Evaluating engines out of cars

[RichMason]

I'm shopping for a 2.0 engine and I am looking for some advice about how to evaluate engines that are not in cars so that I can't hear them run. I realize that it going to be impossible to cover all of the important areas with a non-running motor but any pointers would be appreciated. I know that I am going to want to make sure that it spins with no clunks or other knocking noises. Also, I guess I should pull off the valve covers and look for obvious cracks in the heads (will I be able to see them on the rocker arm side of the head?) What else?

[todd914]

If the motor can turn via a starter:
run compression test
visually inspect the valve train
smell the fuel for strong gas smell
check main seal
inspect head for cracks
If motor cannot turn via starter:
get a wrench and turn it over to run a compression test
continue on list above
Run the serials to see if they match 2.0 should start with GA
try to look for signs of leaks (they're there, it's a 914 motor)
Hope this helps

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The worst cracks in 914 heads won't be visible from the outside. If you pull the exhaust, you can look up into the exhaust port and see the cracks that often form there. But you just about have to pull the head off the motor to see cracks around the spark plug holes--I don't think they're visible from the outside unless they're really bad.

I would assume the motor is a core unless there is documentation that proves a recent rebuild...

--DD