need suggestions on a 200 I just purchased

[61EconoDave]

I purchased a 1966 200 yesterday. I lucked out and it already has a 1980 head. Due to the fact that there was no carb on it, there was some crud inside the log. I figured the head needed to be removed so this could be fixed. I take off the valve cover and find out that it is super clean on the inside with adjustable rockers. The next problem I found was rust had fallen from the top of the valve cover onto the whole center section of the rocker arms and down the push rod shafts of 3 and 4. If I could have cleaned it up without having to take the head off, I would have. The rust deposits was really thick, mostly on the rocker shaft springs.

I take the head off this morning and this is where I ran into my most major problem. Number one cylinder was full of water. The cylinder wall is crusty with rust and scale. 2 of the other cylinders have slight rust that rubs off easily. The pistons are stamped .030 letting me know that the bottom was taken apart at one time.

This motor is so clean on the inside and out that the only evidence that it has ever ran was where the exhaust manifold didn't seal good. There are no wear marks anywhere inside this motor.

I have no clue on how to precede with this motor. Do I resleave, go to a bigger piston for just the one cylinder, or all of them, stop where I'm at and start looking for another 200, or what? I have never been to a machine shop so I don't know what to tell them when I get there.

Thanks
David in Huntsville AL
1961 Econoline Pickup

 

[JackFish]

Sounds like the block could use a cleaning from the loose rust. I've had that done at machine shops for $50.
They can measure and check it and tell you if the bores are OK.
Sounds like they might be good, but yes, that #1 might require work.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back Dave;

Good project. The real question is how deep the rust has eaten into the cylinder wall. Hopefully it's mostly surface and can be cleaned/honed away. If it can, do yourself a favor and at least spring for a new set of rings. Worst cast scenerio, you may have to bore number one to clean up rust damage and get to a true bore. .040" and .060" Overbore pistons are available. Depending on your intended use for this engine you may get by with just over boring the #1- not the best plan.

While the head is off determine what head gasket was used when the '80 head was installed. And also verify the chamber volumes to determine if the head was milled to get back to stock Cr of 9:1 for a '66 200. A 1980 200 CR was 8:1. Probably not what you want.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Adios, David

 

[61EconoDave]

The head gasket used is white. Even though I have a replacement head gasket already, this one is in such good shape that if I didn't know better would be tempted to re use it, lol.

I do plan on checking out the head to see if it has been milled down some. Of all the work that was put into it, there was no 3 angle valve job done. With that info, I am tempted to think that it hasn't been milled.

As for my plans, I want this engine to be relieable as a daily driver, but with a little pep. That said, I know its a world of improvement over the 144 that it will eventually replace.

Thanks for the help so far. I am glad that I can proceed with this and hope that everthing turns out okay.