samspecial75

I just recently purchased a 1972 cutless that im trying to restore, it has been sitting outside for a long time.. and i took the heads off and there is a lot of rust in there and oil build up, so I drained the oil pan and water came out then oil..how do I know if the block/motor is any good? or is it worth trying to rebuild? can someone please help!! could send pictures if needed..

1970cs

Welcome to C.O.! With out pictures it's hard to tell.
How long has the unit been sitting? If the cylinder walls are not pitted, it's more than likely they are good but with the water in the oil, I would knock it down and do a rebuild any way due to the main, rods and crank sitting in water.

The water in the oil is probably condensation building up over the years of sitting?

Pat

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site. congrats on your new project. Was there antifreeze in the radiator and did the water in the oil contain antifreeze? If it was a considerable amount of water I would pull the engine and go through it.

MDchanic

You say you took the heads off; what do the cylinder walls and pistons look like?

Can the engine be turned, or is it seized?

Welcome to classicOlds.

- Eric

Sampson

Welcome to CO. Glad to see a new guy out there trying to save another Olds. We like pics! Good luck with your project. Why did you pull the heads?

Allan R

You mean a 72 Cutlass, not Cutless
Sounds more like you have a boat anchor in the engine compartment. I'd bet it's seized. The amount of damage you're describing suggests finding something else to put back in. Maybe post a few pics showing what you found.

Olds442redberet

It doesn't sound good. But it is probably something minor like a head gasket.

If you do end up needing one. I have a nice block for $150.00. It's been cleaned up already and is ready for assembly.

It's located in Birmingham, Alabama