Going to look at an engine...
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Pittsburgh
Going to look at an engine...
Hello.
Probably this week I will be going to look at an engine. It's a 300 six out of a 4x4 1981 Ford truck. It is said to have 80k miles on it. The fellow said its missing the intake and exhaust (but that won't matter, since I have both). Specifically, is there anything I should look for? It is going to get rebuilt this Winter. Also, what size socket do I need to turn it over? I want to make sure it isn't seized up, although he said its been in his garage for a few years.
How would I go about safely transporting the engine in the bed of my truck? I've never hauled anything before.
Probably this week I will be going to look at an engine. It's a 300 six out of a 4x4 1981 Ford truck. It is said to have 80k miles on it. The fellow said its missing the intake and exhaust (but that won't matter, since I have both). Specifically, is there anything I should look for? It is going to get rebuilt this Winter. Also, what size socket do I need to turn it over? I want to make sure it isn't seized up, although he said its been in his garage for a few years.
How would I go about safely transporting the engine in the bed of my truck? I've never hauled anything before.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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As for transport, if it's on a pallet that would be good, but either way, slide it forward and secure it against the front of the bed. For that weight a couple of ratchet-type straps or motorcycle tie downs, along with a couple blocks of wood will keep it in place. "Block and brace" along with strap, rope, etc, so it CAN'T move sideways or back.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
If I remember right, the plugs are 13/16"
The damper bolt is either a 17/18" or a 1 1/16". Been a little while since I looked.
If you're going to rebuild it, then mostly check that it's complete. However, if you want to be thorough, pull the valve cover and oil pan off and check for any bent push rods or piston rods. Even more-so, pull the head and check for any scoring on the cylinder walls.
I highly doubt any of those things'd be an issue, but there's not much else to check if its going to be rebuilt anyway.
The damper bolt is either a 17/18" or a 1 1/16". Been a little while since I looked.
If you're going to rebuild it, then mostly check that it's complete. However, if you want to be thorough, pull the valve cover and oil pan off and check for any bent push rods or piston rods. Even more-so, pull the head and check for any scoring on the cylinder walls.
I highly doubt any of those things'd be an issue, but there's not much else to check if its going to be rebuilt anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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Id pull the head to check for a ridge to give and idea on actual wear. Give the crank a little tug and wobble to make sure it wont just slide out the end 
that would be a bad sign. A lot of internal sludge might be a sign it was not regularly maintained. Just my .02.
that would be a bad sign. A lot of internal sludge might be a sign it was not regularly maintained. Just my .02.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
Oops. I'm going to have to recheck that. I thought it was one of the sizes I mentioned above for some reason.
If I was wrong, sorry for the mis-information.
If I was wrong, sorry for the mis-information.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
You know, now that I think about it, I like to pull the head when I pick up an engine from the j/y so I can see the top of the pistons and some of the bores. If you clean up the piston tops you can always see what size piston it is: .010 (over), .020 (over), and so on. That will tell a lot about the engine.
Of course you can't always do that when it is bought from a private party.
Of course you can't always do that when it is bought from a private party.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
I agree. I pulled the head off the engine that came in my Bronco and there were 30s embossed in the top, it blew me away.
Then, that replacement engine I got earlier this year for $50 that runs like a champ and has perfect compression. I pulled the head to put on my ported one, and the pistons were stock. Again, blown away (especially since it was out of a 78).
Learn a lot by pulling the head.
Then, that replacement engine I got earlier this year for $50 that runs like a champ and has perfect compression. I pulled the head to put on my ported one, and the pistons were stock. Again, blown away (especially since it was out of a 78).
Learn a lot by pulling the head.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
I don't know, but stock pistons in a 78 could scare me a bit if I were planning on running it. Until I tested it. I mean that many 'rebuilt' engines are nothing more than pulled apart, new rings and bearings slapped into them, and shazam--instant rebuild w/o ever seeing a machine shop.
I'm not saying yours is that way.
I'm not saying yours is that way.
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