Good news! After some time stalled out on the project (and I'm sure I'm the only one on the forum to experience this issue...) I got a good compression check. I found the screw-in model, and all holes were remarkably consistent. I read each cylinder several times, at both closed throttle and WOT. All readings were the same. It took three cycles to get to full compression, with each cycle being within 5 PSI in every cylinder. First spin was about 85, second about 115, and third about 140. It looks like this thing is fairly healthy.
Bad News! It is leaking oil like a stuck pig. When I pushed it in the shop, I set some cardboard under the motor for drips. That turned into a 20" oil slick, generated only by spinning the engine for the compression checks. The worst of it is coming from the bell housing, so I'm assuming it's the rear main seal. However, that's no comfort as it's leaking all over. This engine is coming out to get a once-over.
Having consulted a couple of gurus, I'm going to check out the internal health of this when it's on the stand, mostly to make sure what I think is happening, is really happening. If in good shape, I'm going to leave the long block alone. Even if I built this up a bit, it's still a two-ton brick that will never scoot with authority. All seals and gaskets will be replaced, and I will add the super-six setup with a 2-1/4" exhaust. Otherwise, it will remain stock assuming there are no gremlins in hiding.
The next step will take a bit of time, but I will start disconnecting things in the very near future to yank the engine.
Wish me luck, it's been over 40 years since I got into an engine. And that one blew up when I couldn't figure out where that extra wire went (it was the oil pressure sending unit). Add that to a leaky oil pan plug, and.........Kablooey! Engine parts all over the interstate!
|
