Guys,

The engine shop recommended by a mechanic I trust has my 1960 223 block and head. He's looked at it, and here's the news:

Most of the valves are junk, but the head is solid.

The block has been worked on before, and either needs to be sleeved back to standard bore or bored 80-over.

A sleeve job is going to be $3000, or an 80-over job is going to be $2400.

I'm okay with those costs, but I don't want to do the wrong thing. This is a beater/parts-truck... it'll probably never be shiny again.

It smokes way too much to drive today, and two of the pistons have basically zero compression.

Opinions? Advice?

Thanks.

 

Find out how much shipping would cost from Olga, Wa. zip code 98279. I have one that needs a home. No smoke whatsoever 73,000 original miles from a Wa. State Hiway dept truck. Compression between 100 and 120 lbs each cyl. Maybe a valve grind at the most. Or don't bother. Oil pressure 25 lb at hot idle......Make you a heck of a deal and I'll crate it and take it to the freight lines terminal........All accessories included but I'm keeping carb for one of my tractors. Good clutch and 4 spd tranny too.

 

Thank GB. Interesting offer!

Anyone reading have an idea what freight class a 223 engine is?

 

No idea what freight from WA to TX would be, but look up some LTL trucking companies (Yellow, ABF are two off the top of my head) to get a quote. They will ask you for weight, origin, and destination points, and possibly approximate size. It helps if you know someone that has access to a loading dock at a nearby business, but terminal to terminal is OK.

Another option is go to the website Uship.com, I have used it with good results.

 

As to freight class, auto parts or general machinery could be used. I advise draining all oil and fluids and sealing off all openings with tape to avoid hazmat charges.

 

Yeh, I would definately think about finding another block or in Gary's case, another engine! That little 223 really needs some love at this point. Kind of cool if that works out!

 

See what an additional 185 lb would be in that crate. I've always wanted to go to Austin.

 

Larry,

I have rebuilt several engines and unless you really want the original engine for some special restoration reason, you would be money ahead to find a replacement. I have shipped transmissions and blocks and as long as the fluids are removed and they are strapped down good the shipping is not too bad, maybe a couple hundred dollars. To me the engine from Gary sounds like a very good option based on his description and it would bolt right up.

That being said, you could look locally for a newer engine that you could likely buy for +/- $750 and have it installed for another $500-750. Once again it is all about how original you want the truck.

 

GB, any idea what the motor and 4-speed weigh (without the extra 185 pounds and air holes in the crate)? Also, is that freight terminal owned by a specific freight company?

 

Maybe 500 lb for engine, add 200 lb for trans if you want that too. The engine would ship off the island with Orcas Island Freight Lines. On the mainland he transfers to yellow and all the other carriers. I am on a weekend trip and at a motel right now, so I might not have internet til I get home on Sunday night. Orcas Island Freight Lines is closed on the weekends. I recently crated some large marine propulsion gear for shipment to Baltimore and went through them and all was well on arrival. Hows 300.00 sound for the whole ball of wax in a crate?

 

I think I am starting to tear up!

It sounds like a match made in heaven.

 

It sure nice to see other helping others out never see that any more

 

$2400 for machine work on a 223?? Whaaaaa???? Thats highway robbery, man.
I had the 390 that replaced my 223 sleeved in one pot for $100 including new rings by a reputable shop.
Btw I also have a 223 that is looking for a new home, If anyone else out there needs one for cheap, PM me.

 

GB, Thanks! I PM'ed you Friday.

HK, I agree it seems high, but I don't know what the costs are for all the new parts.

 

This engine and tranny are headin' on down to Austin! I'm sure it will be very happy in it's new home, doing what it is supposed to be doing, pulling around a fridge truck. LW, give it a cool drink now and then, k? 80 degrees is a really hot summer day around these parts.