Submerged motor
 

Recently I saw an ad for a Jasper TBI 350 that was submerged. The guy said the motor only had 2000 miles on it when it was submerged. He did not mention how the motor ended up under water or how long it was there. I was just curious what you guys thoughts were on this motor. I really don't have the space to mess with it, so I am not considering it....mainly just curious what guys with more experience would think of buying something like this for a rebuild.

Re: Submerged motor
 

Pull the pan. If the rods are straight then do a compression and leak down test. If everything is ok run some oil through it if its got any rust and give er hell.

These old blocks are quite the brutes and can a lot of punishment.

Re: Submerged motor
 

That depends greatly on if it was running when it went under or not. If it was running it needs to be pulled apart and have the valves and rods checked for bends. You probably won't be able to tell visually, you'll need to use some measuring tools to know for sure. If it wasn't running you'll have to pull it apart and look for rust and mud on the bearing surfaces, cam lobes, rings, pretty much everywhere for rust and dirt.

Re: Submerged motor
 

I'd Pass ;)

Re: Submerged motor
 

x2

Re: Submerged motor
 

It was supposedly not running when it went under. The asking price is $100, which even for just the block isn't too bad for this area. I would assume the throttle body would still be good as long as it only had surface rust along with valve covers, manifolds, oil pan, etc.

Re: Submerged motor
 

Well, that changes things. Has to be something worth $100 on it.

Re: Submerged motor
 

I'm a pack rat,for $100 I'd be all over that......

Re: Submerged motor
 

I would buy it but i would use it as a core to rebuild not run it as is.

Re: Submerged motor
 

If they did a timely flood recovery procedure on the block once it was out, you should be OK on the block. Consider any electrical stuff toast. Call your local metal scrap yard and get their buy price on a chevy block. The difference between that and the $100 price is your loss/profit if the block proves unsuitable.

Re: Submerged motor
 

Run!

Re: Submerged motor
 

For core value, but he will likely want more since he could already get that.

I think engines at the local pick and pull are $250 (from air cleaner to oil pan) and I see guys pulling them out every time I go there, especially fuel injected engines. So, that gives you a standard of reference for a used engine that is rebuildable. I have seen late model wrecks (like GM LS engines with all the fixins) sell right away at the pick and pull. If you get it out of a rear end or side smacked vehicle, I think it is a low risk venture, especially since you could sell the parts on Ebay for more than you spent on the whole engine.

Re: Submerged motor
 

x4 on the pass. As others said. If that thing did any revolutions with water in the cylinders it will have issues.