Looking at used engine

[jc_is_the_man]

I'm just wondering what I should look out for when going to check out a used motor? I found an add on craigslist that sounds pretty tempting:

selling a 1972 Chrysler 440, 30 over Aries aluminum pistons, steel crank, Mopar Performance 284/484 cam, 452 heads, ported & polished. Had six pack set up on the motor, but removed it .Motor needs to be cleaned up and painted. Ran perfect when I took it out of the car.

I want to call and go check it out, but I'm nervous about buying a beat up motor and only finding out it doesn't run right after the install. Any suggestions on how I can make sure it's fairly decent?

Thanks John

[aifilaw]

if its possible to hook a starter to it and run a compression test, that's the best method. aside from that, prime it with a drill and turn it over while you do so... if it turns you've got a winner.
I suggest manually turning another similar engine by hand before going so you remember what its like.

[charger_fan_4ever]

If your paying a fair amount i'd want to hear it run.

If not running do a compression test. Then put a teaspoon of oil in the cylinder and repeat the test. If there is a big difference in pressure the ring seal or valve seal is a problem.

[TylerCharger69]

Anytime you buy a used engine...its a crap shoot.....The engine MAY have run great when it was pulled....but...how long has it been sitting....where has it been sitting...etc...etc....As a rule of thumb....dont expect to just drop it in and go.....and if your replacing a sb  with a bb or vice versa....the upper mount hardware is different as well.