Go-Devil Evaluation help

[Ryan_M]

I have two motors for my M38 project and I need some help sorting out how to deal with them.

Engine #1
Pros:
Ran great for 1300 miles this year in the M38.

Cons:
Has the wrong head which I don't want to swap until I have to for fear of screwing up a good running motor (snapping a head/manifold bolt, etc) .
Bubba converted to 12V. Wrong starter, alternator, and other junk.

Engine #2
Pros:
Has the correct head and most of the "correct" M38 stuff.

Cons:
I have no idea if it runs and no real history on it.

I have enough flywheels and starters so I can match whatever I need with whichever motor I choose. I am willing to have the 24V starter, generator and distributor rebuilt and can put them on either motor.

My real question is what can I do to test the unknown Engine #2 short of installing it, maybe get it running, and trouble shooting from there?

I haven't ruled out doing just that - dropping it onto my chassis, wiring minimally, and seeing if it will run. Before I go through that hassle, are there any tests I can do with it sitting on the garage floor that may indicate whether or not it's worth proceeding any further? It is not seized and that's about as far as my knowledge on trouble shooting an engine on the floor goes. Even if I don't end up using it would be good to know whether I have a reasonably good spare motor or just a boat anchor.

[Haines Garage]

If those were mine, Here is what I would do. Put the running assembly back in. That would get you running. While your running, do yourself a nice, correct 100% rebuild on the more correct engine. That could take YEARS! Feelin' Me?
They both look good in the photo. The only way you can find out about the one that doesn't run is do a compression test, and a leak down test on it. I believe you can do both on a stand.
I think the Hawk has done both on a stand....Tim?

[Deleted]

Due to SHITTY internet I cannot see your photo's. MHO, the Will-IS engine has a flat oil pan for running them on the garage floor, or in the back of the pickup, I have done both with success. You will need to bolt the bell housing to the engine to support the starter. Test the #2 for compression, most likely if it's been sitting for a long time there will be a stuck exhaust valve or two (very common). If you have time a test stand with a radiator is easy to fab up.

Lee

[athawk11]

Hi Ryan,
I have to agree with HG. You have a known quality commodity in engine #1. Based on what you've stated, this isn't going to be the show winning Willys in your stable. It's the Willys you're willing to drive under a falling tree

Having the other...and more correct engine #2, can be the engine you learn to rebuild to a perfect state. If and when you're ready, you drop it in and never miss a beat.

A leak down test is pretty cool. It doesn't require a cranking engine. Tells you the overall health of each compression chamber. Leaks through the intake or carb throat area... leaking intake valve. Air leaks through exhaust port...exhaust valves leaks. Through the radiator hose connections...head seal or cracked block. Through oil filter connection points...rings. Air will leak out of the best engine, but the slower the leakage, the better. It's preferred if the leak is slow, and through the rings.

Tim

[Deleted]

I think Tim summed it up perfectly in his opening statement.

But then again, if you get it started on a test stand...you might find out it is healthier than your other one!

[Deleted]

Stab the runner in your Jeep and go. Then take your time and re build the correct one. I doubt you will have much luck testing the unknown until you rebuild the carb and stuff. Just fix it. If you are not in a hurry, then build a fresh correct engine and put it in once. Then, you can start looking for Jeep # 3 to put the left over engine in. Don't you just love clear Jeep reasoning? Oilly

[Ryan_M]

Thanks for the input. I'm a little ways off from tackling the engines but I like to ask these questions in advance so I can ponder your ideas for awhile. I think the runner is going to be the logical choice. I may or may not use the chassis as a "test bed" for the other one first though as curiosity of its condition is killing me. Tim, I remember you doing a leak down test on yours awhile back. I'll have to read up on what I need to do that too.