questions pertaining to checking an engine.

<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_cool.gif" alt="Cool"> Okay got the ldt engine setting at the house, the data plate shows a date of 1984 as build year. Of course the removal of an and all rust that can be seen along with cobwebs that may be hidden, seems that the crankcase has been drained which im sure was done at the surplus site before purchase, i know that looking for any metal of any kind is crucial, my question is would it be safer to pull valve covers off and check for any possible rust build up ect, along with flushing the coolant system out(bug and creepy crawlys that may be hiding) if no metal is found in oil pan would it be safe to say the bearings are okay or where the engine has sat for so long without oil in it could this cause any unforseen problems i may need to look for, thanks guys i greatly appreciate this site.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_thumzup.gif" alt="Thumb Up">

Wyatt,

If it was me I would check the entire motor!
Everything needs to be "Prelubed" before ya get to crank'in<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_warn.gif" alt="Warning!"> When things sit that long, in a humid area, well they just seem to rust. I had a engine that was rebuilt, that sat for two years here in Western Colorado (humidity +/- 18% ) I still pulled the tin to check it out! Just my <img src="emoticons/icon_smile_.gif" alt="My 2 Cents"> Good Luck<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_thumzup.gif" alt="Thumb Up">

Thanks there Da Sgt, the engine is still mounted in the can, pulling the valve covers is a must then i see, im not sure about being able to get that oil pan off and it still in the crate can, any suggestion, of course if i can get the pan off while still in the can i can use a search mirror to look for any rust and i can check for metal particles also that way in the oil pan. I do have a multifuel gasket set here minus the oil sump pump gasket and pickup tube gasket so disassembly is a go then on that.
Thanks Sgt for your help...

Yes droping the pan would be a very good idea and it would be a perfect opertunity to check the bearrings, heck if it was me I would change them out if it wernt too expensive. Sure would be a pain to pull it back out a little later down the road.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_.gif" alt="My 2 Cents">

Thanks Loose Deuce,
Yeah if i don't find any metal,which is unlikely, sure i will find some. But if not that will be great. The bearing aren't that expensive actually. Im thinking of getting the coolant system cleaned out first, then taking care of the starter area, then move on to the fuel system, then dropping the oil pan to see whats up, but if i don't find any evidence of major wear, it will for sure get new gaskets and a good lubing before its fired. Would you happen to know how to lubricate something that big other than just dumping oil in or would that suffice..
Thanks for you info there LD..

Well i have still been unable to get to the engine, but hopefully this week, i hate nite shift and 12hrs on top of that. I did notice some rust on the inside after i took the oil filler cap off, if its not to bad could i just pull the valve covers and brush it off and use a air hose to get rid of the particles, but like i said that was only from the view i had through the oil cap. I will try and keep you all updated and im trying to figure out how to get pics, probably the camera and then wallyworld to be put on cd.