Hello everyone.
In preparation for building a GT40 in the summer, I started by purchasing a used 302 on eBay. I love the idea of tinkering with every nut and bolt, so decided to build an engine as well!
There was no mileage information on the engine - only that it had been shipped from the US. The engine code makes it a 1991 from a Ford Thunderbird. I could see a spider and dog-bones in the V of the engine so assumed it had roller lifters - a positive feature. I probably paid too much for it, but it was probably cheaper and easier than carry one home in a suitcase!
I have now started to strip the engine and I think it looks in good shape. I have never stripped an engine before so I am relying on books and YouTube. The oil looks thin and clear and the engine turns over easily.
I have taken the heads off and the top of all the pistons look the same - a bit black and crusty but having never done this before I am not sure if this is good or not. The gaskets are a sort of metal paper stamped with Ford, so assume they are original. However, closely examining the marks left by the gaskets almost suggests they were different left to right. I will dig them out of the bin and double check.
A look at the inside of the cumbustion chamber and the valves shows a very different story. One bank of the engine shows grey / white coloured valves with a pitted texture. The other bank shows brown / black looking valves except one which is a lot darker.
Having pulled the pistons and examined the bearings, all looks good - even wear and no scoring. I am not planning to reuse the heads - I hope someone might want to buy them for a stock rebuild. I am now puzzled as to what the heads are telling me, and this is where I humbly ask for your expertise.
In preparation for building a GT40 in the summer, I started by purchasing a used 302 on eBay. I love the idea of tinkering with every nut and bolt, so decided to build an engine as well!
There was no mileage information on the engine - only that it had been shipped from the US. The engine code makes it a 1991 from a Ford Thunderbird. I could see a spider and dog-bones in the V of the engine so assumed it had roller lifters - a positive feature. I probably paid too much for it, but it was probably cheaper and easier than carry one home in a suitcase!
I have now started to strip the engine and I think it looks in good shape. I have never stripped an engine before so I am relying on books and YouTube. The oil looks thin and clear and the engine turns over easily.
I have taken the heads off and the top of all the pistons look the same - a bit black and crusty but having never done this before I am not sure if this is good or not. The gaskets are a sort of metal paper stamped with Ford, so assume they are original. However, closely examining the marks left by the gaskets almost suggests they were different left to right. I will dig them out of the bin and double check.
A look at the inside of the cumbustion chamber and the valves shows a very different story. One bank of the engine shows grey / white coloured valves with a pitted texture. The other bank shows brown / black looking valves except one which is a lot darker.
Having pulled the pistons and examined the bearings, all looks good - even wear and no scoring. I am not planning to reuse the heads - I hope someone might want to buy them for a stock rebuild. I am now puzzled as to what the heads are telling me, and this is where I humbly ask for your expertise.
