The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop United Engine of Kansas

Just a friendly warning. I had a bad experience dealing with United Engine in Kansas. I had them build a 261 for me which locked up at its first startup. Upon removing head, found rust on 2 cylinder walls. Other problems included broken head bolt, broken fuel pump, hole in carb float, etc... Long story short, dealing with their build cost me an extra $1000 at least. Just be careful, I was not.

Rust on the cylinder walls is a disgrace! You pay GOOD money,to have something you cherish,get a "lick and promise",AT BEST! They couldn't even tap and drill-out the old stud?? broken fuel pump?? Hole in float?? How could they even think about staying in business? They didn't expect you to actually try and start your truck? PLEASE contact your local B.B.B.!! You SHOULD be compensated for your troubles! GOOD-LUCK!!

How did you miss a broken (aka snapped) head bolt? Did you not go over the motor before start up?

Sucks that you got a bad build, but some of it is gonna have to be put on you for simply turning the key and hoping for the best.

I'm wondering if we're getting the full story. I'd like to hear both sides. How long did the engine sit after the build before the first start? If there was a measure of time between the build and start up was it stored inside a climate controlled building? Were the machined surfaces coated with oil for the storage? I make these points because most engine builders would likely assume, unless told differently, that the engine would be installed and started almost immediately. If it sat in a garage under a tarp for several months (weeks or even days in certain climates) without proper prep for that storage I can easily see rust on machined surfaces. Plus I've never seen an engine builder check a carb float or even fiddle with a fuel pump. That stuff is usually removed before the builder sees the engine. You've all heard about stories that are too good to be true. This one almost sounds too bad to be totally true. As I said let's hear the other side of the story before throwing too many stones. If the OP will PM me his contact info (at least a name) I'll contact the company for their side of the story. They are 50 miles North of me. I doubt they'd be in business if they put out that type of work.

Sorry, had a death in the family and just now checking back to forum.
I asked for full flow oil filter but got no oil filter whatsoever. After a call to United, Jerry said most folks run these engines without oil filter. No oil circulation was not the problem, as engine ran fine after rebuild by the mechanic that installed it. The engine did sit in mechanics heated garage before installation, I don't know exactly how long, maybe 2-3 months while installing new rear end, springs, etc. Marvel Mystery oil was added to cylinders before turning over by hand which took a 3 foot crow bar, too tight. I guess we are to blame, the tightness should have clued us in but you don't expect to have to rebuild it again. After seizing, some pistons were locked to pins, other pins were sloppy fit. United said they would fix if we paid shipping back to them and paid shipping back to us, $600-700. By this time, we were wondering about quality of their build, so we decided the shipping money would be better spent on repairing in our garage, at least we would know it was done right. United did provide Pistons and pins. After rebuild, engine ran fine. Recently I asked if I returned intake and carbs, would they refund my cost on them. Never got an answer, last 2-3 emails have been ignored. I have given up, very aggravating.
As we all know, there is my side, United Engine side, and the truth somewhere in between. As I told Jerry, we can argue all we want, but fact remains I got an expensive crap engine.
FYI, I did not send an engine to be rebuilt, United provided the whole nine yards. Tiny, Feel free to contact whomever you want. My name is Donnie Fauber from Staunton, VA

All I meant by that statement was that we tend to emphasize the negative and de-emphasize the positive. Everything I said was the truth. My only goal in my original post was to let you guys know to be on your toes if you order an engine from United. I have received much good advice here and just wanted to contribute what little I know. Sorry if I have offended anyone. I said nothing here I have not said to United Engine,

You have to watch some of these "reman" engines. They almost put me out of business back when I had a shop. Seemed like they would last just beyond the 6 month warranty. I could not tell the customer "to bad". After that I would only sell Jaspers or Target-master (Goodwrench). If they wanted a cheaper one they could buy it themselves & I,ll install it.

The handy, important and useful information and discussion about the various aspect of the 261 engine and it's oiling system has been extracted and moved to here :

new topic : Important notes about 261 oiling system

location :

1st post

current end of the thread 03/01/2015 - 07:21 PM EDT

The original poster (OP) is free to continue his discussion in his thread here, if they so choose.

If you have anything to add about the 261 and the oiling system, please jump into the new thread linked above.

Carry on.

-W