The CHEAPEST 318 Poly Rebuild - Restoring Rusty Parts, Block Prep, And The Art Of Good Enough

In the last episode on my 1964 Dodge W200 Power Wagon, I removed the crusty A-series 318 "Poly" engine with the help of a couple friends and a tractor. We then stripped the block in preparation for the kind of quick and dirty engine overhaul one might have seen on a farm back in the bad old days. In today's video, Allan and I rehabilitate many engine components in preparation for an extremely cheap rebuild. Along the way, I'll show you some of the techniques I've come up with for saving parts that may well look like scrap metal to the average enthusiast.

[@nojustno242]

You know, I don't have a Dodge nor am I really in need of information on motor teardowns or rebuilds. Jamie brings plenty of sarcasm, humor and obscure facts to every video. I can watch anything he does. Thanks!

[@bookofrevelation4924]

Then, you'll not be needing a Husky shovel to pull gears?

[@gregchambers3346]

Time for you to get a Mopar

[@jacksonpeiter6493]

I am in the same boat, I don’t own any dodges and primarily work on subarus all day, but i love his style of content.

[@clembob8004]

@@jacksonpeiter6493 I drive a Subaru for my daily driver, but having a classic Mopar is almost a necessity of life. It's great therapy.

[@nealdaleyjr7625]

He's almost influences me enough to get a dead dodge. Almost...

[@timmcooper294]

I love this ! I did a very similar "overhaul" many years ago, re-using / mixing matching bearing shell halves, re-using a mixed set of piston rings, and pistons from 3 different engines. It ran great, didn't smoke, and towed a trailer from Nor Cal down thru Mojave and back, winding the crap out of it up many grades, and faithfully ran every day until I had time / money to build a really nice engine. An engine carefully put together out of used, sometimes marginal parts, can run very well for many thousands of reliable miles. This is a mark of a real mechanic !!!

[@tommy98271]

I’m a big Foxbody guy, I have the ford version of whatever your suffering from. Wish there was a channel like yours for foxbody guys. I’m slowly getting an education in mopar.

[@daltonsparks1293]

This video is the perfect example of why i like this channel.

[@ReignOfGlory]

Agreed! Makes me feel better about the 318 rebuild I'm about to start

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Jamie is VERY relatable. 👍👌 And, props for cleaning guys - the "Allens" of the world. 💪

[@beljames1563]

Always the way we used to do rebuilds back when. Fix what's wrong and not worry about the rest. Had pretty good luck that way.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

It was just an engine. It wasn't some restoration project It was a tool to serve a purpose.

[@BlooMule]

Yo absolutely nailed it when describing the truck as barely more than a tractor. People forget that when new, there WERE practically tractors. Workhorses, with a life of hard labor and abuse.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Right! While the ‘60s trucks are a bit closer to the pickups we are familiar with from the last couple decades, they really aren’t that far from the original Power Wagons that were literally intended to work as tractors with cabs.

[@pauljones2031]

I used to wrap the sand paper around the journal and then wrap a good long leather shoe/boot string around that a few times.Leave enough length to pull the string back and forth. Now you have a simple polishing method that puts equal pressure on the journal and significantly speeds up polishing without the need for a more professional machine.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep! Great technique. I’ve never done that for some reason.

[@pauljones2031]

@@DeadDodgeGarage huh! Yup it works great.

[@brianwest588]

Love this video. I worked at a PER ( Production Engine Remanufacturer) for 15 years. Many of the orphan engines were gone through this same way. Of course we had the luxury of a crank polishing machine. The oil pump will be golden. I cleaned and reused many that looked like that. Cheers 🍻

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I am not a mopar guy, nor will I ever really be, but I still come over here all the time, and do enjoy these videos. A lot of these things translate to all brands, and it’s just plain entertaining.

[@DavidFulton-rq5wq]

Fantastic video. Speaks to all of us low buck shade trees😊

[@timbarry5080]

I can't wait to see that truck running again. That motor will be beautiful

[@michaelmaynard5906]

Hey Jamie, 3/4 of the way through this video I realized that you often remind me of watching "This Old Tony" (another KZbin channel I can't get enough of). You never see Tony's face, just his hands.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep. He’s awesome, and hilarious. I’m a big fan.

