Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

I have a '54 Mercury parts car with an original 256 c.i. in it. The motor turns over with a ratchet but not a full revolution. Something is broken inside, perhaps a rod or something. Is there any good reason to keep it or should I let my grandson tear it down out of curiosity and then junk when he's done?

Re: Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

could be just a stuck valve.

Re: Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

Depending on your grandson's mechanical curiosity, might be a great project to do together...you get to teach him some of your skills, and he gets to build some memories with you!!:)

Re: Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

That's kinda where I'm heading. Just don't want to junk something of value to someone else before I turn him loose.

Re: Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

So, suppose the point of the project was to find out what is wrong with it and talk about the options/cost to fix it vs. junk it?? At that point all you have in it is time.

Re: Value of a 1954 256 c.i. motor?
 

256’s like 239’s are a bit of an odd duck. Cam bearings and distributor gear comes to mind, and the small water pump. There’s a rumor out there that some late models had the smaller cam bearings common to the 272/292/312, but I’ve no specific knowledge.
Consequently, they are mostly of interest of a restoration rather than a driver.

As marco points out a stuck valve isn’t uncommon. Pull the valve covers, loosen the valve settings, and see if it pulls thru.

If you’ve got a hoist and an engine stand, I’d put it on the stand and pull the pan. And maybe the heads. I use the hoist to support the engine even on the stand when I can. Yblocks are heavy, and a grandson needs guidance and protection from what he doesn’t know. From there you can decide if you want to pull a head. Might even have a look with the borescope just for laughs.