Possible damage to long term storage engine?

[YGETV8]

I know where there is a T-Type that was purchased in the early/mid 90's as a rebuilder, but has sat, outside no less, ever since. I have called them in years past and they said that $4500 could buy it, with the "new" parts! I'm thinking of approaching them with cash in hand at about half that amount, but what damage can an engine incure in a situation like that? At this time, that is what I may most be interested in, but not if it has since scaled up in the cylinders and such... is that a risk? It is in the same condition as when it was purchased back then at auction: front end damage but intact. Thanks,

 

[blackbuick87]

You have no idea what condition the motor is in and neither does the owner. Assume it is going to need:
An engine rebuild, at least new bearings(U shaped things ), a cylinder bore and pistons
Some tranny work, at least a shift kit
A/c is probably not going to work, if that matters
Could have rodents living in it
tires are shot
turbo is shot, or will fail quickly if it has rust internally

You are right to only offer him half. If you can get it for that it is worth it in parts alone

 

[Dave Simpkins]

Questinable Conditions

I would not be too concerned about long term outside storage of and engine in the car. If there was a pre-existing break down (spun bearings, scored crank, broke rods, holed pistons etc etc...) that is manageable ..... as for BIG PROBLEMS just from sitting for a long time .... NO SWEAT you can count on soft lines (fuel lines), vacuum hoses, serpentine belt, rad hoses to be DONE, and probably the injectors, fuel rail, fuel lines and pump will be plugged /gummed up with gas gone to "varnish". Thats manageable.

Pull out the spark plugs, pour lots of light weight oil into the plug holes, and let it sit overnight. Leave out the plugs and crank the engine over by hand (big socket on crank snout nut, or if the serp. belt is okay, use a big socket on the alternator pulley nut its the easiest to get at). If it turns over manually, leave plugs out, disconnect the coil/ign module harness and spin the engine over on the starter motor (prolly gonna need a new battery) That should remove the surplus oil.

If all goes well to that point, then stick in the plugs hook up the ign. and try for fire in the holes. If you get spark but no running engine then the gooed up fuel in the injectors etc. is next order of business.

Seen insides of lots of engines and rears left outside (wrecking yard babies) with no protection whatsoever. Insides look like new. Oil embeds itself real well into cast iron and bearing surfaces.

ds

 

[getchasum]

I would guess....not to worry. I parked my car in 92, to cut down on the miles I was putting on it. At the time I had no were to put it, so it just sat outside. The car went down hill and I lost intrest. In 2001 I decided it was time to either fix it back or sale it. ( it had not been cranked in over 9 years) I started by changing oil, antifreeze, gas and battery, pulled the plugs to spray a little oil into the cylinders, disconected ecm, cranked it over for about a min. Connected ecm back and it cranked right away. It actually ran better they I thought it would. Ended up changing injectors, fuel pump and a few vac hoses, and a good spring cleaning. I have been watching for oil leaks but to my suprise no major ones yet. Car is running great thanks to a good friend I made to help me get it tuned.
In the last year I've put over 1500 miles on it and it's doing fine. Man.... I'm glad I did not sale it!

 

[YGETV8]

Thanks for the replies... I will need to get another (closer) look at it before I decide what to do, but maybe I'll make him an offer "pending being able to start it." Jay

 

[Dan Thompson]

You going to sell the Geo?

 

[YGETV8]

WHAT?! And give up my high performance daily driver???