If it's out of the car without a starter on it, there is NO way to tell if it's good or not. If it's out and can turn over with the starter, take a compression test.

If it's in the car and runs, you don't need a compression test. Instead do this:

- start it cold. Watch for blue-white smoke at the tailpipe. That is worn valve stems and seals.

- Warm it up and Rap the throttle two or three time up to about 3000-3500 rpm. No blue-white smoke should come the tailpipe. That's bad rings

- Pull the breather hose off the top of the engine cover, and pinch the PCV valve closed. No smoke at all -- not even a little -- should come out of the breather. That's bad rings. On a A-engine a liitle oil droplets might come out, but no smoke.

Black smoke is a carb problem or ignition problem. Not a big deal if you know that.

my dad bought our boat and the engine didnt even run haha in the end it was completely ####ed u get to 60 pounds torque and the headbolts come loose, we also bought a block for a 350 chev for same boat and didnt check it properly the next day found a hole in the cylinder

noises....oil in water or visa vera will give a creamy white texture which means its got a blown headgasket or other problems..

Make sure its all there ;)

I hate thinking about buying engines that are not in cars and running. At least you can take them for a fang and feel for faults.

Anyway, I think you need to invest in a compression tester. This will help you get an idea of what the rings, valves and pistons conditions are. I would also check the colour of the oil, look for leaks around gaskets, check the points for wear, spark plug condition (running lean/rich etc). Check things that you would try and keep in good condition because it will give you an idea of how the previous owner did/didnt look after it.

What you other guys reckon?

Simon

If it's still together one of the best ways is to check for compression if you can get your hands on a compression tester.

when purchasing an engine what are the signs of a worn one. what do i specifically look for to c if it is in good condition?