How to buy a rebuilt motor update

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

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.

And I can't tell if it's dirt or a crack by the distributor.

If the head was done, can it be trusted since the ports were not taped?

Suggestions? I'm not real knowledgeable here and don't want to make a mistake in either buying it or getting it ready for my tractor.

Thanks

DanP · Dec 16, 2012

If it was me, if I would buy a gasket set for starters. Tear the engine down, inspect everything and put it back together. Replacing anything along the way that wasn"t witnin spec. If you are lucky, only gaskets and consumables will be needed.

Jason S. · Dec 16, 2012

My first thought is, if it was rebuilt and then put in a shed and hasn"t been run any, why is it greasy back towards the flywheel? I think they may of had he head off of it but I have my doubts that it was fully machined and rebuilt and then set to the side. On the bright side if it has a good block and crank, it"s worth $300.00

Jerry/MT · Dec 16, 2012

Define rebuild!

Looks like Continenatl Z129 since the oil filter is external. Does it turn?

It could have had new sleeves and pistons and if the journals were OK it could have had new bearings put in and never left the bench. I can"t tell whether the pan was off but it would have had to if bearings were checked and/or replaced All I can see is that it looks like the head was off and my guess "rebuild" could mean a valve job.

If the head is good,and it turns, it"s worth $300 if it had a valve job. The real bad issue with the Z129 is block cracking and you can"t tell that unless you pull the head.

s19438 · Dec 16, 2012

buying this engine would an absolute leap of faith. i'd offer 150 for it, maybe go 175 but no more. too, too many questions unanswered.

Tony in Mass. · Dec 16, 2012

First off... along Jason's train of thought... it is greasey where long run engines are greasey. If it was rebuilt, someone would have cleaned if not tanked it... so long ago they didn't invent tanks yet? the bolts on the timing cover... which looks odd at this angle, look like they never been removed, neither the oil filter etc etc..
If this was 'rebuilt, it was on the fast and cheap. Say like guys above- maybe a valve job a long time ago? Which technically isn't a 'rebuild' and... in my experience, if an engine wasn't run, for a few to many hours after a rebuild, the rings will sieze up again, being so new, dry and ripe for dew to make rust. I don't know about 300.... if you need an engine, and can get a refund if things don't pan out... otherwise scrap value for 500 pounds of iron...

Duner Wi · Dec 16, 2012

If I were to buy it I would follow DanP's advice.

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

Thanks DanP,

I have a feeling there wasn't anything done but a head. Interesting that the block is blue, the head bare and the valve cover red. Seems if it had a valve job the head would be blue as well as the cover. I'm going to offer $150 and see what he says and follow your advice, hoping it didn't over heat and is cracked.

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

I was very disappointed when I got the pictures, glad I didn't drive all the way there to find that.

My feeling is like you said, the head was replaced and that's it. I also like how the block is blue, head bare and cover red. Seems pieced together.

I'm going to gamble and offer $150, pull it apart and hope it's not cracked.

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

Well my definition sure doesn't match the picture.

That's why I asked for a picture before I made the trip. I asked the guy what he considered rebuilt since some people think replacing the gaskets is an overhaul.

It's obvious someone put a head on and that's it. I'm going to offer half, see what he says and hope it isn't cracked.

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

I agree and just sent him an offer for half.

Thanks

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

I agree with what everyone is saying.

I've offered him half. I think if he won't come down that much I'll ask for some sort of a guarantee that it's good.

But, I don't think he knows what was or wasn't done, so maybe he'll just do the $150.

upnorthwi · Dec 16, 2012

Will do,

Thanks

Richard L · Dec 17, 2012

I am not sure but is that engine sitting on the flywheel? I would have liked it better if it had been sitting on the oil pan. It just seems as those pics. are not as they should be.

upnorthwi · Dec 17, 2012

Hi Richard,

Just as you see, sitting on the flywheel. He claimed it had been in a barn or shed for some time, then moved under a lean to. But with all the dirt on the front and only half of the pulley, I say it's been sitting that way awhile.

Dan S (NY) · Dec 17, 2012

I would bet there is a nice mouse nest built inside that engine after sitting like that.

Dan

upnorthwi · Dec 17, 2012

I didn't think of that!

How to buy a rebuilt motor update

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