Engine exposed to the elements, will it run?

Flyfish · 01-30-2004, 09:48 AM

Up here in the New England, parts cars are hard to find and don’t go cheap. With that in mind, I met a guy recently who has a 73 or 74 (he’s not sure) 2.0. It’s barely there, no floor, no interior, no lids, no wheels or HEs, basically a rust bucket. It does have the engine and transmission, only thing is that the engine lid is missing and so is the air box and associated intake tube. Basically, the throttle body appears to be open to the elements and rodents. Anyone have any experience with an engine that has been exposed to the weather. Could I be salvageable? He wants $600. He thinks the fenders are worth $500 each. I know this isn’t true. I think there's a pretty good chance the engine is worthless but I don't want a local opportunity to slip by. Any advice would be appreciated.
Jim
'75 1.8, you know what Im thinking.

tat2dphreak · tat2dphreak's Garage

I understand about lack of availability... but the engine is a core now.. it will need a COMPLETE rebuild I would think... I would offer him 300, if he doesn't snatch your arm off to take it, I would be shocked... you could buy a 2.0L CORE off ebay(from CA) and have it shipped and probably end up just as well off if not better. the fact he thinks the fenders are worth 500 should tell you that he has a false sense of value... even if that price is acceptable to you, think of the price of all the parts you will have to replace... a "new" engine is not far off from that!

skline · skline's Garage

I would tell him to keep that car another 25 year and it maybe worth half that. Just walk away from it. Let him keep it if he thinks it is gold plated. The motor is a core at best. Do you know what size it is? You can look at the vin number to determine the year. The engine code will tell you engine size. Does it have sway bars? It's probably a 1.7 or 1.8 and they are cheap.

Scrappy · 01-30-2004, 04:15 PM

If it turns out to be a 2.0 L, the heads are worth up to $200 each, but will generally sell in the $100 - $150 range each.

Wanna try it? Jump the starter and see if it will turn. If it doesn't, the probability is the rings are rusted to the barrels. You could pull the plugs, fill the cylinders with diesel fuel and let it set for 3-4 days and try to turn it again.

If you get it to turn, hook up the ignition and spray ether (quick start) into the intake and see if it will fire. You could pour some gas down the throttle body also.

In any case, it will probably smoke like the Kuwait Oil Field Fires.

For parts, you got the crank and rods worth about a $100. Case about $50-$100 and the heads. The FI system would probably be worthless unless the harness is good. The injectors will definitley be crap.

Wanna buy it - think of it in parts terms AND tell him to keep the fenders.

Oh well, that's enough.

Zeke · 01-30-2004, 07:16 PM

If it doesn't have the 3 stud 914 heads, all you are getting is a tranny and a case. How much do you want to pay for a tranny and still have to haul the car and then ultimately get rid of the hulk?

Hey Scrappy, you need to be in the 'No Gruppe.'

SteveStromberg · 01-31-2004, 08:13 AM

May bethe heads are good but if it sat out in the rain thry might be junk. $100 is a good price for a core motor. I have rustfree So Cal fenders that are $250 not $500, he's dreaming. Steve

Flyfish · 01-31-2004, 03:20 PM

Thanks guys, you've confirmed my concerns. I'll take it off his hands for free or perhaps a 6 pack but I don't need another investment that will probably end up costing me a lot more than I planned. I already have my '75 1.8 that I thought was a rust free bargin. Turns out the passenger side dosen't really exsist. Bill at Restoration Design is my new best friend. Oh well, its a hobby, right?
Jim