I just sold a 460 that I bought + did not use, now I did not pull caps but checked for slop (there was none) and I told the guy this, now he calls me up and tells me that it is junk and the crank and bearings are shot because he see's cooper on the bearings, isnt that normal on a high mileage 1975 motor? now I feel bad but not bad enough to refund his money, he looked it over for a 1/2 hr with the pan + valve covers off before he said he wanted it , I bought it sight unseen for $250+ thats what I sold it to him for, am I wrong here?? be serious please

 

For $250 bucks you both got a great core and have nothing to complain about. What he could do, though, is "plastigauge" said bearings for clearance if he insists on running it "as is".

 

If you were selling the motor as is and he had ample opportunity to look it over before he bought it you should not have to refund his money

Anytime you buy something like that used you are taking a chance

It would probably be smart to have the crank turned and have new bearings put in even if everything did look good anyway

But if you guaranteed him it was good than that is a different story?

 

Somewhere around here I have a Ford manual which defines bearing condition. It states and I can't quote it word for word that the appearence of copper is not an indication that the bearing is bad if clearence is correct. The flash coating of babbit used to allow the shell to conform with the shaft is only about a half thousand thick and is gone in short order. The copper alloy is harder and far longer lasting then babbit, as well as more resistant to dirt being caught in it. For 250 bucks he got a bargin tell him so. kotzy

 

Used is used and $250.00 is a great price for a core. I'd buy 2 at that price and what's he want.

 

I get so sick of people that buy something then think it should be in perfect condition. If you didn't misrepresent the engine and he had the chance to look it over ask you questions then I don't see how it is your problem. Today You almost have to sell things with written agreement as to what you are selling. Like are we going to have to get a lawyer involved to sell a $250 engine.
As for the copper on bearings. That tells me it has wear. Is it excessive no I don't think so. I have built many engines in my mechanical career. I would never go through the trouble to rebuild an engine without installing a crank kit. Getting a crank with matching bearings isn't that expensive. Should I say rebuilding an engine that I know nothing about. I read a micrometer very well.
I wouldn't worry about it. The other thing is I have found out is even if you paid for the new parts or gave him his money back this guy most likely would BAD MOUTH YOU ANYWAY.