Engine Identification

[Day Radebaugh]

I have an engine+transmission that I believe came out of a military vehicle that I would like to identify and find someone who could use it.

Apologize for the pictures; it's stored in a barn. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Thanks

 

[cattlerepairman]

A pic of that data plate from the starboard aft corner would be dandy.

Sent from my SM-G991W using Tapatalk

 

[NDT]

Sure, that is an OA-331 "Gold Comet" gasoline engine used in M35 series trucks in the 1950s. 331 cubic inches, overhead valve. Made by Reo Motors and Continental Motors

 

[Day Radebaugh]

Thanks. Does it have any value if it runs?

 

[HDN]

Thanks. Does it have any value if it runs?

I think so. I believe parts for the old Continental truck motors are pretty scarce these days, so a running example would be valuable for someone restoring a truck with one of these.

 

[Day Radebaugh]

I think so. I believe parts for the old Continental truck motors are pretty scarce these days, so a running example would be valuable for someone restoring a truck with one of these.

I'm not able to start it up, but I could see if the engine is free. If it is, would you have any advice on how to sell it?

 

[cattlerepairman]

I'm not able to start it up, but I could see if the engine is free. If it is, would you have any advice on how to sell it?

I'd start with an ad on this site with a video linked from youtube to show the free spinning engine.

 

[Day Radebaugh]

I'd start with an ad on this site with a video linked from youtube to show the free spinning engine.

Thank you. Any idea about a reasonable price?

 

[cattlerepairman]

If it was me interested in the engine, I would note that it is not seized, but that is about it. All the other components could be trash, as far as I am concerned. Maybe it will start with a carb rebuild. What if it has a severe knock? In order to run and actually be used, it may need a complete teardown and rebuild.
Essentially, it is one slight step above a core engine. Id' offer $300-500.

If the engine was cleaned up, ready to run, fires right up, has excellent oil pressure and purrs like a kitten.....double that.

It is a small group of Deuce lovers that appreciate the OM 331 gas engine instead of ripping it out and multifuelling everything. It is an even smaller group that actively restores a gasser Deuce. You are not dealing with a huge buyer pool. But, it only takes one....

 

[HDN]

Is the deuce the only truck that uses this Continental motor? I thought other antique medium-duty civilian trucks used it too But I don't know of any off-hand.

 

[NDT]

Is the deuce the only truck that uses this Continental motor? I thought other antique medium-duty civilian trucks used it too But I don't know of any off-hand.

Lots of civi trucks, google “Reo Gold Comet”

 

[Day Radebaugh]

Thanks very much for all this information. I will make certain it is not seized, then offer it for free to whomever wants to pay for the shipping. I have no use for it, and there isn't much money involved.