Found the ticking was exhaust, plenty of oiling on the rockers. Engine has an air leak I am assuming, as it still wont idle below 1k. Doesn't matter though, rear main leaks like a 200000 mile engine. Last straw on this one. I haven't the patience to pull it out again right away, still recovering from the first time I pulled it back out for the messed up freeze plug. It does sound sweet though, but is a boat anchor at this point. I guess the seller here didn't have a fkn clue.
From the ad... "1977 440 rebuild. New pistons speed pro 350NP .060. Resized rods and bolts. Steel crankshaft. New mild cam and lifers. New values and springs. New timing chain. New oil pump. New water pump. New intake. New valve covers. New distributor. All done by a machine shop in TX. The engine is new never started". My ***...
The "new" valves I removed could wiggle around in the guides about .075 and had burn pits in the back so deep they are scrap. So, new heads there. Then the freeze plug, could of been a better install, was tipped in the bore allowing a good leak with no pressure. Pulled the engine for that one. This rear main leak did it in though. I will have to pull it and send the block out for full checkout before putting it back in. I will stop ranting on here for this POS. I still can't identify the guy, just not in my wheelhouse. It did have new .060 over pistons and a new Sealed Power cam. Who rebuilds an engine and doesn't do the rear main seal? I could tolerate a drip or two while it is breaking in but not a puddle. I should of pulled the crank, but clearances on the rods and mains I checked were in tolerance and it did look freshly cut. My last rant on here as I said, hopefully I can make the October show I was shooting for, Carlisle is off the table.
I have had a lot of great experiences on here with the 2 small block barracudas I built and sold, many parts purchased here and excellent support and advice. Thanks to all. I miss those good ole days after this fiasco.
