Tips for Buying an Engine.

[Andy302]

Didnt get anywhere in the other topic area so I thought Id move it here.
Someone must have some tips / views!! pleeaassee!!!

Going to look at a Ford 302 in a cobra in a weeks time. So I need as many helpful pointers on what to look for as possible.

What should I look for when it's a) turned off and b) running? Anything to watch for when its being driven?

Thanks again guys this really does help.

Andy
1st the Garage, 2nd the engine 3rd the kids..doh sorry, GD427!

[Trigger]

Nearly slipping off the page again Andy! Don't know anything about Ford 302's really. However presentation is the thing when fishing for replies. There is no mention of sheep, sex, smoking, deviant behaviour or anything that might remotely interest the nest of vipers on this site. Hope this stimulates some interest from engine experts and advice is forthcoming.

[agwebsites]

The easy tests are...

Look for grey/blue smoke coming out of the pipes when you rev it and look for a grey sludge on the inside of the header tank. Smoke is from burning oil and sludge is from a bust head gasket.

If you can remove the spark plugs and check they are a nice sandy colour, if it has been running on the choke then they will be covered in a black dust which can easily be rubbed off and shouldn’t be worried about.

While the plugs are out you could use a compression tester on the cylinders and this is a great indication as to how healthy the engine is.

Once it’s warm put you hand on the top of the engine and feel for any irregular judders that would suggest it’s misfiring.

Check for leaking oil anywhere other than the sump as this could indicate a split block or knackered gasket.

Cheers,
Andy



http://www.corporanda.com/cos-race.gif

[Andy302]

Thanks, at last some information!!

Hopefully all should be fine as the engine is just 2 years old, he has receipts as well!

The pictures I have show a sparkly engine that looks the dogs!

Still a bit nervous handing over cash though!!

Cheers

Andy
1st the Garage, 2nd the engine 3rd the kids..doh sorry, GD427!