did a little more of my education and now know that the engine is a pushrod cam and not overhead -- a whole lot easier to remove the heads if the cams are not in them!

So our plan right now is:

1. put some uv dye in the coolant to see if we can figure see where it is going (in cylinders, oil, etc).

2. compression and leak-down test each cylinder.

3. remove the heads and inspect everything.

4a. rebuild heads (if it's a head gasket problem -- can still hope)

4b. buy a reconditioned block and rebuild if it is in fact a slipped sleeve.

If 4b, does anyone have a parts list for a rebuild (rings, bearings, bolts, gaskets, etc) so we can see what I would be into? And what are the best sites to buy parts?

also, as we get into this, if we get it running, we may want to update with an adventure type rack and the third row seats. Any thoughts on where to get those and what they should cost?

Thanks again for all the input . . .

 

why wouldn't you pressure test the block before getting the heads rebuilt, because if the block is junk you probably wont be using those heads. you will be using the heads that come with the new/used motor

 

Does anyone know where I can get that pressure testing set-up with the block-off plates and all shown in the youtube video someone pointed me to earlier in this thread?

 

they can be made easily be made but if you want to purchase block.tester - Engine Block Leak Tester
I also think the above place rents them also

 

Thanks -- didn't notice the link in your email. $250 is pretty rich (esp when a refurbed block is only $500-600). Does anyone have a block tester they might want to loan/rent/sell?

 

If I may throw in my .02... Again

What about swapping in the used motor as I suggested earlier?

Then take the old motor and rebuild at your leisure? It could be a fun past time for you and your son and allow you to take your time in sourcing parts which will afford you the ability to do more research and get the best prices possible.

Meantime, your son is enjoying the disco.

 

"esp when a refurbed block is only $500-600" where are you finding refurbished blocks for $500?


easily made yourself out of a 6 pc of flat stock and some gasket material.
check the for sale section a couple pages back someone was selling the one they made

 

I was originally on the engine swap track, but either they have a lot of miles (125-200K+) or if low mileage are really expensive ($3,500).

I am looking on eBay. Is there another place where I should look?

 

btw, drowssap, you have more internal combustion engines than a Mad Max movie :-)

 

He who dies with the most toys, WINS