[@NotRealNamesAgain]

I'm not even in to Dodge, but very much enjoy listening to any expert on any subject just to know the depths that any topic can go to when you care. Makes me think of a Feynman quote. "Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn't matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough."

[@Legacy_Lou]

Chasing perfection leads to aggravating disappointments. Not only is it good, its good enough 😎

[@JerryBanks572]

It ain't pretty but it's pretty good. :). And I'm starting to think that an old factory part is probably better than a new aftermarket part. As far as practicality goes anyways.

[@benjamintresham9649]

I believe that the Poly block is WAY underrated and should be used more. Tuff and long lasting great industrial engine too.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Agreed!

[@GUE5TPA55]

@44:43 I use simple green (gallons of it ) a 55 gal drum and a turkey fryer you block will thank you for it

[@jimringo2569]

Great and relaxing tutorial for home shops.

[@RLTango]

Adding to the Mopar love! *_SUBSCRIBED!_*

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks!

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

Love the plan on this one. Can’t wait to hear it spinning😎

[@Silvangreen]

I’m not a young man. Today was the day I looked up the difference between cast and forged. Thanks.

[@tomfaires1700]

If someone objects to this, they never fixed an engine as a high school kid. It’s the best way to learn. I have a Poly I am going to do the same thing. Although a turned down 360 crank and different pistons would be a great upgrade for a truck.

[@mantvydas8810]

6:50 as a person with a German car I'm all about this. More fun and interesting than brand new shiny parts and if it works you save a buck.

[@ProjectFairmont]

Always a thorough explanation, nice. I used Purple Power degreaser in a bucket to clean the pistons on a recent 289 rebuild. Let em soak for a couple of days and they came out great.

[@EarlwithanE]

Hi Alan!! Now we know who does all the work around there 😉😂👍💪👊😎

[@peterdollery629]

Nothing wrong with an inexpensive rebuild, especially considering the application. Nice video!

[@clembob8004]

I like the approach of building an engine according to how it's going to be used. This is the type of "light overhaul" I have done a time or two, and for just normal transportation or "driving around" use this works just fine, and will last for a good long time just by changing oil regularly and other necessary maintenance.

[@burtbacarach5034]

As soon as you said "detroit diesel alpine green" I knew that'd be the right color-it'll probably darken as it dries.I just hope it doesn't leak oil like a detroit..

[@moparedtn]

Right there with you on everything Jamie - short of, I'd about insist on a new cam + lifters. Being me, I'd hunt down a 20+ year old one, albeit new in box, to avoid Chinesium issues. That way, that poly talks the authentic talk, not whatever lobe is better than the next.... Enjoying the series, thanks! - Ed on the Ridge

[@markcollins457]

An old friend is a person who owns all mechanical things that survive on neglect. He has a lawn mower that is parked where it ran out of gas at the end of summer. He doesn't repair anything but it all still works. My point is just good enough is a happy place for most of us.

[@stevenbultman7811]

Man, I was waiting for the sequel! Poly 2 Boogaloo

[@Ulford]

Amazing what knowledge you have on these engines. Love to watch this.

[@dougritchie4625]

Love the "semi hemi" build. Looking forward to getting a good look at the heads. It has always been an interesting motor to me. 340 lb ft of torque at 2400 rpm is the perfect "tractor" truck motor.

[@DPaint-v5j]

Good job DD. Show the people it can be done. Keep the ball rolling. Good luck. Thanks for video. 👍👍✌️🇬🇧

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Cool that your giving the Poly some love

[@INSENTER]

Very educational. You are a very good host and entertaining

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks!

[@abcullens2328]

Back in the day, (1960s - 1970s) We called this a Ring & Bearing "Overhaul" not a rebuild. The difference was a "Rebuild" required machining, (cylinder boring etc.). An "Overhaul" did not, Just it clean-up and install new rings, bearings & gaskets. Just like you are doing here. (did it many, many times) Thank you for showing the "right way" (?) to do this kind of Overhaul. Good job, no complaints.

