new engine for a 84 towncar?

Question

I recently purchased a 1984 Lincoln Towncar, but unfortunately the radiator was bad and after about a week of driving it, the engine overheated. I replaced the radiator but since the engine overheated it now runs with a knock. I'm not very car savvy but I'm aware that this is a problem with a rod or piston and am pondering deferent ways to deal with this.

First off, How long can a vehicle (specifically older boats) be driven with a ping in the engine?

and, How much would it cost to rebuild or replace the 5L V8 in the Towncar?

Answer 1

First of all there is a big difference from a tick, ping & a knock.

A ping is caused by improper ignition timing.

A knock is usually in the lower end, either a wrist pin crank or connecting rod bearing.

A tick is in the head – usually a rocker arm

Isolate the noise before you go to the expense of changing the engine.

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Answer 2

How long it will last is an unknown quantity. If it runs good now, then probably a long time.

There are a bunch of 5.0 engines floating around out there. You can get one from Ford, a crate engine, or you can get one from a late model wreck, or finally rebuild the engine. That all depends on what you want to do. I would go with either the rebuild or the crate engine. More than likely the rebuild. That way I know what's inside the engine and I can build it as rock solid as I would want. Just in case I want ot supercharge it, nitrous, cam, etc. Good luck

Answer 3

It depends on how you drive, the cost woud be more than the car is worth. First check for exchaust leak they can sound like rod knock and are common with overheating.