and grab an old file and use that on the valve it works and does not distroy the seat

[@AndyC4342]

Awesome to see someone with both amazing skills and integrity make things happen. 👍😎❤️

[@markhesanalienking9757]

I absolutely love this van.I fell in love with it when you and Derek were digging it out. I'm a Monte Carlo guy but fell in love with this van.as you have seen from my comments over the months. I live check to check or I would buy this. I LOVE IT!

[@warringwarthog]

we used to call craigslist rebuilds a Dupont overhaul

[@andrewfletcher5584]

Love old vans like this. Love the content on it!!

[@josephvantreeck2989]

nice Jared, thx!

[@anthoneyking6572]

Great Vlog Mate as you may remember i live in the UK But I always Loved American Cars so i've owed a lot of them and yes ReBuilt a Few Too So what you Did this Vlog i was with you every step of the way as id done the very same to one of my own cars Loved it thanks mate fond Memories for sure was many years ago for me

[@brianselt291]

Back in 1976, I had a 64 Fairlane with a 170ci 1bbl…great engine but, only about 100hp.

[@adub4217]

Make it the shop van! This has been an awesome series.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again, Jared Thank you for another Great Video 👍 Question for you. I have a 2001 Nissan Frontier XE, that needs a new ABS Actuator. I 'm running into not being able to get a new one. Is there someone you use to get your parts from? Stay safe and warm. Again thank you 👌

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

FORDS usually came with a provision for a dipstick! It is called a front seat in front of a steering wheel, and your ears( attached)!

[@docgiggles130]

Unless you are going for a restoration, color that is close (or what you have on hand) is close enough

[@fuse8052]

Why is there on o2 sensor when I can see a carburetor still on the engine to go in the van?

[@robertzalnis3162]

love the old van content.

[@franzwiens]

Hi how do u clean the head gasket?

[@justinwise6950]

The old girl is really fighting you, kudos on sticking with it!

[@anthonymanganaro9942]

Would a 300 drop in replacing a 200 in a 1967 Mustang Convertible?

[@TheQuestionableGarage]

The 240/300 is a longer and taller block than the 200, and I believe a different bell housing as well so it wouldn’t be an easy drop in for you.

[@josephprettyman2178]

I would tool that van til the wheels fell off.Hey man you saved one.Good job.😅

[@TheAintgotnoGarage]

What a Van....Great Video Brother

[@wesleystoway6887]

I’ve read a 240 has a shorter stroke but longer rods. Suppose to be able to turn more RPM. I have one I need to rebuild or replace for the 66 f-100. Jared would you be interested in working on a 68 Coronet ?

[@xFlow150]

"Projects just go out of control". The story of my life honestly.

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

" BLUE BOMBING" IS A FORD THING!!! LOOKS GOOD SO FAR!

[@Psilocinoid]

I want one of these vans to do a high top conversion camper so badly. I understand that they become even more unstable windsails at that point but I don't care.

[@Blowinshiddup]

I guess I'm old AF. I don't say "Craig's list rebuild". It'll always be a "Tremclad Overhaul"... Painted a squarebody with a roller and brush, and it blew up 2 weeks later.

[@countswing284]

I love a good down and dirty budget rebuild. The 300 I6 was a real workhorse in a lot of trucks, still is for that matter. Great job! Cheers! 😎👍🛻🏁🏁

[@HammerWrench]

Hammer wrench! 🛠️ 6:14

[@albertdahl1588]

Always great content

[@Sizukun1]

Your projects look like so much fun, I can't wait for my next project. Motorcycles are fun, but cars seem funner. If only there was a 'locator service' for project cars. I'm a little tired of the "good candidate for restoration, $10,000" listings.

[@rogeralbans4082]

Jared you dont have project creep until you decide to cut up clevland V8 heads and turn into a crossflow.

[@jerryantaya1266]

Wasnt Derek supposed to come pay you back and do a video on your channel with this? I know hes busy and so are you but you work well together. It was fun.

[@PapiDoesIt]

Projects going out of control is what I call "mission creep" and it's how I do everything.

[@gergelyzaruba1340]

Will it need a lead substitute in the fuel?

[@Goneforgood81]

Unknown words for Jared Simple job Easy job Quick job

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Good job!

[@GAMINGOBRIEN69]

That is a BEAUTIFUL blue on that engine

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Id like to see a EFI u it on here to see if it works.

[@Rekuzan]

On today's episode of 'dear God, what have I gotten myself into now?' We demonstrate the beauty of an economically rebuilt engine, we learn about the thermal dynamics of hydraulics, and Jared nearly injures himself...again.