[@pcbullets8726]

More great info on how to fix stuff on the cheap. Great video Jamie!

[@troyandog8749]

Hey Jamie! Informative and fun to watch. Thanks.

[@KrisGreenhillsGarage]

I love garage rebuilds. Rage against the machine..... shop. Fight the power! 😆

[@ReimundCabel-c8c]

Allen does work non stop,what a trooper

[@bradenrichardson4269]

Quickly becoming the hardest working KZbinr of all time

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I’m sure trying 😅 this is a ‘round the clock job…

[@jamesblair9614]

After years of reading and being influenced by the engine builds in the major car magazines in the 60’s-70’s, they always replaced the oil pumps on their Chevy’s with TRW’s, calling it cheap insurance, I eventually questioned it. Having a pile of take off B/RB oil pumps, I pulled them apart, cleaned them and measured clearances, and they were all just fine to use, and the machining in most cases was superior to the TRW’s. I’ve never seen any as bad as yours though.

[@mobygodfrey4936]

Not many bother with the ol poly head motors anymore glad to see someone appreciate the basis engine that The big block chev copied all the engineering from Chrysler had a lot of excellent engineers throughout the 50s and 60s

[@greghansard357]

Ah! The Detroit Alpine is a great color!

[@johnnyturbo8460]

***REMINDER**** GET NEW SOLVENT!! 😎👍

[@heavyearly2232]

Hmn, first poly rebuild I've seen in print OR video. Neat.

[@PhilDodgeFury]

A handy thing for scraping inside the water jackets is a piece of old band saw blade or a real cheap frame saw blade that’s very bendy 👍

[@methanial73]

I had a 64 d250 with a poly. Great pick up.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

Jamie; We got to get a collection going to get you one of those large ionizing tanks. You put your parts in a basket, drop it in a tank that’s filled with a conductive liquid, turn it on and let it work for a day then WHAM!-The next day the come out completely clean, shiny and looking new!

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

I spent most of the day working on my 73 Dodge Power Wagon W 200. Since there is no floor in the bed of truck , I put in all new wiring to the tail lights and 7 way trailer plug receptacle. Geez it's cold out here !!!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I noticed! Brrrr.

[@kalybnielsen4183]

The pitting on the oil pump is from the water and oil mix, together, they form an acid, eats bearings extremely fast. It is the importance of oil changes, if you don't drive enough to get the engine hot enough to evaporate condensation, the condensation and oil will join, make a metal eating acid

[@idaholineman5788]

Love motor Wednesdays!!

[@adeeponionbrah]

This is a good build. Right down to the patina block.

[@Fevebblefester]

I guess we could talk about the 1954 hand me down Plymouth I got from my Father when he gave up on it. Number five rod journal was egg shaped and knocked like a bill collector on payday. If you drove it carefully(I was 16, who drives carefully at 16?) even though it only showed any oil pressure when you downshifted into second and let out the clutch it still started and ran every day winter and summer. But ever once in a while I would be driving like my crazy self and suddenly it would screech to a stop with the engine locked up tight. We would get it home(I never left the city limits) and then jack it up. Take off the head, drop the pan, remove the old spun bearing, used Emory cloth to remove as much babbet as possible from the crank. Put new bearing shells in, put it back together and away I would go till the next time. I drove it like that for two years until finally the clutch went out and I gave up. So I know half assed sketchy repairs. And now avoid them whenever possible. I hate redos.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Wow… that’s impressive.

[@tipetu]

4:12 do NOT use evaporust on cams and crankshafts or cast iron parts. It eats away the shiny metal and leaves a grey dull surface. I did this with a vrank, and had to have it polished at the machineshop afterwards..

[@hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542]

I've cleaned water jackets with oxalic acid mixed with citric acid and some pressure washer action. That means: CLR with a little concentrated lemon juice.

