How to buy a rebuilt motor.

upnorthwi

Member
Hi everyone. A long time ago I posted that I had bought a nice, but hopelessly stuck to30. I believe it had sat for a long time without the head on it.

Anyway, I planned to overhaul the motor, but no time to full with it, so I offered it for sale.

I received a call from a gentleman who has a motor for sale that was rebuilt but never used. Supposedly it was rebuilt by a relative that had a small engine shop and he had died. The motor has sat for a few years inside, it is now outside covered under a lean to.

He's not sure what all was done to it in the rebuild, but may be able to get more information on it.

He is asking $300 for it.

My question is, is this something worth messing with? Could I possibly check the compression on it as it sits to see if it is good? What should I look for? Would you put oil in the cylinders before turning it over?

It sounds like it might possibly be an opportunity, but I don't want to get taken again.

Any advice on what to look for and what to stay away from?

The other option is he would buy my tractor, put the motor in it and plans to sell it.

Thanks,
Tony
 
without tearing it apart the quality will always be an issue. Me? I would pull the plugs, squirt in some oil and see if it tuirned with a wrench on the crank. Turns with no problem would be $300.
No turn? Stuck? I might go $100 if it looks good. Then you may get to tear it down to free up the rings.
 
The only thing i would be worried about is if it sat long enough to seize up, since it was just rebuilt and not ran yet (from the sounds of it) everything is still tight. If the motor turns then it would be a steal! Hop in the trunk and go get it, that's my opinion.
 
He said it will turn over, that it is not stuck.

Should a newly rebuilt motor turn easily or with some resistance?

Another question I would have is moisture of any concern since it's been sitting so long?
 
Even if this motor turns out to need a rebuild then the parts off it is worth that, sounds like a 150 offer as this guy has no use for it.
 
A new motor that never ran will be just fine are the plugs in it that would be were the moister comes from.
 
When you get it home , turn it upside down , and pull the oil pan off . Go thru it and check the bearing clearances with Plastiguage .
My big worry would be the bearings . If a rod bearing lets go , then you have scrap . By checking the bearings , this worry would be covered . With it out of the tractor , this would not be much of a job .
Good luck .
 
I've never posted a picture on here, so hopefully you guys can get it.

The guy finally sent me a few pictures of the rebuilt motor that has been sitting for who knows how long. They think it had rings put in and the valves done, but no other information.

Other than the blue color, it looks like a Z 129 or 30 motor, the casting number looks right and the oil filter can is on the side.

He's wanting $300.

Looking at the pictures, what do you guys think?

If you bought this, would you trust it or what would you do with it so you have confidence?

Other than seeing a head gasket, I can't tell if anything was done with it.

Suggestions?

Thanks
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