A rebuilt Chevy 4.3, your thoughts please...

[4D-56]

Here is one for the engine rebuilders, the engine installers….

I have the chance to buy a rebuilt chevy V6 4.3 that came out of a 1990 astro van. The engine was completely rebuilt to a high standard, meticulously done.

It has been 2 to 3 years since the engine has been run.
My thoughts and questions are what is happening, internally, to an un-used engine, is it corroding inside?....or would it be fine and run like a champ as it did when newly rebuilt?

Also, what is an engine like this worth?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[JHZR2]

It isnt pumping air through. Was it well slathered in assembly lube? Oil in it? Where was it stored?

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Should be good if stored inside a warm shop or garage. It is what your willing to pay for it and what he is willing too sell it for. 500 bucks?

 

[4D-56]

lube-wise, it was left as it was when last run, wasnt lubed in preparation for being out of use, oil still in it...at first it stayed installed in the van, outside...south florida humidity??...last 6 months it has been outside under a tarp, connected to the transmission.

currently asking $750.

it was a full rebuild, new pistons, rings, newly bored, all new bearings etc etc...

 

[crazyoildude]

if the engine was really done correctly using quality parts and is in perfect condition its worth 750
how can you be sure nothing happened to the engine after it was rebuilt?
To get that engine rebuilt it would cost under 2000

 

[spasm3]

For $750 i would want to hear it run, unless you really know the owner and know its fairly new and properly built. If you don't know for sure and can't hear it run, I would pass.

 

[4D-56]

I know the owner, hes an ex mechanic, a smart guy. I know that the work was done top notch, no corners cut. they ran the van for a brief while after the rebuild.

im not gonna be able to hear it run until its in my van. i have no doubts about how it will run, i guess im a little concerned about what has happened/is happening inside from not being used, is this detrimental? corrosion in the bores?....

he has told me many times about how well it ran, before he ever wanted to sell it to anyone, currently we're talkin 750 for the install??

 

[Bill in Utah]

Get a borescope and look at EVERY cylinder. If its clear/clean I'd say everything else is good to go.

Bill

 

[bubbatime]

Too much money. Sell the Astro and buy something new. You'll thank me some day.

 

[4D-56]

Thanks guys...the borescope is a great idea....but 'bubbatime', you hit the nail ON the head!

It IS too much $$ to put into this old van...im just gonna run it as is, fire a little more Kreen thru it and then put the Engine Restorer in there with some 20w50 and watch the smiles per gallon!

Yet again, it is proof of my crazy obsessive need to spend money on this van.

be well folks, I appreciate it as always!