Just pulled the head - '72 250

[rgnprof]

The consensus from my 3 local indys is that the main bearings can be replaced with the crankshaft in the motor - although 2 recommend doing it only if they need to be replaced, while one says replace them regardless. They all say that doing this work with the motor installed will still be much easier than pulling the motor.

The only thing I miss out on is replacing the rear seal.

I really do appreciate all of the opinions and I thank you for your responses. The more information I can gather before I start a job, USUALLY the easier the job turns out to be!

ryan

[rgnprof]

Wanted to give an update and ask a couple of questions.

I have decided to just pull the engine - ran into too much trouble trying to pull the upper pan from underneath and have determined that the rear seal is leaking anyway (just too much oil under the car - really messy job!).

I am leaving the transmission in the car and have already disconnected the torque converter and all the bolts, including the upper, dreaded 10mm starter bolt. In rotating the engine to get to the torque converter bolts, I dropped piston #6 to BDC and got a look at the cylinder wall. Cylinder wall is a mess and I am posting a picture - what caused this crud on the wall?

Secondly, how much does this engine weigh - remember that I have removed everything from the engie already, including the head and the manifolds. I need to get an engine stand and was wondering how big a one I needed?? I will probably install everything on the engine before re-installing though, I guess. Any suggestions about that?

Thanks, ryan

[Blue 72 250]

looks like coolant that has been in contact with the wall from the time that you pulled the head.