I recently picked up an LQ4 in a trade with unknown mileage. Owner was an honest guy, said he had the motor sitting with oil in it for 2 years covered with a tarp in his garage. I basically got the motor for nothing. Opened it up tonight and here is what I found. The cylinder walls look amazing; there is gunk on top of the pistons i think from it sitting. The rocker arms are completely rusted out but the cylinder heads show no signs of terrible rusting.

Is this salvageable without doing a complete rebuild through a machine shop? The cylinder walls show no signs of wear, it's just the fact that it's been sitting for 2 years and has developed rust.

 

if you got it super cheap, its down to the long block, why not spend alittle extra cash for a refresh at the machine shop? if noting else just ease of mind knowing all is good. just a stock rebuild would be fine.

 

The heads will never rust. Aluminum.......
Unless it's one of those rare birds with iron heads....

 

oh wow, i was wondering why the heads looks so different from the rockers as far as rust.