Inside a newly-acquired engine

[Tony Griffiths]

Looks nice Tony. I guess two things would be in the back of my mind:

1. Why did someone spend a lot of money building what looks to be quite a decent engine and then shelve it for years? (Maybe you already know the answer, but I'd still give it a good once-over).

2. Has any of the gloop from the sump ended up in the pump and oilways?
Even so I reckon a quick flush through should sort it.

Yes, the engine rebuild was completed on 24/11/1998 and the invoice lists parts at £1488 with labour at £15 an hour adding £900 - giving a total of £2574. The main work and parts itemised include a new crank (make unspecified); white metalling; new main bearings; rebore to 0.060" and new pistons; block faced top and bottom; new valves and guides; flattened tapped blocks, and - get this - hardened valve seats. Head faced; new clutch; all studs replaced; replacement exhaust manifold, dynamically balanced, run-in, and two oil changes.
The MOTs until the point where they were no longer needed all show zero miles added - but who knows if the speedometer was working....
I'll certainly give it a very good flush followed by a couple of oil changes.
A letter accompanying the invoice recommended using Castrol GTX or Duckhams Hypergrade - and changing it every 500 miles.