Re: 359 Straight Eight Engine

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2010/12/22 12:34:33

If the cylinders and crankcase were filled with oil, and the car stored indoors with the air filter on, the spark plugs in place and the hood closed, the engine should be fine. I have never heard of an engine seizing up if properly stored.

No other engine will fit the car, and no other engine will fit the transmission, besides a Packard. There is no way to fit any other kind of engine.

Well it could be done by an expert mechanic and fitter but it would cost more than fixing the engine properly, and depreciate the value of the car by thousands of pounds.

Incidentally if the cylinders were filled with oil check the dip stick before you try to start it. The oil has probably run down into the crankcase. This is good, for it kept the bearings and crankshaft floating in oil. You can leave it like that when you turn it over by hand but should drain off the excess oil before you start the engine. You have to use your judgment here, if the oil level is only 1/8" above normal don't bother but if it is filled to the brim you have to remove the excess oil.