scrappie

Besides the obvious piston rod thru the side of the block or it being seized, what is the proper way if any to see if an engine is in decent condition? Is there anyway to know if there is a spun bearing or anything else major without total disassembly and a machine shop getting involved?

m371961

Running or not?

scrappie

Not running, engine on a dolly

61Bat

You could get an oil analysis if there is any oil in it. My dad always did this back when he was into buying boats, pretty common in the marine industry to have this done.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/too...ysis-kit-19452

This is just one I found they are available from many outlets.

Aside from that if you can turn it over by hand you can do a leakdown test.

Jamesbo

You can drop the pan and see what's floating around

rustyroger

Pull the oil pan and turn the crank 720 degrees (to turn the camshaft 360), then take off a big end and main bearing cap to see what shape they are in.

To check much further will mean further dismantling. That will cost you time, but if all is well putting it back together will cost you a gasket set. My guess is unless the engine is a fairly recent rebuild you will find work needs to be done.

Roger.

m371961

Pull the pan and valve covers. Look at amount of sludge, check under valve covers for valve seal pieces. One by one pull bearing caps and inspect. If it is one you are considering buying and owner will not allow you to remove parts, a leakdown test can be performed. You can inspect with a borescope. Maybe the owner will allow you to remove and cut open the oil filter to look at wear material. Drain and inspect oil.
If you can't do any inspection then it is a crap shoot and the price should reflect that.
If you have purchased, then you can inspect all for the price of a gasket set, and actually measure wear.

scrappie

Thanks for input guys. I would think a 48 yr old motor would need a the least a basic rebuild but its the stuff Im not really trained to see that could be more catastrophic.

m371961

If it has not been worked on then gasket replacement, timing chain inspection, disassembly and measurements taken are in order. Or take your chances, fire it up and see what you have. The CSM has all the info you would need, depending on your skills and tools.