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With the body off and the frame about done, I want to clean up the engine before installing it. It’s a NOM 283 that was rebuilt in 97, and maybe driven 10,000 miles since. Based on the photos below, what gaskets/seals would you suggest replacing while I have it on the stand?
I am resurfacing the flywheel and installing a new clutch set. Any other areas I should focus on? It has a Muncie 4-Speed.
Nothing, use some Gunk engine cleaner or Gunk foamy engine brite and a high pressure garden hose. Tape off the intake and exh and dizzly holes and avoid high pressure on those areas.
I respectfully disagree with the previous posts. Since you already have the engine out, I would certainly clean and degrease the engine, but I would also buy a new gasket set and replace the oil pan, valve covers, timing chain, intake and exhaust gaskets. Then if needed, repaint the block.
I respectfully disagree with the previous posts. Since you already have the engine out, I would certainly clean and degrease the engine, but I would also buy a new gasket set and replace the oil pan, valve covers, timing chain, intake and exhaust gaskets. Then if needed, repaint the block.
I respectfully disagree with the previous posts. Since you already have the engine out, I would certainly clean and degrease the engine, but I would also buy a new gasket set and replace the oil pan, valve covers, timing chain, intake and exhaust gaskets. Then if needed, repaint the block.
totally agree, after 21 years and given that the engine is out of the car it's an absolute 'no-brainer' !
If it aint broke dont fix it.
-Changing an oil pan gasket that is already sealed well is just inviting a leak
-NO! NO! exhaust manifold gaskets! Pick your favorite high temp sealant (I use Hondabond) and thats it.
-Not a fan of pressure washers in inexperienced hands. If the engine is out of the car just use a good detergent or sudsy degreaser anda mild 3M scrubby pad and rinse carefully with low flow from the hose. As already mentioned sealoff all engine entry points.
-After it has dried well touch up the orange where needed.
It doesn’t look like an oil leak to me. The fan blows all kinds of road grime, fan belt dust, and other junk onto the front of the engine. Take your finger and reach behind the balancer and give it a good wipe. Is it wet with oil or dry and dirty? The balancer oil seal is the only dynamic seal on the front of the engine.That said, I am of the opinion that as long as the engine is out reseal it unless it was done recently.
With the body off and the frame about done, I want to clean up the engine before installing it. It’s a NOM 283 that was rebuilt in 97, and maybe driven 10,000 miles since. Based on the photos below, what gaskets/seals would you suggest replacing while I have it on the stand?
I am resurfacing the flywheel and installing a new clutch set. Any other areas I should focus on? It has a Muncie 4-Speed.
Thanks for your input!
Well, there's your answer. Don't touch it cause it ain't broke but while you are at it, reseal the whole engine.....
If it was mine, I would leave it alone because it's not leaking , mistakes happen and you could cause a leak. I do understand the guys who say reseal it. It's really just up to you.
Last edited by SledgeHammer 2.0; 09-25-2018 at 01:47 PM.
My experience with the small blocks is the valve cover gaskets and rear main seal causing leaks....and those can be changed with the engine in the car without undue difficulty. But - do what you think is best...
Thanks for all of the input. Most of it was dry grime as described, so I think I will leave it sealed. After removing the pulleys I noticed quite a trail from the weep hole, so I am replacing the water pump. Here it is after cleaning, so I will scuff it up, spray it, and get it bolted back in.
09-24-2018, 05:56 PM
Engine Oil Seepage/Cleanup
