The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop bringing a 235 out of storage

when i purchased my '31 coupe, it came with a 235 engine from a '62 impala that was supposedly rebuilt by the previous owner with less than 8,000 miles on the clock. the seller seemed like an honest man and had no reason to lie to me (i was buying the car either way), so i'm inclined to believe that this engine in fact has recently been rebuilt.

unfortunately, the engine has been sitting for at least ten years. it's been mostly covered up, but the water pump has been removed, allowing some debris to fall in to the block. the intake and exhaust ports were stuffed with rags though, so hopefully the cylinders are clean.

what would you guys recommend that i do with this engine? should i bolt it back together and run it? tear it down? something in between?

any advice would be appreciated.

thanks,
ed

Does the engine turn over? If it does, I would backflush the cooling system by replacing the thermostat with a piece of thin cardboard and connecting a hose to the heater hose fitting. Let the water run out the water pump hole, and do not open the block drain until the junk is out. Put it back together and stick it in the truck. With fresh oil, prime the oil pump like a new engine and let her rip. You might have to reseat the rings, but you probably will have a good engine.

the engine turns over easily by hand.

i'll try your idea after work. hopefully that will get the debris out.

thanks,
ed