232 Engine Question // 1973

I have been advised that I need to replace my original 225 inline 6. The problem started when I turned the motor over and it tries and tries but won't start. Any ideas on what can replace and the best place to possibly find a rebuilt inline 6 for my '73?

Thanks guys.

 

What have you done to confirm that you need another engine? Compression test, fuel pump good, ignition good and in time, etc etc. I thought the 73's came with a 232 or 258? Sure about your engine?

 

You are right. Its a 232. My mistake. Thanks for the input. I am taking it to a guy that was advised to me this forum. The guy mentioned oil on plug. But I know ignition is good...gonna have this guy check fuel pump and compression....

thanks!

 

Start with compression check of each cylinder. When you crank the starter does iy spin at an even tempo or does it surge fast every few revolutions? That could indicate bigger problem such as a hole inna piston, burned exhaust valve, broken valve, etc.

Is carb getting fuel? If you route rubber fuel line feeding carb into a jar while cranking the engine you should see fuel flow if the oump is good.

Oil on a plug could be worn valve stem seal. They become brittle and break away sometimes. Might just need new seals, which can be replaced without removing the head with the right tools.

 

Will do and thank you for all input!

 

Ok. Just got it back and the tech said fuel was flowing fine so no fuel issue. But "blow back" was the phrase he used that had him determine I need a new 232. Said he replaced all the plugs because of the blow back....Does this help any??

 

Does this thing run now that he changed the spark plugs? I think he's telling you the cylinders are loading up with crankcase oil because cylinder bores and rings are worn. If that is true, and if it runs, it should smoke really bad, too. Does it run, and does it smoke?

 

Yes. But smoke is not too bad. The term he used was actually "blow-by"...Which I now think I know is the problem...Short of a new engine can the cylinders be reworked?

 

And yes, your cylinder assessment is correct above...

 

Blow-by is same condition I described. Piston rings no longer well sealed to the cylinder bore. Exhaust gasses leak into crankcase on firing stroke, oil isnt scraped off cyl walls on upstroke so gets oil on pligs and pistons. But could also be valve seals. Did he do a compression check?

 

I did ask if he had done a compression check and he said "no" manly because the blow-by was all the proof he needed apparently that the engine is thru. I cranked it and drove it home...but the problem will persist I imagine...

 

I dont relish second guessing the guy who has the engine in front of him, but mechanics should understand that their trade's reputation has been sullied by unscrupulous or unskilled colleagues so customers will sometimes ask for the details.

 

Thanks Chilly. I am taking to a guy this forum advised and he will "make the call" but I will certainly ask for a compression test of all cylinders....

 

Compression test is how you diagnose blow-by. Seems like he diagnosed "oily plugs" and jumped to a conclusion. It may well be, and if every plug was oily it probably is. And I'd STILL do a compression test.

 

10-4.

 

Will do:

How many miles on the engine?
A) Million (bought it from an old man 2 years ago...no clue on mileage)

Did this issue just pop up or has it been coming on for a while?
A) Seems like a new issue for sure...no "coming on" persay

How's the oil pressure?
A) Not sure
If you want to save your engine be prepared to pull the head & check the cylinder bores but odds are if the rings are that far gone it's going to need a complete rebuild.

 

Do the leak down test on each individual cylinder...........or find someone that can............much easier to isolate the problem...........Rings / Pistons , cylinder head / valves......

 

Great input and thank you gents!