I just started building an old 455 and when we took the intake valves out there was some rust inside the heads on 4 valves (2 on the right and 2 on the left) and some in the intake manifold. The motor has not been run for a few years so could this be normal or would it indicate a cracked block, head or intake? Also, the cylinders are smooth with little or no ridge but have some discolored dull spots, is this any thing to worry about? I am trying to do a cheap rebuild without doing any machine work. Any answers, help or sugestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
It may pay to have the heads magnafluxed. I have built a couple of engines the cheap way and they have been some of the best. Tore down the engine, cleaned it all up. took a ball hone to the cylinders, cheap valve job, new bearings, seals, rings and gaskets, new cam and lifters, and pay attention to the oil system improvements found on this BB and have fun.
Hi Guys, Jeff....from what you have described I would say that the engine has set for awhile uncovered and no one took the time to remove the valve covers and back the rocker arm shafts off to allow the valves all to close and seal the cylinders. This will cause some of the intake valves to stay open and allow humidity and moisture to get to them and rust. This will also explain rust in the intake runners and plenum. Just a thought from what I've seen in the past and I've yet to run into a cracked head or block as being the cause as far as our 455's go. If you have everything apart already, and you can squeeze it in the budget, you can go ahead and have it mag'd just to be sure though. Hope this helps...
Center two cylinders on one side, end two cylinders on the other side? Probably the ones fed by the upper runners of the intake manifold? Rainwater or other condensation going past the carb. If you can still see the honing marks in the cylinders, all the way to the ridge, you're probably OK to rebuild. If you CAN'T see the honing cross-hatch all the way to the top of the cylinder...you're probably going to need to bore it. Maximum taper for re-use (and I don't recommend this, 'cause why would you put an engine together that's already worn out) is .007. That means the ridge better be less than .0035 tall. Basically, if you can see a ridge. you need to bore the cylinder.
