rebuilt 390 Question
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Arlington
rebuilt 390 Question
I am picking up a rebuilt 390 Sunday morning and this engine has never been ran, it has also been sitting on an engine stand for 2 yrs. My concern is lubrication for initial fire up and cam break-in since it has been sitting for so long. What would you guy's do?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Hmm... I hope the seller stands behind his work or else it's like jumping into a fire... naked.
Pull the plugs, spray each cylinder with WD-40, and cycle the reciprocating assembly a few times. Pull the valve cover and check the valve lash. Change the oil. Old stale oil becomes acidic over time. Add some ZDPP. Set at TDC, pull the distributor, and prime the oil system.
For break-in, run the engine over 2,000 RPM for at least 20 minutes then change the oil.
Pull the plugs, spray each cylinder with WD-40, and cycle the reciprocating assembly a few times. Pull the valve cover and check the valve lash. Change the oil. Old stale oil becomes acidic over time. Add some ZDPP. Set at TDC, pull the distributor, and prime the oil system.
For break-in, run the engine over 2,000 RPM for at least 20 minutes then change the oil.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
That would scare the livin' crap out of me.
Lot of work and money invested in an unknown.
Personally I'd take it apart while it was on a stand and reassure myself that it's Ok.
Then you could re lube everything.
Lot of work and money invested in an unknown.
Personally I'd take it apart while it was on a stand and reassure myself that it's Ok.
Then you could re lube everything.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Dublin CA
Flip the engine on its back, pull a few rod and main bearing caps off and see if assembly lube was used. See that the engine turns over by hand.
If you buy it, make sure the price is right. Your entering an unknown. Spin the oil pump with a drill set up and make sure the oil pressure builds. Do this with valve covers off so you can see the oil is making its way to the top end. Fog the cylinders with light oil before you put in the spark plugs
If you buy it, make sure the price is right. Your entering an unknown. Spin the oil pump with a drill set up and make sure the oil pressure builds. Do this with valve covers off so you can see the oil is making its way to the top end. Fog the cylinders with light oil before you put in the spark plugs
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Senior User
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From: Arlington
I was thinking the same thing and from the pics I posted you can see that taking it apart should be simple [it's half way there]. I am getting the engine for $750 so I think it is worth a shot.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
It would be a bitch to have to pull it all down again after an install.
I think it comes under the "control what you can" rule.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Ah.. it's long block... I assumed it was fully dressed.
Ask lots of questions! Ask for receipts for the machine work and specs like the cam card, bearings, bore, deck, compression, etc.
Why has it sat around for so long?
Ask lots of questions! Ask for receipts for the machine work and specs like the cam card, bearings, bore, deck, compression, etc.
Why has it sat around for so long?
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Arlington
He was completely rebuilding a 1972 F100 4x4 and quit on the project. he says that he has tons of new parts laying around like headers, clutch, intake, carb, brake parts etc. I think he had big plans for the truck and got in over his head
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Ah.. in that case, ya might think about buying more of his stuff as a package deal rather than piece by piece. You could come out way ahead.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Northern and Southern Cal
Careful on the headers.
Lots to think about.
We don't know your truck.
Edit: Just saw you header pic. Just be sure to think ahead as to how everything fits together in your particular build.
Lots to think about.
We don't know your truck.
Edit: Just saw you header pic. Just be sure to think ahead as to how everything fits together in your particular build.