427 FE Block Question

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Dropping that engine in to a Kirkham is a nice idea. But don't wait too long. Engines have a way of "wearing out" just sitting idle in the basement.

If it's going to sit for a while, I would probably take the pressure off the valve springs. Just something some old builder told me years ago. And when you are ready, use an oil priming shaft to build up your first startup pressure.
Again, just my 2c.

[Phill Pollard]

Originally Posted by Bernica

If it's going to sit for a while, I would probably take the pressure off the valve springs. Just something some old builder told me years ago. And when you are ready, use an oil priming shaft to build up your first startup pressure.
Again, just my 2c.

We used to relieve the valve springs on our HIGH LIFT (cam) Mountain Motors.

I've been told it's a waste of time because a spring doesn't lose its memory but with the money we had in a motor, why take a chance?

FWIW, I *have* had springs lose memory but not from sitting compressed. They were from overheating and then sitting compressed.


Phill Pollard

[Bernica]

It just seems like common sense to do it and no down side to doing it, unless you forget to tighten them back up!

[patrickt]

Well, since the builder says it's broken in, when it's delivered to you, put a finger in one of the exhaust ports on the head and wipe. If it doesn't come out with some carbon on your finger tip then the engine hasn't been run. That would be concerning. Assuming you come out with a black finger, shoot for having it in a car within six months. Anything longer than that and I would take anti-rust precautions. Turning the crank bolt a half turn every three months would take care of the valve springs, but I don't even know if that's really necessary... but it would give you something to do instead of just staring at it.