DeTomaso Mailing List: March 99, Message #275

This whole episode is a horrible example of trusting someone else's work. The
engine reportedly was represented as 'rebuilt' by an unknown guy, and I guess
no one ever questioned how well it was done. I have yet to buy a built-up
engine (being poor), so as long as I stick to that, I'm safe, but there are
many more ways than were listed here to screw up big-time in assembling a
351C. Be warned..... By the way, the exhaust valves are closest to the
pistons, not the intakes. They can get caught on their closing stroke by the
upward travelling pistons. This is also the reason you don't want super-stiff
3/8" thick-wall pushrods in a street engine; they act as the weak link in the
valve assembly. I wouldn't be surprised if the tear-down finds zero damage
inside, except some bad pushrods and light marks on some pistons from the
exhaust valves being knocked closed by pistons instead of by springs. From
what I'm told, there was no noise or resistence during engine turn-over by
wrench. As long as valve contact didn't collapse the upper edge of the pistons
(which can pinch the rings), or bend a valve stem, I'd not worry. But this
time, a good Ford mechanic will check things out inside. And it'll run like a
clock. 
My 2¢ worth of Monday-speculation- J deRyke