1961 Original restoration

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by Snider1812

The engine hasn't been run in over 25 years. I know it was running when my uncle parked it. I did not attempt to run it before I took it apart.

Ok. Then I would clean that up, Put a head gasket on it, clean out carb, and try to bench test the engine. There are some ways to check piston clearances and valves etc, but without some knowledge of engine internals that may be difficult for you.

If you can get it running and verify that it runs good and does not smoke real bad you will be ahead of the game.

Im 99% sure it will run for you. Once you have the results from testing the engine you can decide if its usable as is or needs to be rebuilt.

If you decide to move forward with the test I am sure many here will offer advice on how to get it running.

You will need some sort of basic test stand to do this. It can be as simple as Locking block in a vise or bolting it down to something solid. Ive lagged them into an old tree stump in the past.

[finsruskw]

They wouldn't touch it because they might actually have to do some mechanical work other that replacing parts! And that would entail some time on their part that would run up a huge bill based on the hourly rate they have.

Yiun already have a test stand, only difference is there are 4 wheels on it!

[Snider1812]

[QUOTE=cooperino;494369]Ok. Then I would clean that up, Put a head gasket on it, clean out carb, and try to bench test the engine. There are some ways to check piston clearances and valves etc, but without some knowledge of engine internals that may be difficult for you.

Any suggestions on how to clean the crud out without damaging the piston and valves?

[cooperino]

[QUOTE=Snider1812;494385]

Originally Posted by cooperino

Ok. Then I would clean that up, Put a head gasket on it, clean out carb, and try to bench test the engine. There are some ways to check piston clearances and valves etc, but without some knowledge of engine internals that may be difficult for you.

Any suggestions on how to clean the crud out without damaging the piston and valves?

As long as your not using power tools, Grinders, sanders, etc... Your not going to damage anything. Rags, parts cleaning brushes are fine to use. I usually use a little diesel fuel to soften up junk but there are plenty of safe spray products you can use as well.

You can also easily resurface and true up the head. Using a piece of glass "1/4 inch or thicker" Glue down some 600 grit wet/dry paper and surface head. There are details here at OCC on how to do this.

[Snider1812]

Just an update on the original restoration. Installed a mowing deck today. Going to be a while on the engine. Still need wheels and tires and a lot of little things for the engine.