How do you tell if a block is rebuildable? Now with Pics!!!

[Rocky]

I'm going to pick up a 440 block tomorrow for $25.  The guy says that the pistons are rusted in the bores.  Should I take it to a machine shop and have them hot tank the whole deal or is there something I can do by myself?

[moparmusclecars]

I'd buy it for $25.00 and take it to the machine shop. If the pistons are rusted in the bores all you will do is screw things up. I've beat pistons out myself before for about 5 hours, its not worth it. Let the machine shop hot tank it and take it apart and tell you what you got to work with.  Lyle

[andy74]

even if its junk its got to be worth 25 bucks for scrap-but i bet you ll find its not as bad as you think,unless it sat outside without the heads for a long time

[Rocky]

OK, I picked up the block yesterday.  What do you guys think?  Hot tank it and go for a 512 buildup?

[hutch]

I think you are going to need to take that thing out to a 512 if you got the money.  I have never seen rust like that in a cylinder.   best of luck.

[firefighter3931]

The even bank (2-8) looks pretty rough in the pics....it might clean up with a large overbore but the shop will have to determine that after they clean it up. There's allways the option of installing a sleeve or two if needed.


Ron

[Nacho-RT74]

There's allways the option of installing a sleeve or two if needed.


Ron

OR 8

[Leonidas Rex]

I bought a sight unseen 440 last year for more than I should have and ended up with frozen pistons in 5 out of 8 cylinders, 2 of which ended up being cracked. I spent well over 4 hours getting the pistons out. Take Moparmusclecars advice and take it to the shop.