To overhaul or save for core

[Gold Digger]

A couple years back I bought a early 28 engine at an auction for 35 dollars. Complete except carb, water pump and distributor. The other day I took the pan off and checked the mains and rods and crank was standard with only one shim left on one main but were really in good shape. Next I removed the head and too my surprise it was still standard with .008 thousands wear in each cylinder with no ridge whatsoever. I cleaned the tops of the pistons and number 2 cylinder was stamped .005 over and had ford stamped on it. All 4 pistons were really loose in cylinders. I'm sure this engine has been around the block and seen previous ring jobs. My question is, should I think about boring out to .020 over with new pistons and rings and set crank for clearance and hope for the best, or save it for a core. The mice have completely filled the water jacket with acorns and it has a lot of lime build up there also. It still has the early stile oil return pipe and tappet cover. Back main area seems to have been clean and dry while in use.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If there are no cracks I'd clean it up and use it. As you say, it might need to be bored to the next size. Do all the measurements such as ring gap, crank pins, etc. to see what it needs, then repair as needed.

[tbirdtbird]

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agree with Tom.
Check the thrusts carefully for cracks, this is often where babbitt problems start