How far to go...
 

So I pulled a perfectly running engine that didn't use any oil or smoke. I removed it because the rear main seal and oil pan were leaking. So my plan was to simply re-gasket, clean and install. I have a few people telling me that I should pull the heads, check the valves etc... How far should I really go?

Re: How far to go...
 

Put it back together and back in the truck or either a complete rebuild. If it was running good why spend the money but if you are going to spend money on it you might as well do it right.
Personally I would put it back in and run it as long as it will last then buy a crate engine to replace it.

Re: How far to go...
 

How much money do you want to spend ? :lol:

If your happy with the way it ran before .Toss a new oil pump in it (Melling ) re gasket and some new paint and your good to go ... being as these engines were built to be repaired without using a 10 mm if it ain't broke don't fix it . :chevy:

Re: How far to go...
 

I’m with Grumpy. But if it were mine and it was that far apart it would be getting a new timing chain along with the oil pump and I couldn’t see NOT putting an RV type cam in it. But here we are with project creep....

Check out the Elgin Cams on Competition Products site or the Howards with the 5 year no fault warranty.

But I would do a timing chain and oil pump even if the cam stayed stock.

Re: How far to go...
 

Project creep ? What's that ...:lol:

Re: How far to go...
 

.
I did this...ended up spending a bunch of $$ on roller cam retrofit and head work...then more $$ to swap to electric cooling fans...

love it!!!

What should you do?

Go big or just put it back together w/paint and run it.

-klb

Re: How far to go...
 

If she has good oil pressure and compression just reseal and go. The only other check I would make is pull and check the base of each lifter for excessive wear.

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: How far to go...
 

If you know any of the history of the engine that should help with your situation. If you do not know any history of it, personally, if I were at the point you are, I'd at least pull bearing caps and check the bearings and I'd reseal the whole thing. I would also replace the oil pump with a high volume pump, or at least a good quality new replacement. Id also replace the freeze plugs at least in the rear if you are not sure how old they are.

Re: How far to go...
 

Sub'd, I'm in the same predicament and looking for the same info.

Re: How far to go...
 

I would do this but use a flat tappet and break it in correctly and with the right oil & additive.

Re: How far to go...
 

Stay with your original intent. New timing chain and gears with new oil pump is good advice.

Re: How far to go...
 

How many miles on it?

Re: How far to go...
 

Mileage is unknown, I believe it has been gone through in the past. I decided to take the advice and replace the oil pump and timing chain, seal things up and put it back in.

Re: How far to go...
 

Pump,chain, re seal and let it eat.

Re: How far to go...
 

Maybe even a new water pump since you already have the old one off.

Re: How far to go...
 

^^^Gospel!^^^ Shame on you for pullin it and questioning it with an empty wallet! Jus Sayin

Re: How far to go...
 

I was in a similar situation with the engine in my truck. When I pulled the engine for a reseal and rolled it upside down on the engine stand, about 3 cups of black sludge dumped out on the garage floor even thought I had drained the oil previously.

That lead to the removal of the crank bearing caps which were noted as being scored and discolored from old oil. At this point the engine was done internally, so we ordered a low buck crate engine for $1375 shipped. That was the smartest thing done to this truck.

So, how clean is this engine inside?