[@kriseckhardt5148]

Love your stuff! I worked with the best in Maine to rebuild my 62 Belvedere state police enforcer 318 Poly. What a weapon! I have a single two barrel intake, a single four barrel intake with the AC4 barrel (I call it the Arthur Carter Lunch Box), and the mighty dual four barrel intake (not safe with drum brakes) I love me some my Belvedere!

[@SaabJitsu]

Ranaldi Machine up in Skowhegan? Dominic and his son were huge Mopar guys and did all our Mopar stuff. They had a big ol wagon with a 413 max wedge that was pure evil at the drag strip. Had an 84 Maine State Police Diplomat back in the day. 360 with the Carter thermo- quad. Old police cars are good fun! Stay warm

[@Mr.mopar71]

I'm very happy that you chose this project. Poly A blocks interset me, something I feel chrysler should've stayed with.

[@haroldkuykendall9078]

You are Brilliant!!!!😊❤

[@countswing284]

Really enjoy a good old fashioned down and dirty budget build. Don't forget solvent for the parts cleaner. Cheers! 😎👍🏎🏁🏁

[@Theoriginalmalcontentcorner]

OMG..the "now I can hear what at least a few perfectionists German types are yelling at the T.V." line has me rolling. How TRUE about both those adjectives. Why would you do it? Because we are American!! And unlike the horribly expensive, incredibly over-engineered German cars with their very expensive parts and low tolerance for abuse, old school 'Murican cars will tolerate less than perfect tolerances, run perfectly fine, still take a beating and run fine the next day.

[@hotroddinwillie2364]

Duplicolor Ford green engine paint is a dead ringer for Chrysler turquoise as well. 👍

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Oh! That’s good to know.

[@DPWheeler67]

An actual Dodge, still dead and in pieces! Thanks Jamie, good times had by all!

[@Six4691]

I will not pass go, and I will not put in 200 dollars! Love the roadside rebuild, perfection is not a necessity, I’ve done worse and was amazed at the outcome!

[@Grandadsjunk]

This is great good old classic bush mechanic mentality as you k ow I love the poly I'm really enjoying this project and you explain things very well unbelievable brother out of control thank you so much I have gone on a bit about you doing a poly I'm actually very excited about this mighty poly build

[@chuckschultz7028]

Soak that block in a sealed barrel of molasses and water for a few weeks; it will come out with all the grime and internal rust removed. Molasses mixture can be reused or dumped on the garden; it is that safe and biodegradable.

[@rennkafer13]

Couple things Jamie... First, you left off the easiest way to tell a forged crank from a cast crank, the parting line. A forged crank will have a wide one, a cast crank will have a really narrow one (as demonstrated amply by the cranks you used for demo), The second thing is I avoid the wire wheel deposition issue by using a brass wire wheel. Third, depending on how much you opened those clearances on the oil pump, it will make less pressure. Will be interesting to see how this runs, it certainly ought to meet the goals you set.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Funny story, I took out the clip about the parting line because I thought I had yammered on about cranks enough. And because I find looking at the general shape to be plenty effective. A brass wire wheel would be a great addition. And, agreed. I didn’t remove much material, but a good bit had been removed by years in operation already…

[@jamesblair9614]

I’m not too sure about there not being deposition when using a brass brush or wheel. I cleaned the shifter arms on my transmission using a brush much like the one Jamie used, I was particularly interested in seeing the factory finish, but enough brass transferred to the steel to make it look like it was a dichromate finish.

[@rennkafer13]

@jamesblair9614 may be the type of brass? I use a brass wire wheel with no deposition issues. That's never my final cleaning step though.

[@VolcanoPudding]

My favorite Alan (Allen?) cameo was when he buffed out the Cherokee after the woods adventure.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

That’s a good one 😅

[@OlderNotNecesarilyWiser]

Really enjoyed the video!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Thanks!

[@20CentMotors]

Rebuilt and restored in the time honored gold standard of monetized video durability with exacting care and tolerances rarely found in traditional manufacturing facilities.

[@Mikelp73]

Hauled a load of crankshafts, unfinished, many years ago from Va to Detroit. Load shifted on me at a railroad track. Went across the weigh station and they gave me the green. No way my weights were good but I delivered them.

