engine trouble
 

anyone know anything about rebuilding a 129.980 engine ('67 250se)! I have this squeek that sounds like it's coming from somewhere in the block. At first I thought maybe it was just the cam not getting sufficient oil but I inspected the oil line and watched oil flow out of the openings while I turned the engine (with coil disconnected). The noise is sort of loud, metallic and choppy. What I don't understand is that after the engine is fired up it purrs and makes no worrisome noises--I've let it idle for up to 30 minutes, occasionally reving it. Once I start driving, however, it starts to make that infernal noise in less than 100 feet, and quickly progresses to being so loud you can hear me coming form a block away. If I then pull over and let it idle again, the noise substantially decreses but does not completely go away; but if I turn it off and then restart it, it's quiet again. Does any one have any idea what it could be? How difficult is it to rebuild the short block? Can I just swap in a 130.980 engine from a '68 280se? A chevy conversion? Help!

Are you sure it's coming from the engine? If it only happens when the car is moving I would suspect something else.
I'd try taking it to a shop and having them put it on a lift. Perhaps it will be easy to find with the car off the ground while running in gear. That's certainly easier than swapping or rebuilding engines.

Once it starts to make that noise it continues to make it even if I come to a stop, as long as I leave the engine running.

how is the oil pressure?
 

it could be the main bearings.

hope not.

tom w

Water pump?
 

Possibly water pump bearing?

The noise sounds like it's coming somewhere from center of engine. I'm heading out to get my hands on a stethoscope to try and pinpoint the noise. If it's the main bearing I guess the crank would probably be useless. I'm not sure if that's the problem, though--the oil pressure is fine. Can I drop a complete 130 engine in there? And would I need to swap the trans as well?

if it is main bearings
 

the crank can prob be turned. but if you can find a good used engine that is prob cheaper. but that is problematic with something that old.

tom w

I have a '68 280se which I was planning to sell but, if I had to, I could cannibalize it for parts. Still, first I have to be sure the problem is actually in the block. It's too cold today to poke around. I'll have to wait the weekend. Meanwhile, maybe one of you has some ideas...

Wouldn'y hurt to inspect the flex plate, AKA starter ring gear. If it is cracked it can lead you to think the worst.........;)

Do you have a tach ??