I picked up a 454 off of CL a couple weekends ago and my plan is to fire it up on the stand this weekend to make sure it runs before i put in my 55'. This is my "shake down" motor to test all other systems while my buddy builds my 468. I rotated the motor upside down in the engine stand last nite, without intake manifold. And the oil pump drive shaft fell out into the bucket of oil under the motor. Is that normal or should that shaft have been held in place? MkIV block out of an RV. Thanks Charlie Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
If it's an unknown engine, you may pull the pan while it's on the stand, be sure the oil pump pickup is securely in place, preferably brazed or welded on, you can do a general check on things and be sure the oil pump sleeve is there. $15-20 for an oil pan gasket is pretty cheap compared to scattering the bottom end. Might just buy a gasket set so you have spares while setting the valves etc. A set of gaskets isnt much more than the gouging you get buying individual pan, valve cover gaskets.
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