I have an engine not original to a recently acquired car and am looking for indicators of engine health and history. In addition to an oil analysis, spark plug check what other checks can I make short of disassembling it. If I think it needs a rebuild then I'll go that route. It seems to run fine and strong.
Thanks

Post back the letters that should be at the end of the long VIN number string that again should be on the small deck pad that's above the pass. side top water pump bolt and we will try to decode what you have?

Nothing there, then you will have to pull a head and measure it's bore and stroke.

pdq67

I always pull the spark plugs, their condition will tell the story on the engine. if there's oily ones run a full compression check, ignition disabled, carb blocked open, full charge battery. If the compression check flies, it has no nasty noises, no oily plugs, it's probably good to go for awhile. Give it a nice tune-up, change the oil and filter, run it.

Tom, PDQ67
Thanks for the info. The engine is a base Windsor (Ford) 289 2V currently in a project 65 Mustang sitting next to the Chevelle. It has a few bolt on performance enhancements; 4brl carb, intake man, fuel pump and electronic ign and a hi-po dress up kit.

He, He!!

I'm gonna be an as*hole here and ask why we are discussing a FORD!!

But I'm glad you asked, but not really b/c I don't know where on the Ford blocks the VIN is stamped??

If it is??

pdq67

Also pull the breather with pcv disconnected(and covered with your thumb), look for blowby. There will be some, but if it billows.....

A Ferd??? none of this advice applies, it's junk. push it off a cliff and be done with it. :)

He, He!!

I'm gonna be an as*hole here and ask why we are discussing a FORD!!

But I'm glad you asked, but not really b/c I don't know where on the Ford blocks the VIN is stamped??

If it is??

pdq67

Because I am a TC member and get good advice here and after all a classic car is a classic car.

Finally something I have some experience with! Bring it on!

For a newly acquired 289, I would run a compression check more than anything else. At this point in time, I would be surprised to find a numbers matching 289 in a 65Mustang.

I think the head numbers are under the valvecovers and the block numbers on a pad by the oil pan rail in the rear. Can't remember if its pass or driver side.

If it is running nicely, has good oil pressure, decent compression, it should be good to go for awhile. Typically a stock or stock rebuilt 289 is not going to be a world beater. They need compression and heads more than anything. If it smokes at start and idle, try changing the valve stem seals, maybe the guides. In original form, the nylon teeth on the timing chains occasionally fail, letting the timing chain jump. I have had SVO timing sets on mine since about 87, and never had this issue.

Overall this should be a fine engine.

I have two Foxes with carbed 302's. I would suggest going to Stangnet for this one. Stangnet has been an outstanding place for the past several years for my Ford stuff.

And this site has been a lifesaver on the saga of my Chevelle.

If it aint broke, and your pleased with it, don't fix it....

The f@@d casting number is under the right hand side of the engine.