A 318 for Faulkner

The Marketplace Wanted
1

Recently, Ed Eckerson emailed me this link to a 318 for sale on eBay:

Up until now, I had been puzzling over how to manage my engine problem. Faulkner is squirreled away in a cubicle in New Jersey; I could have it hauled to a shop (or, maybe drive it – depends how far, I guess), have them pull the engine, and then have it sent somewhere to be rebuilt – but what to do with Faulkner in the meantime?

Maybe this is the solution I need: Buy a rebuilt engine, have it shipped to the same person who can install it for me, and have the swap take place – 1, 2, 3.

I’m seriously thinking about calling the engine owner, and getting more details – and then, bidding on it. Meanwhile, my friend Ed Ober is asking an acquaintance of his if he would consider doing a swap for me. Whether I win this block or not, this seems like the way to go.

What do folks think? Here’s a bunch of questions I have:

What questions should I be asking the engine owner?

What should I expect to pay for a rebuilt engine – including freight?

Is it risky, to buy an engine so far away (NC is several hundred miles from PA)? What kind of guarantee might I expect?

Does anyone know of a hauler, that would pick up an engine in NC and deliver to NJ (where Faulkner is now)?

What other questions should I be asking myself?

All opinions gratefully accepted…

adTHANKSvance,
Dan

2

i would try to find out all the specs-cam, bore (how much there bored it out), if they r the stock heads for the motor. double check the engine numbers to make sure what he says checks out. if there is anykind of warranty that came with it since it was professionally done. i don’t know what shipping will be, but if u go to the local parts house, to buy one w/exchange, u will pay $800+, that’s for a chevy 350. i would not be suprised if a vintage 318 cost more that $1200-$1300 that’s not counting in the $400 or so they charge for the core. cheap engine kits from northern auto will set u back at least $300 for a later model chrysler sb. cost at least another $300 for machining. the starting price is VERY fair. looks like his rep is fair. i would go for it, even if u have to pick it up urself, that’ll at least give u a nice road trip. :slight_smile: good luck to u and Faulkner and let us know what u decide. laterz–jeremy

3

Dan - I googled the phone number shown on ebay and it came up Bushs Machine Shop so you would be talking directly to the machine shop. Maybe they are the owners of the engine.

4

Well, I followed Roger’s advice and asked for an invoice – it’s attached. (Click on it to read it.) Pretty comprehensive rebuild, it looks to me. Answers to some of the questions Ed Eckerson suggested I ask:

rear main seal - neoprene
overbore - .030"
cam/crank - .010"/.010" (it’s the factory cam, solid lifters)
stock oil pump

According to Kevin Bush (the owner of the machine shop), the guy who had him rebuild the motor reneged on the deal, and now he just wants to get it out of his shop. It’s never been started.

So, what do folks think? Should I go for it?

Dan

invoice.jpg
invoice.jpg847×1133 106 KB

5

never heard of “resizing the rod” :confused: . but the prices he listed look fair. i would definately go for it! i don’t think u could build one urself for under $1,000. if u bid, i hope u win it!–jeremy

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Sounds good Dan, also the price is fair, as Roger mentioned. Yet the engine has never been started and you have no garanty that it will. I guess it´s up to you again. :confused:



Stefan

7

Well, my good friend Ed Ober has lined up a mechanic who can do the job for me! Roadway wants $270 to drop it off at his house, without a liftgate truck; $350, if we need a liftgate. I’ll have to ask the guy if he can remove it with his engine hoist.

The estimate is based on a 4’x4’ palette, 3’ high, 400 lbs. Wild guesses! Can anyone improve on the numbers?

Something else for me to consider – Ed’s friend will get Faulkner for me, pull the engine, and put Faulkner back while he rebuilds it! Hmmm…

This is getting interesting. I’m not sure what to do, but I’ve got 8 hours to decide.

Dan

8

I won the engine – $10 over the starting price! I’ve got a mechanic lined up to install, and a shipper to ship it. Faulkner will be running like a champ soon!

Dan

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Congratulations! We expect your full report about how the engine runs.

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congrats! keep us all posted!–jeremy

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The 318 is en route – might actually arrive in NJ tonight! It weighed in over 700 pounds, though! Kevin Bush built a crate for it with supports for the oil pan – plus, there was oil in it! The shipping price was more than $400. Oy!

I bought the distributor cap & rotor from NAPA – gotta get the Pertronix kit today. It’s all coming together, finally!

Dan

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Click, Click, I’m thinking - Click, Click, I’m counting,
crate plus transport to harbour :astonished: plus ship to Europe :confused: , puls customs :open_mouth: , plus import tax :confused: , plus fees to get it out of the custom :unamused: , plus transport to my place :blush: , Click, Click … here goes my 361 :cry: :cry: :cry:

13

I drove Faulkner to the mechanic last night, hopefully he’ll replace the 318 this week with the rebuilt. By the time we got there, the oil light was flickering again – I’m sure the bearings need replacing. Still, Faulkner had no trouble cruising the distance. I’m sure the block would make a nice rebuild.

The engine is free to whoever wants it and can arrange to pick it up – it’s in Camden County, NJ. I did offer it to someone, and am waiting to hear from them – but if I don’t hear by day’s end, it will go to whoever wants it and can arrange for pickup.

Dan

14

I just took a call from the mechanic that Ed Ober referred me to – he says the engine is in, and it runs GREAT!! The pertronix is in too. I’m going to pick Faulkner up this weekend, after he does the brake lines for me. Fantastic news!!

Just as Stefan had warned me, the '58 318 has an external harmonic balancer, where the '59’s is internal. Lucky for me, Ed Ober had one kicking around his garage, and donated it to the cause. Have I got great friends, or what?!

I’m on cloud nine! Barry, I’ll be contacting you – the old 318 is yours, whenever you want to pick it up.

Dan