Used Engine Purchase Question

[Project60]

I am looking to get a second opinion on this one.

I was going to rebuild the 230k+ mile 2F engine in the 60 that I am rebuilding. I have no engine history and have never heard it run. I was told the clutch was shot and it had vapor lock problems, so I towed it home.

I was looking to find a recently rebuilt 2F that I could use to help keep the costs of the project down, rather than spending $2k+ on a full rebuild.


I found one locally that has me very interested. The engine was pulled from an 85 FJ60 w/ 150k miles (close in age to my 83 FJ60). Current Owner saw the engine running when it was swapped for a 350 conversion. The head was cracked and a new head is being rebuild now (still at the machine shop - was told valves, guides, seats as needed). Current owner doesn't know who rebuilt it. He knows it was rebuilt because the pistons are stamped 0.020" or 0.030" (he will look tonight). According to him, walls still show honing marks.

For $350, I thought it was worth a shot. Worst case is, I have a rebuilt head (maybe worth $250). Should I buy it, paint it and throw a new gasket kit into it?

 

[Mace]

Buy it and run it..

 

[5280Hawk]

You could spend the $350 on a clutch kit and fix whatever vaporlock problem you have in your 2F.

Then at least it's running and you can figure out exactly what you want to do in the engine bay in the future.

I know about the funding issues, i have them myself

Judging by the work you've done on your rig so far, I know you don't want the engine half assed regardless of the savings.

 

[79fj40moneypit]

The head is getting rebuilt for the same money? For $350 it sounds good.

 

[Project60]

Yeah, the rebuilt head is included for $350.

 

[Project60]

You could spend the $350 on a clutch kit and fix whatever vaporlock problem you have in your 2F.

Then at least it's running and you can figure out exactly what you want to do in the engine bay in the future.

I know about the funding issues, i have them myself

Judging by the work you've done on your rig so far, I know you don't want the engine half assed regardless of the savings.

Thanks for the compliments!

I am going with a new clutch either way, so money is just into the engine rebuild itself. I just didn't want to put the same engine in after years of work and have it die in a month.

I am going to check it out as soon as the head comes back from the shop.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I am looking to get a second opinion on this one.

I was going to rebuild the 230k+ mile 2F engine in the 60 that I am rebuilding. I have no engine history and have never heard it run. I was told the clutch was shot and it had vapor lock problems, so I towed it home.

vapor lock is a hot carb or mech fuel pump problem.. the engine is probably fine.

 

[Project60]

vapor lock is a hot carb or mech fuel pump problem.. the engine is probably fine.

I am not replacing the engine for vapor lock... as you stated that is a fuel delivery issue.


I am going to rebuild the engine or buy a recently rebuilt engine -I don't want to spend years and $ rebuilding everything on the truck to put a tired engine back into it.

 

[5280Hawk]

a $350 rebuilt engine from an unknown source, doesn't sound like it should be your final solution for your truck either.

My 60's 2f is only a little better off than yours in that it runs. It has 229K on it, and I plan on replacing it in the future when i have the funds available.

But for now once i get it painted, Im getting plates and it will finally be a rolling project.

I haven't decided on my engine but im definitely leaning towards a Vortec ala 69'

 

[Project60]

My 60's 2f is only a little better off than yours in that it runs.

That is the understatement of the year! Mine rolls on it's own, but that only because the body is on wheels!

I'll take the time to check it out... if nothing else, maybe make an offer for the head.

 

[Mace]

You choice is basically to decide which motor you would rather rebuild.

The later motor has a "weaker" head but is a "better motor" to rebuild.

either keep the stocker in there and rebuild the later truck or swap the donor in and rebuild your motor.

It is pretty much six and one half dozen..

 

[Dave-T]

In my opinion the engine is not a place on the rig to save money on. Rebuilding mine is the best thing I've done to my truck.

$350 does not sound like a bad price for an engine that has had some work put into it.

 

[Project60]

You choice is basically to decide which motor you would rather rebuild.

The later motor has a "weaker" head but is a "better motor" to rebuild.

either keep the stocker in there and rebuild the later truck or swap the donor in and rebuild your motor.

It is pretty much six and one half dozen..

Mace, is there a benefit to buying the '85 bottom end and using the '83 head? He is willing to sell just the short block so that I can use my head.

I am not a motor historian, so you will have to fill me in.

 

[iaintscared1969]

At worst try to see what your engine will do. What money is wasted if you just try to fire it up. I know you want the satisfaction of knowing it will run 200k more but even a newly rebuilt could have problems. Just to kill our curiosity try to start it...Then go by the newer engine have it on stand by and drive the old one to the ground. Just my .02...but it is better driving then wrenching. Either way you still have options.

Oh and thanks 5280 I am here.

 

[Project60]

Pictures

Got some pictures back from the guy. Scoring looks worse than conveyed via the phone. I can't tell if it's scoring or what on the cylinder walls.

I may buy it just for the rebuilt head and oversize pistons. If I go and look at it, what should the cylinder diameter be for a standard bore vs. an oversize bore - that way I can measure with a calipers on site?

Any more thoughts?