Checking motor/engine out??

[tomc_85.5_944]

Hi all, 1st post.

I have an 85.5 that I have restored over the last 2 years, and just picked up an 83 with an extra motor for probably too much. The story - some PO got the car, and wanted to restore it. Supposedly a bad motor in the car, so he gets another one. He is probably in the service, and gets shipped out somewhere, and the car ends up in a junkyard, with extra motor. I purchase from the junkyard, to part out. Get her home, and just can't kill her, as she is really in too good of a shape to part. (for now, anyway) Now I don't know which motor is the bad motor, as I don't know if he had the time to do the swap or not. Up side, adjustable konis in front, new looking control arms, slotted rotors, SARATOGA TOP with original sunroof in pouch, manual rack, PS rack and pump in the rear cargo area, everything that was taken off the car to do the swap there, with bolts and nuts bagged up.

How can I check the motors, and verify which one is bad? Both timing belts are intact. Will I need to pull the heads and look at the cylinders, and pull the oil pans and look at the crank and bearings? Is there any way of checking things without going to those extremes? I would hate to part her out, but I also don't want to spend another 2 years getting her going. If I decide to sell the car, anyone in the NC area interested?

[fast924S]

The only really good way would be to pull the motor and take it apart to check it all out.

[SoCal Driver]

Start the one up in the car. 50-50 chance. Check for milkshake in the oil or coolent.

[Granite 944]

I agree, start up the one in the car, and check it out. Compression check also. You could do a cold compression test on the uninstalled engine, if you have an extra starter/bellhousing on it, and you can tie her down good before doing it. It would give you some idea of its condition anyway. Make sure there is oil in it first.