[@iamnoone.]

Have done many that way, and you don't sweat the small stuff. It's your dime, and you do what you have to do.

[@garyburdick1992]

Jamie, On the piston to cylinder wall clearance David Vizard has a good video on what they did one time years back on taking a center punch and dimpling (sorta like a knurl) around the outside of the piston which creates a raised cylindrical little hole. Then I believe he sanded the sharp edge a little but it took up a lot of the piston slop and ran it that way for a long time. Just a thought. I don’t remember the exact video but I’m sure it wouldn’t be that hard to find.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Interesting. Yep, knurling, but with a punch. Makes sense.

[@OldsmobileSBRocket]

Olds also did the A, B and C to match the pistons to the bores.

[@mark63366]

I took .015 out of a six inch bore in my hydraulic press using the the same Lesile stone system you have. From McMaster Carr you can get different grit stones. I hogged out most with the roughest stone, I believe it was 80 grit maybe 36. When I was within .005 of finish diameter I switched to a mid grit stone and did the last .001 with the fine grit stone. Basically the switch to finer stones just polished out the scratches left by the rougher stone. It ended as straight and round as I could measure, and works great.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yep, there you go. I’ve got three or four different grits.

[@mark63366]

@@DeadDodgeGarage It is amazing what patience and a good tool can do. In my case I had the advantage of a leather seal and not rings.

[@bigmountain7561]

Love this build, people just don’t understand that when you dump this into 1st or Granny you can walk the dog and with a slight depress of the throttle you can pull a house down with the right gearing. Looking forward to this.. Thank You 🙏

[@steveweiman4708]

Because I (we) are curious: toss a Dial caliper in a couple of those cylinders after finish hone. Be interesting to see how much larger they really are. Also put a piston ring in the bore at TDC and BDC to measure the gap to check the taper. She’s going to be a little loose, but I have all the confidence this is going to run great! I’ve done plenty this way :)

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Will be checking rings when we get there.

[@timgagel5697]

Doing the build this way makes it very interesting.

[@timmcooper294]

"I HATE Spirolocks" LOL!! I do too !

[@NJCarCruise]

ironic you mention solvent, just cleaned out my parts washer yesterday. solvent doesn't go bad. I filter it through a paint strainer to get the chunky bits out. good as new. don't let the color fool you, it will work just as god a new solvent.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I understand that - that’s why I’m still using it. But it sure needs a cleaning.

[@craigerickson6308]

Whatever does the job should be good enough. My two best friends back in the day were super clean and marvel mystery oil, and at times combined them for the tough and sensitive stuff. But that was 30 yeas ago 😂. Keep up the grind man. 👍👍

[@Full_Garage]

Making progress and it's looking good. Already waiting for next week's video. Please spray oil on the block bores!😂

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Still haven’t, still hasn’t rusted 😅

[@LaLaLand.Germany]

WooHoo, movie length! Perfect to have dinner. I´d love to get a tour of the seat grinder at around 4:17, that thing looks as if it could rip off limbs. I don´t take offense in "The German Type", I´m just that. I love nice & shiney (who don´t) but I´m absloute on board with "value oriented" work. A channel I used to like brought "Good enough for the girls I go out with"- Amen, Brother. But if I want to coax out lazy horses I need a machine shop as in "German Type"(😁). Good video on the how and why.

[@rickoates-eb3ni]

When you are honing your cyls, do you worry about piston to wall clearance? I have run some as loose as .005, but never more. Do you have a limit?

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

My understanding is that going as far as .010 over will still be workable, and while the piston to wall clearance will be well over what it should be at that size, it can still work. As someone who has accidentally run .030 over pistons in a .040 over 360 block, yeah, it works - but it can be a little slappy. I learned with my rusty 273 block that it is possible to get well beyond workable with a course stone hone trying to get rust pits out. In that case, the .030 over piston I removed was suddenly a hotdog in a hallway type situation and the pits were still there. I said all that to say, yes, there is a limit, but I can’t tell you precisely what my parameters for that are. I really just eyeball a lot of this.

