Posted by Kirk ct [66.212.203.173] on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 19:35:08 :
Looking for a bit of advice I am new to restorations and have lots to learn. I am in the first stages of bring a 1961 ffpw back from the brink. The current task is to figure out if the engine is repairable. As purchased it was seized and partially disassembled. The rest of the trucks frame and driveline appears to be in working order. I have removed the engine and 100 percent disassembled everything (the most I could) .... One valve refused to budge despite weeks of pen oil, heat ,persuasion, time and repeat. Also one exhaust stud got the better of me when the easy out snapped in the hole.
It was remarkable how much crud and water and dirt came out of all sides of the engine. Despite this, with some time and elbow grease, Im left with a block, cam and main that have no gross and obvious pitting, cracks, chips dents excess wear or slop etc.
During disassembly there were a few clues that make me worried this engine is not original to the truck. ( mounting hardware was not matched, gas pedal and linkages appeared make shift etc.). Or at least it has been rebuilt a few times (there were a few sets of match marks on the connecting rods and the pistons were stamped 0.060) The bores are oversized more on the order of 0.080.
It is ready to go to a machine shop for mag inspection and then quote for machine work. If mag is good Planning to have it decked, guides replaced, new valve seats, piston bores inspected at a minimum
However I am cautious to send this out under the assumption it is a dodge truck engine and machine and buy replacement parts accordingly.
The engine head is 25.25 on the nose
The crank center is 7 7/8" best I can tell
Can't measure the stroke as every thing is disassembled
The s/n on the engine is C3484 (which by power wagon registry info leads me to think this engine could be from a Chrysler car.)
S/n for truck is 2461107093
Questions
1) what else should I look for to determine the type of engine to make sure I buy the right parts.
2) if it is not an original truck engine as far as parts and clearances for machine work etc goes does it even matter? (In other words is a dodge/Chrysler 251 cu in a 251 cu in engine and all parts are interchangeable and shop book clearances apply regardless of original application )
3) any other words of wisdom on what to look for / have inspected / done while at the machine shop?
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