The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 261

I have decided to sell my 4500 mile 261. Unfortunately, when I received my 58 Viking the engine was frozen. Upon head removal I realized the head gasket had been replaced with what I believe was a
235 head gasket, no steam holes. This is as far as I went with diagnostics. In went a 283 and all I did with the engine was to nestle it inside a comfy shed and pour lubricants into the cylinders. The
cylinders are all now empty from leaking past the stuck pistons and or rings. Now to the question. Will I diminish the value of the engine by doing what is necessary to remove the pistons? Would a
potential buyer prefer to finish the dismantling of the engine themselves ? I would like to pull the pan and examine the crank and pistons, however I don't want my curiosity to kill the proverbial cat. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Rich

If you want to sell the engine, it might help if you can show/describe your conditions/findings?

Will you guarantee that the engine head/block are rebuildable?

If I was a buyer, pulling the pan and looking at the rods, mains and pistons would be the first thing I would want to check out.
That way you can be more upfront with a potential buyer with more info on the condition of the engine.
Pull the pan and pee oil the bottom of the pistons for a few days.
Then see if you can get it to turn, to get a good look at the cylinder walls.
A buyer will want to see the inside and then make an offer.
Not looking is like rolling dice, when buying a non running engine.

Just my 2 cents.
Don