how to test a 350 oldsmobile engine to see if it is good out of the car?

Question

I bought a 350 oldsmobile engine and transmission out of
the car. How can I test the engine to see if it is in good running
condition. How do I check compression and other things.

Answer 1

The easiest way would be to put the headers on if they aren't already, and run them to a muffler (so you won't make yourself deaf), find a battery, supply the engine with fuel, and spark, and start it.

If it doesn't clatter or smoke, and turns over and starts, shut it off, leave the battery connected but take the coil off, pull the plugs and do your compression checks, etc. now that you know it will at least start and run.

Answer 2

You can do as the first guy said, that may be a lot of trouble, but may be worth doing.

What I would suggest is do a good visual inspection first, for areas of leakage and such, check the spark plug condition, knock out a freeze plug and check for crud in the block and such. Then do a compression test with a gauge. You can either hook up a starter to the engine, or turn it with a wrench. Either way will give you a good idea of the compression. Remember, you will be looking for even readings, not neccesarily high readings.

To prep the motor for installing you would be wise to pull the valve covers and oil pan to check for sludge build up. Pull a couple of bearing caps and see hoe the crank main and rod journals look. While open you can actually pressure wash the crud out if needed. You can also inspect/replace the oil pump and clean the pickup screen. You should also replace both front and rear main seals, and I would also advis replacing the water pump, thermostat, and intake gasket. It wouldn't hurt to also replace the front cover gasket (timing chain) and also inspect the chain and replace if needed.

I know that sounds like a lot of work, but it should cost less than a hundred bucks, and take no more tha a few hours to do. You will at least then have a good idea of the engines shape, and will have insured that it won't have any leaks.

Or you could just put it in a car and hope for the best!

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Slap that puppy in the back of a truck and head for your local dyno shop. Those guys can measure every single detail of your engine and its performance. If you just want to check compression buy a compression tester gauge from your local auto part store. All you do is unhook the ingnition/coil(so it doesn't actually start) and replace a spark plug with the tester and turn over the engine. The gauge will measure compression of that cylinder. Repeat on the seven remaining cylinders and you have it!! All cylinders should be close to the same. I can't tell you what the comp. should be because you didn't give enough info on the motor!! eg. year/big or small block.

Answer 5

Go to parts store.[i use a sears] n get compression gauge.. take out plugs [ after marking where wires go] jump starter... each cylinder should be about 140 to 180... all should be within 10 psi of others...many parts stores have good books on rebuilding..you could also set it up to run..Iv dont it keeping it low to ground and welding up some mounts on square tube..next time hear it run before buying...i once made mistake of buying wooden boat not in the water...never got back in the water..

Answer 6

well theit one way , if it one with point, in it, you can hot wire it an start it on the ground,,, but if you wan to see how much compression, i say rent pressure gage an do a test on the cil