Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Rusty 261...Is now home!

Looking for a bit of advice. I found what I believe to be a 261 in an old Pontiac at the auto wrecker today (will confirm tomorrow). The cost is $150 if I pull it out. I am sure it has the 848 head which is typical for Pontiac's with a 261 in Canada.
The engine looks fairly rough but appears mostly complete (missing water pump). Are these blocks usually ok to rebuild? I am going to buy the head regardless and for $150 think I should take a chance on the whole engine. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Bob

That sounds like a a pretty decent score, have you tried to bar it over a couple turns? Even if the block is junk, you may get a good crank and rods out of it.

It's been my expierience the the blocks, if cracked, crack down low in the water jacket, by cylinders 5 & 6, just above the oil galley on the drivers side.

Dear Bob;

Bryan's right, if It's not cracked there It's probably okay.

When you get the head off, look for the "steam holes". If there, It's a 261" for sure and I would get it.

Good job.

Thanks John. Didn't think of just looking for the steam holes. Will go back and check tomorrow.
Bob

B;

That's such a good buy, your okay even with a crack, as the rods are worth that and with todays welding techniques cracks are an "east fix" too.

I have several I'm working on for my own cars & customers.

Good luck.

bobh if it is a 261 buy it. they don't make them any more. cracked blocks can be fixed. the motors don't take up much room so if you need one 5 years from now, you have it. and if you find some more buy them too you can always sell them or keep them for spairs.

Got the engine home today. Once I pulled it out old Pontiac I was able to confirm that it is a 261. Casting number is 3769717 with a head casting number of 3836848 (I think, still a bit dirty). Thanks for the advice.
Bob

I've heard of Canadian Pontiacs coming with 261s before. So it's not just an "Urban Legend".

Dear Martin;

No, It's quite true.

Many were used there when the Pontiac flathead 6 was discontinued and there the same as the truck ones used here.

So; If you find one, grab it like Bob did.

The Canadian Pontiac 261's do differ from the Chevy truck versions in that they were all bypass oilers and had hydraulic lifters.