Is this engine block salvageable?

Zachary Hoyt · Dec 3, 2011

This is a C164 engine out of a 53 Super H. I finally got pistons 1 and 4 to move and was able to get the crank out. This is by far the worst engine I have ever been inside. The sleeves are partially falling apart, and I am wondering if I should try to save the pistons or if I should assume they are probably no good. I would like to save the cam gear as it is in good shape but the camshaft is rusted in place and won't turn to allow me to remove the bolts. Is there a way to get the gear off without chipping the teeth, with the camshaft still in there? At this point I am considering three options: scrap the whole mess, try to remove the pistons and sleeves and cam by any means necessary and save the block or try to take it apart while not damaging any of the remaining parts. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Zach

rustyfarmall · Dec 3, 2011

The pistons are junk. Get them out any way you can and then save the connecting rods. A good machine shop should be able to polish up that crankshaft. Don't try it yourself. Enough penetrating oil in the correct places will eventually free up the camshaft so you can remove it, but it also will be junk. Be very careful when peeling out those sleeves. It is very easy to break out part of the actual cylinder wall.

Tom Fleming · Dec 3, 2011

I agree with Rusty. The block is just about the only thing that is worth salvaging. If you can get the sleeves out and the connecting rods off, rest looks like junk.

D Slater · Dec 3, 2011

Cam followers stuck in the bores probably keep the cam from turning. Try something to free them. Or cut the cam into near the bearings and drive out the rest. Probably can get the cam gear to turn if cam is cut just inside front wall to remove the retaining bolts. Wouldn't try and save the pistons and liners. Hope the block is good after all the work.

CenTex Farmall · Dec 3, 2011

I agree with what's already been said. Pistons not worth saving, block and rods can be saved. Do you have room to get a pipe wrench on the camshaft?

Like Slater said, lifters probably the sticking point. More soaking and maybe a long rod and hammer to tap the lifters from above.

W.Brehm · Dec 3, 2011

Looks like that engine was submerged in water for a long time.

mike paulson · Dec 3, 2011

looks like a boat mooring...maybe the block, the rest looks too far gone.

JRSutton · Dec 4, 2011

That really doesn't look that bad to me.

I'm willing to bet you could put that whole thing back together with new sleeves and rings, shine up the journals,and it'd run just fine for years.

Not saying you SHOULD, but you could.

These engines aren't under extereme stresses, so all that really matters are the parts that touch.

I'd have the crank machined, let them tell you how far it needs to go.

New sleeves are a given, as are rings.

Pistons, almost seems silly not to replace them while you're in there, but might not be absolutely necessary. You need to pull them to evaluate them.

Pull the cam, clean it all up and I'm willing to bet it's fine.

It's of course really hard to say without seeing everything in person.

What about the head, how do the valves look like?

riverbend · Dec 4, 2011

I'd think the cam could be reground if has not been done before. Isn't there a plug at the back of the block that covers the cam bore ? If the lifters were out of the way, remove the plug, and drive the cam out.

Greg

RedRoundhead · Dec 4, 2011

I would pull everything out, and I mean everything, and get the block dipped (cleaned). It will be bare, and then you can put new stuff in. And check for cracks!

If there are parts that will not come out, then a UF bath someitmes helps loosen things. Sometimes not.

I have used ultrasonic cleaning for some rusty parts in the past. Some times you can save them, sometimes not. A heated UF bath will discolor the parts, usually.

Just my opinion. You certainly have some work ahead of you! How does the rear end look? Pull a cover off that too, to see if it is in similar shape!

Best of luck!

rhtx55 · Dec 4, 2011

I would soak the whole thing in used diesel fuel, it would probably be cheaper to just soak it down with a hand pump spray rig twice a day for a couple of weeks just to get the rust loosened. Then once you get it all apart follow the advice above & have it run through some hot tanks somewhere that do engine rebuilding full time. Have it & the head magnafluxed to check for any cracks & go from there.

55 50 Ron · Dec 4, 2011

Probably had antifreeze leaked into the crankcase. Can you apply any of your musical instrument building skills to this project? "wink"

Go for parting out what you can.

muleboss · Dec 4, 2011

I would bet engine could become a running engine with(most} existing parts and some time and patience.

tntleake · Dec 4, 2011

I might have a cam and crank.
Let me know if you need them
Email is open
Tracy

Is this engine block salvageable?

Zachary Hoyt

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rustyfarmall

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Tom Fleming

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D Slater

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CenTex Farmall

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W.Brehm

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mike paulson

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JRSutton

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riverbend

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RedRoundhead

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rhtx55

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55 50 Ron

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muleboss

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tntleake

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