[@BarnyardNewton]

You like the mechanicals. And the electric stuff. You’re good at it too. There has to be paint and body man around there (who isn’t an asshole), that you can partner with? An expansion to the DDG universe. Unnecessary really, to boost your channel……. But I’m feeling a bit sad about the power wagon’s condition. Patina is one thing, but whew that vehicle needs a lot of love. ❤

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I for one am very much looking forward to improving the look of the truck without further interference from a painter. But I definitely do need one in my pocket for other projects.

[@ReimundCabel-c8c]

I once pulled all the lifters out of my 1971 Dodge Charger and refurbished them in a bath of lacquer thinner.That worked great on that 383.I have also used your brass brush cleaning regimen.

[@df7293]

Fun fact, the green used on Detroit diesel engines is the same as used on later Buick straight 8s and nailheads, as well as early Buick small blocks like the 300

[@randylenart9674]

Just built a ford 4.2 with a 3.8 crank pistons and rods have done this many times in my life some times you've got to do what saves you money when your not rich same bore shorter stroke runs great but i am a dodge fan own a 64 Plymouth Bairacuda

[@daveallen8824]

I once cleaned the ring grooves on a full set of 235 Chevy pistons using broken rings; yes, I got it done, but my fingers were scarred for a good while...

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Ohhhh yeah, done that.

[@bartdaw6681]

Try using Crocus Cloth for sanding, it polishes rather than removing material.

[@mostlymopar]

It is much more satisfying to me to clean up and use the old stuff if you can.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Exactly! Me too!

[@Coronetguy]

Not sure if the cam out of my 318 would work, but you are welcome to use what ever you may need that came off of it for this build… doesn’t look like the oil pump passed inspection! Seems like most parts were pretty used up on mine! lol.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Yeahhh not much left worth having really. LA cam doesn’t work unfortunately, or I would have options. Haha.

[@sirphilo]

I feel smarter after watching your video...

[@billyeichler176]

Jamie fantastic again Brother thanks

[@jeffhutchins7048]

First off, I have NO IDEA if I'm right but......I'd be more worried about making the bearing surfaces less flat and/or out-of-round by sanding than just letting it go with rust STAINING. There DEFINITELY were spots that needed the sanding though, in my opinion. Also, from the firearms world, 0000 steel wool and penetrating oil is GREAT at removing rust.

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

I had some 000 or 0000 right there too. Forgot to mention that. Agreed, you certainly don’t want to get carried away. Knocking down the remaining texture was my real concern, not the stains.

[@benjamintresham9649]

Put it on a pedestal drill press not a bench one. Use a oky strap to support and load the sandpaper and anchor the other end. I just drive the crank with a 1/2 socket adapter welded to a old crank bolt

[@rexrobertson7353]

Actually built a poly on purpose for a friend. Fresh bores and new parts, even a bigget solid lift cam. It went in a Warlock. The loonymum od came out and a regular iron 4 speed went in. Drove well....should have been a 360.

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

You are right Jamie; as long as your not looking for top performance, the oil doesn’t looks like a milkshake or metal shavings nor an engine knock, you can usually freshen them up yourself and get more years out of them. Chrysler made good engines for the most part (I personally appreciate the unloved 413; you can beat the piss out of them or run it with a few quarts of oil and you still can’t kill them) and damage to them came from people who didn’t take care of them or racers spinning bearings ect. Question! Did the old Chrysler oil pans have magnets in them to catch the shavings? If not, what year did they show up?

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Got rust get some Evapo Rust. I get it at Harbor Freight and for snake oil the stuff works. It is not caustic either. Did some nuts n bolts and they came out looking like the black ones the factory put in. And I mean Titanic brought up rusty type gunk. Over night and rinse.

[@ralphnorris-vk8ff]

It's been a long time, but I think it's the 331hemi heads will bolt on that 318 poly block!

[@DeadDodgeGarage]

Negative. DeSoto heads are close, but not usable due to passage differences.