Checking a long block without disassembly?

[BLSTIC]

I'm looking at buying an ej20g (94-95 ish. Shim over bucket cam follower) and I want to be able to check it before buying. Of course it was "a good running motor before removal" but that's not reassuring seeing as it's been two owners without being in a car.

Can I test the condition of the big ends through bearing movement or something similar? I can't just take the caps off because I'd need to split the block and that's a mammoth job to do before buying a motor. I'm not sure if I can crank it either.

[rebelyell]

Like a motorcycle or airplane, maybe pull the jugs/barrels off & check rod shake (if you have an experienced "feel" for that). Otherwise, it's your gamble.

[grandsport51]

What ej20 is it ?
I inspect vehicles for various extended warranty companies
And all the N/A Models have issues I believe the Turbos have a much different block closed deck etc.
You cant access the rods very well . If it’s cheap take a shot
But maybe pull plugs inspect with borescope and remember if all the plugs are new someone was likely chasing a problem
Dave B

[BLSTIC]

Ej20g, v3 wrx (94-95-ish, first one with shim over bucket cam followers)

[engineguyBill]

The only way to make a viable assessment of engine condition is to disassemble it for visual inspection. This is probably not what you wanted to hear.

[BLSTIC]

It's what I expected to hear as I can't see a viable way of doing it.

Not what I wanted to hear though

[MotionMachine]

The deal breaker is the mainline. The 2.0 did not suffer the cylinder cracking issue that the 2.5's do but they will pound out the mainline if used hard. Unless you can get a guarantee of good hot oil pressure, beware.