1987 Ford F250 7.5L Repair Manual

The 1987 Ford F250 with 7.5L engine is a heavy-duty pickup truck featuring a 460 cubic inch V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, dual exhaust system, and robust chassis design. This repair manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, component replacement, and service specifications for proper vehicle upkeep. Below are key sections for engine repair, transmission service, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and troubleshooting.

1. Engine Specifications 2. Routine Maintenance 3. Engine Repair Procedures 4. Transmission Service 5. Electrical Systems 6. Brake System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Fuel System 9. Cooling System 10. Exhaust System 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Engine Specifications

The 7.5L (460 cubic inch) V8 engine features cast iron block and heads, 4-barrel carburetor, electronic ignition, and hydraulic lifters.

Specification	Value
Displacement	7.5L (460 cubic inches)
Bore x Stroke	4.36" x 3.85"
Compression Ratio	8.0:1
Horsepower	245 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque	380 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Fuel System	4-barrel carburetor
Oil Capacity	6 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity	20 quarts
Spark Plug Gap	0.044 inches
Firing Order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance schedule for optimal performance and longevity.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months - Use 10W-30 motor oil
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Inspect every 6,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Coolant: Flush and replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission Fluid: Check level monthly, change every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before performing electrical work. Use jack stands when lifting vehicle.

Engine Repair Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for common engine repairs.

Spark Plug Replacement: Remove wires one at a time, clean area, install new plugs torqued to 15 ft-lbs
Valve Adjustment: Check clearance with engine cold, adjust hydraulic lifters as needed
Timing Setting: Set initial timing to 10° BTDC with vacuum advance disconnected
Carburetor Adjustment: Set idle mixture screws 1.5 turns out from lightly seated position
Compression Test: Remove all plugs, crank engine 4-5 times per cylinder

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool completely before working on cooling system components.

Transmission Service

Transmission Type: C6 3-speed automatic
Fluid Capacity: 12 quarts (dry fill)
Fluid Type: Dexron II/Mercon ATF
Band Adjustments: Intermediate band - 10 ft-lbs plus 3 turns back
Filter Service: Replace fluid and filter every 30,000 miles
Shift Points: 1-2: 15 mph, 2-3: 25 mph under light throttle
Neutral Safety Switch: Located on steering column

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system with 65-amp alternator and maintenance-free battery.

Battery: Group 65, 650 CCA. Alternator: 65-amp output. Starter: Direct drive 1.4 kW.

Fuse Panel: Located under dashboard. Wiring: Color-coded for circuit identification. Ignition: Duraspark II electronic ignition with magnetic pickup. Charging System: Voltage regulator integral to alternator.

Brake System

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes with power assist.

Brake Pad Replacement: Remove caliper, replace pads, lubricate slides
Brake Drum Service: Adjust shoes until slight drag, then back off 12-15 clicks
Bleeding Procedure: Start with wheel farthest from master cylinder
Master Cylinder: Bench bleed before installation

Tip: Check brake fluid level monthly; use DOT 3 fluid only.

Suspension & Steering

Twin I-beam front suspension with power steering.

Ball Joint Inspection: Check for play with wheels off ground
Tie Rod Replacement: Count turns for proper alignment setting
Shock Absorber: Replace in pairs for even ride quality
Wheel Bearing: Repack every 30,000 miles
Alignment Specs: Camber: +0.5° to +1.5°, Caster: +2° to +3°, Toe: 1/16" to 1/8" in

WARNING! Always use proper jack points and safety stands when working under vehicle.

Fuel System

20-gallon tank, mechanical fuel pump, 4-barrel carburetor.

Cooling System

20-quart capacity with 180°F thermostat and belt-driven fan.

CAUTION! Never remove radiator cap when engine is hot - risk of severe burns.

Exhaust System

Dual exhaust with catalytic converters and mufflers.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel delivery, spark at plugs, compression test
Rough idle	Vacuum leak or carburetor adjustment	Inspect vacuum hoses, adjust carburetor mixture
Overheating	Coolant level, thermostat, water pump	Check coolant, replace thermostat, inspect water pump
Poor fuel economy	Timing, carburetor, dragging brakes	Check timing, adjust carburetor, inspect brakes
Transmission slipping	Low fluid, band adjustment	Check fluid level, adjust bands, change fluid/filter

Reset: Disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset computer memory.

Service: Refer to Ford dealership or certified mechanic for complex repairs.