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Rebuilt engine question?

1968340S

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Rescue, California
I have an option to purchase a 1968 383 complete rebuild long block out of a Road Runner .60 over. Been on a stand in a shop since 2003. Anything I should be concerned about. Possibility of seals, gaskets that might start to harden? Has been covered in plastic with no rust at all.

The shop does get hot in the summer 100 degrees and cold as 30 degrees in the winter.
Owner is a very meticulous. Super clean.
 
What kind of assembly lube did he use? 17 yrs is a long time for a.motpr to sit and not rotate.
I bought a motor a few years ago that had sat in a guys barn covered for about 5 yrs and the lube was kind of dried up and looked crusty. I dont know if it would disolve or reactivate once warned, but I pulled the caps and noticed small scratches in the bearings...now that being said., It wasnt wrapped/covered very well...
 
I wouldn't worry about rubber hardening as it hasn't been up to operating temp yet. If the price is right buy it. Check torque values on the crank assy and/or bearing clearances if you're concerned. Prelube on the engine stand with the valve covers off and rotate to confirm oiling to valve gear.
Mke
 
If I'm storing a motor for any length of time, I always let the valve train down. 17 years is a loooong time to have a few valves open to the atmosphere is a non climate controlled shop.

I'd be inclined to tear it down and inspect first, if all is well, re-gasket and have at it.
 
get it
bore scope open cylinders or pull the heads
worse may be a fine ball hone and relube the cam an lifters
chrch or changr those open valvesprings
 
Just keep in mind if it's .060 over then it's at the limit for overbore.
Kind of single use at this point.
 
If it's real cheap, go for it. Sucks that it's already .060 over but oh well (in the event you ever need to bore it, likely will need custom pistons..if it will even go past .060). Gaskets are the easy stuff not worth worrying too much about. It's the bores, bearings, and valvetrain stuff as '5wndwcpe' alluded to above..

get it
bore scope open cylinders or pull the heads
worse may be a fine ball hone and relube the cam an lifters
chrch or changr those open valvesprings
X2!
 
I have an option to purchase a 1968 383 complete rebuild long block out of a Road Runner .60 over. Been on a stand in a shop since 2003. Anything I should be concerned about. Possibility of seals, gaskets that might start to harden? Has been covered in plastic with no rust at all.

The shop does get hot in the summer 100 degrees and cold as 30 degrees in the winter.
Owner is a very meticulous. Super clean.
I bought a redone V code six pack engine that sat in the shop for about ten yrs. I'm not sure if the shop did anything before installing it but it runs great. The only problem is a oil leak from the rear main seal. Now I know better but the shop should have checked or replaced this before putting it in my car. Just FYI.

PS I discussed this with a master mechanic who teaches automotive classes and his solution other than replacing it is to drive it to keep it lubricated. That has helped.
 
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If I'm storing a motor for any length of time, I always let the valve train down. 17 years is a loooong time to have a few valves open to the atmosphere is a non climate controlled shop.

I'd be inclined to tear it down and inspect first, if all is well, re-gasket and have at it.
Really good Sam Adams quote.
Here's one that explains why we have a Socialist running in the Presidential Primary:
A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
We don't have this anymore, not enough at any rate.
 
Really good Sam Adams quote.
Here's one that explains why we have a Socialist running in the Presidential Primary:
A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
We don't have this anymore, not enough at any rate.
I like the car in your avatar!
AND:
Wonder if you meant to post this reply here?
I am dull-witted at times so I may be completely missing the connection here...

PS: Happy Birthday (Sunday)!
 
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Really good Sam Adams quote.
Here's one that explains why we have a Socialist running in the Presidential Primary:
A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong.
We don't have this anymore, not enough at any rate.

I agree. But I still think he should tear it down and look inside.
 
I like the car in your avatar!
AND:
Wonder if you meant to post this reply here?
I am dull-witted at times so I may be completely missing the connection here...

PS: Happy Birthday (Sunday)!

I probably should have posted that somewhere else but am not experienced with posting on forums, in fact, this is the only one I'm on, so sorry about that. I posted a larger photo of that car and that is probably in the wrong place as well. I love that car, he's my baby. Is that your car in your Avatar? Beautiful! Love the color! Trying not to think about my BD - I have a death by chocolate cake waiting in the freezer. Hope I don't make myself sick! -or dead!
 
I like the car in your avatar!
AND:
Wonder if you meant to post this reply here?
I am dull-witted at times so I may be completely missing the connection here...

PS: Happy Birthday (Sunday)!
I started years ago maybe 2004 not sure with Abodiesonly. I picked up a 1966 Satellite in 2016. Same picture on both sites.

20190615_162921.jpg 20190615_162822.jpg
 
At minimum, pull the intake to apply more lube to the cam/oil the lifters.. You can scope the bores to check condition. Squirt some oil in the holes in case some rings are stuck.

Take the rockers off to reduce pressure on cam and see how well it rotates. Make 100% sure the lifters rotate before putting the shafts and rockers back on.

Prime the pump up and rotate 90° to get oil to all the parts.

I wouldn't really worry about .060" over, those holes can be sleeved.
 
I like the car in your avatar!
AND:
Wonder if you meant to post this reply here?
I am dull-witted at times so I may be completely missing the connection here...

PS: Happy Birthday (Sunday)!
I think she is responding to the Sam Adams quote below fivewindowcoupes post. Confused me too at first. @BDF6
 
I probably should have posted that somewhere else but am not experienced with posting on forums, in fact, this is the only one I'm on, so sorry about that. I posted a larger photo of that car and that is probably in the wrong place as well. I love that car, he's my baby. Is that your car in your Avatar? Beautiful! Love the color! Trying not to think about my BD - I have a death by chocolate cake waiting in the freezer. Hope I don't make myself sick! -or dead!
Yes, that's my Baby & I surely understand the sentimental value one can place on a vehicle!
My Dad bought it new in Southern California & it is the first car I ever drove way back in 1972. I drove it on dates in high school and have driven it whenever & wherever I want for the last 20 years since recieving it as wedding gift. It is getting very close to 250k miles on it now:drinks:.
 
I might ask why was it sitting that long? Why would a shop rebuild it, and let it sit? and not put it in something?
Hmmmm....
 
I might ask why was it sitting that long? Why would a shop rebuild it, and let it sit? and not put it in something?
Hmmmm....
It was built by a client who passed away. His widow is trying to sell his collection of parts.
All was sold for $15,00.00. 3 big blocks, transmissions and boxes of hard to find items to
a friend that is finishing up their restoration on a 1972 Cuda. This is a Chevy guy who has
Mopar buddies that he will sell the parts too. I was sick for a week and not on the job site
and lost this deal.
 
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