Hey, just got given a used motor with unknown condition if good or bad,how do i approach this, do i just chuck it in the car hope for the best,or do i tear it apart and replace everything? Or is there a list of stuff i need to check amd replace? Cheers

 

Um, sounds like a first for you.

pull valve cover - check cam condition - If you can turn the crank - you will see the valve train move. Change the oil pan gasket - check oil pump pickup for debris. Check the condition of the harmonic balancer - replace if necessary. Replace oil filter housing gasket. How did you get that new motor / estimate of miles?

 

Is it possible to turn the crank/to do a compression check on these engines while out of the car/before installation?

Just curious.

 

Out of the car, you could perform a leak down test but, in order to get a valid compression test, it would need to be run on a test stand. Unless the history of the engine is known (mileage, maintenance, etc.). it would be wise to check the bearings, the condition of the timing chain and rails, the cam lobes and do a bore scope inspection of the cylinders. If you were to find anything out of the ordinary, a complete tear-down and re-build would be wise.

 

Yes its a first for me, i know how to swap motor in just not how to rebuild one. My friend gave it to me, he got a car not running for cheap that the guy selling it thinks motor is bad, but mate swapped a motor in that was good and still wasnt running, he found out its the fuel pump after so the motor might be good. Motor could turn over and can feel compressions

 

My 2cents

a) if your concerned about the engine having internal issues and not working. Swap it in and see if it works, personally end up going this route myself often. Almost any service can be done with the engine installed but it takes longer and it's not fun.

b) tear the engine down as stated by the above folks and see what you have. More time consuming up front, but easier labour ultimately working outside of the car. Could end up being a gem, swap in some gaskets and call it a day.

Either way, just remember if it does not work once installed you still have to remove it hah..
Cheers!

 

The stuff I suggested is easily done outside of the car. First time is toughest. Read, read, read. The W11 is tough. - also do supercharger service.

 

Right, opened up oil filter, tons of metal shaving, opened oil pan and found metal pieces of what looks like pencil shavings, YIKES!
And turns out those were rod bearings, so what would be my next step, is motor toast? Or is it a case of getting the crank ground and new bearings to suit and away we go? Or will there be other damage from the bearings giving way? (piston rings etc)

 

Sorry to hear that. I have built a few engines (MGA, English Ford Cortina, Lotus 907) and that’s not a good starting point. Whatever caused the bearings to fail in the first place would have to be identified. The collateral damage is unknown. It will be expensive to resurrect this one.

Scrap it and forget about it.

Kurt