Hope this doesn't anger anyone, but I thought it might be generally applicable to stovebolts as well.
Got a 1969 fire truck with a WAUKESHA F817G gas straight six in it. It's sorta like a 216, just about 20 times larger. Bought it with Water in the oil, no power, and leaking out the rear seal.
The Shop tested compression, 135 to 150 across - nothing bad there. Said engine ran smooth.
Took pan off. Crack in #1 cylinder sleeve (This engine comes from the factory with sleeves). So THAT's where the water got in. #2 piston skirt broken.
Now the BAD news: They say the bottom end is so rusty, I'll need a NEW CAMSHAFT. When I pressed him on this, he said he hadn't personally looked at it, so he wasn't dead certain it was necessary. I haven't seen it yet either.
This truck sat a lot more than it drove (previous two owners used as a parade truck). So I understand once water got in, how it would rust up. Not many miles on it, 20 thousand I think. Babied when in service. Very Beefy engine.
Pulling the engine obviously is a huge expense. I'm gonna put less than 1000 miles /year on it. Not much heavy duty, though I'll still pump it a few times a year, but not drastic. I WILL own this truck for many years.
One friend says Cam is critical, controls engine breathing, you don't want to mess with it. Replace it now so you don't have to replace it later.
Another says heck, you're not taking it to fires any more. Fix the piston and sleeve, put new oil in it, and run it. Maybe just change the oil twice as often as you otherwise would. If you didn't already know, you wouldn't ever know. It will be fine.
So , , , WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
-Michael
