Originally posted by 6GenCivic
its a shortblock. Are there any tips you can give me so I'll know what to look for before buying it? I know where the engine code is but what type of damage should I look for?
since you said "BARE SHORTBLOCK", check the cylinder sleeves for scarring and oil glazing. use a straight edge to check the deck for flatness. ensure no cracking of the cylinder jackets. inspect the bottom for deposits and oil coking, also checking all bearing surfaces for smoothness.
make sure the sleeves arent rusting. B series blocks use iron sleeves... if the rust is more than surface rust, cleaning it off will cause pitting which will reduce oil ring sealing ability.
and since it's a bare block, get him down more towards $300... i have bought many fully loaded shortblocks for $400 or less.