[alfa] evaluating an engine you can't start

[Joe Elliott <jee@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Last post tonight, I swear.

I've acquired a spare engine that's in unknown condition, and I can't 
start it out of the car for lack of a spare wiring harness.  I do, 
however, have a spare starter, so I was thinking that I could spin it 
on the starter and listen for irregular noises.  The engine in 
question is a 12V 2.5L V6, by the way.  I figure I could also turn it 
by hand and "feel" any irregularities as it turns over.  Has anyone 
on the digest been in this situation before and have any words of 
wisdom to share?  I plan on installing a new water pump, t-belt, and 
tensioner bearing before putting it in the car, but I'd rather spare 
the expense if the engine is useless.  What can I learn from taking 
the lower oil pan off and inspecting things?  Would it make sense to 
remove con rod bearing caps to look at the bearing surfaces?  I'll do 
a compression test when I spin it with my spare starter, but what 
about a leakdown test?  What will that tell me?  Would it be 
worthwhile to fill it with water and spin the water pump with an 
electric motor to see if any water finds its way into the oil?  (I 
suppose I could even do the same with the oil pump on this engine.)

Thanks,
Joe Elliott
'82 GTV-6
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