To Rebuild or Not To Rebuild

[area53 at validpath.com (Jeff Toomasson)]

IMHO, if the motor was known good prior to de-commissioning it, at a minimum, I 
would try to turn it over manually. Chances are if you didn't store it outside 
that it would crank over pretty easily and that the internals are in decent 
shape. If it does crank easily, a compression test will give you a good idea of 
the motor's overall health. Dropping some fresh motor oil (a couple teaspoons 
each?) into the spark holes a couple days before cranking is a good idea. 

The next level would be to disassemble it and refresh all the gaskets. Then, 
with the motor open, you can really inspect it. Oiling it and manual cranking 
would be next.

On top of that, pulling it all apart getting it hot-tanked and replacing the 
rings and bearings. You should be able to rebuild the motor for under $500 in 
parts including a clutch kit.

HTH, JT

>> The motor always ran strong and was pulled with just over 120k. 
>> However  this motor has now been sitting in the garage for 2 years, which
>> makes me,  worried.
>>
>> Which leads me to my question.
>> Should the motor be rebuilt or not or should I plan on just freshening the
>>  2.0L ABA motor.  I'm trying to keep the price to a minimal budget and not
>>  go over board with my spending.
>>