I am rebuilding a F2 engine that was sitting for a long time. Pulled the head off tonight and found a lot of nastiness on the piston heads and valves. Intake and exhaust ports were not covered while the egine was stored, and they look rusted. Any suggestions? Is a port and polish necessary? I don't need HP gains, just a solid running engine.

 

Are you rebuilding the entire engine, or just the top half?

You really don't "need" to port and polish, but since you are rebuilding an engine and going to have everything taken apart anyway, you might as well. I would just take a wire brush attachment for an electric drill and go over everything when it's all taken apart (everything that SHOULD be wire brushed that is.) Remember to re-hone the cylinder walls as well.

Are you just taking it apart and putting it all back together, or are you replacing cylinders, valves, springs, etc, etc. ?

 

rebuilding the entire engine, but just replacing what really needs it. I'm on a tight budget, so anything i can do myself is better. This is only the third engine i've ever pulled apart, and I've never seen buildup like this. the engine is locked up, and I'm hesitant to really try to turn it over because I don't want to grind the sludge thats on top of the pistons into my cylinder walls. A friend suggested just using a degreaser. then replace the rings. he also said use the wire brush on the intake and exhaust ports. Is that safe to do? Thanks a lot for your help!!