Engine questions

[john charlton]

Still have not got the head off my hotrod swapmeet engine but have decided to put it in a frame and fire it up with the the head nuts backed off a bit. Took the pan off and found it looks like a recent (hours wise) rebuild. Pan was mostly clean but evidence of been run hot, caramalised oil in the dipper tray etc etc . The bores from the bottom side look good with still evidence of horizontal boring marking in the bores. No trace of loose babbitt anywhere. The big ends are tight with shims in place .The engine is stiff to turn with crank handle when the pistons are mid bore so I hope nothing nasty just not broke in yet. Question,how many hours running after a rebore/new pistons will the engine "rock back" on a compression stroke ??? Also the drain tube is missing from the rear main cap, the threads in the cap are semi stripped. Just wondered should I try to fudge a new drain tube in which might fall out or will it run OK without it ???

John in cool damp nearly midnight my son has just bought a nice solid 29 pickup he has always hankered after one so he is a happy bunny England.