Fearing the worst rebuild or another engine

[76-scout-MATT]

backstory.... was overheating on occasion... then a trip up the mountain And severe loss of power... loud rattling and the all fluid from the radiator blew out the cap... towed it home and replaced water pump..addded water (3 different leaks from the radiator.. oh well new radiator)... went to start and CLUNK... about 10 degrees of rotation then stop.. dont know what to do now... understand the mechanics of an engine ... never been inside one... may be better off getting one from somewhere .... rebuild..??? recently posting on how to change a motor mount.. if that give you an idea of my abilities..... AAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHH

[76-scout-MATT]

how much weight does the engine stand need to hold.... suggestions.. thanks

[Eric VanBuren]

With the fact that it rotates a few degrees and then goes clunk means there may be problems beyond a basic rebuild, like a broken rod.

Doing a full rebuild on a SV is expensive but then of course you'll be good for another 300K, used engines can be had for much less and if you can run a compression and oil pressure test on a hot engine you should know if you'll be good for another 100K.

[76-scout-MATT]

Originally Posted by Eric VanBuren

With the fact that it rotates a few degrees and then goes clunk means there may be problems beyond a basic rebuild, like a broken rod.

Doing a full rebuild on a SV is expensive but then of course you'll be good for another 300K, used engines can be had for much less and if you can run a compression and oil pressure test on a hot engine you should know if you'll be good for another 100K.

one way to find out.... just bought a engine stand.... ordered the manual... have made the decision to rebuild... will the engine stand i have need some type of adapter... will wait on the manual before i start firing all the other questions i have

[robgimmel]

Sounds like you do have some major problems. Tear it down and then use the brains on this site to finish the job.

[Carl Wiese]

Rebuilding an engine isn't hard. For the most parts it's taking stuff apart and then putting it back together again. Stock rebuilds are the easiest.


The hard part is two fold. The first is determining what needs to be replaced and what can be reused. This involves lots of measuring with micrometers and such. The second is putting it back together and getting your ring gaps correct and your bearing clearances right. It's easy enough to do you just have to take your time. As far as heads go, send them out to a good machine shop if they need work. Since your engine was running hot at the very least they should be checked for warpage and cracks.

Take your time, keep things organized and questions or read instead of assuming and you'll be fine.

[76-scout-MATT]

thanks for the words of encouragement ... i feel much better than i did earlier... as said before i am waiting on the manual.... i will do my homework.... it is a lot easier knowing that you all are here to help

when i do in fact get to that point ..and i will ... i will start a new thread with pictures and everything... i know how everyone loves the pics

[David Dixon]

Originally Posted by Carl Wiese

Rebuilding an engine isn't hard.

... This involves lots of measuring with micrometers and suck.

Now really Carl. This is a family site.

[Mike Scherr]

Matt, I have an engine pulled from a running truck (six months ago) and stored inside that you can have. I would like to keep starter, dist, and accesories. Basically you can have the short block for the price of driving to Colorado Springs. It is either a 304 or 345, if you are interested let me know.

[76-scout-MATT]

WOW... unexpected... yes .. interested.... wow.... so many questions and options are flying thru my head....how interchangable are the components if it is a 304.... would i just take off what i need and add to yours..... wow.....