I bought a complete engine. 454 with 4 bolt mains. Rust in the cylinders. So I've been trying to remove the pistons and rods or the crank from the block. The crank won't turn with Marc putting pressure on a ? 4 ? foot cheater bar. Marc is a big dude. You can't get to all of the connecting rod bolts, only some of them. So I removed both nuts from one of the rods (damn that sounds funny) and took a hammer and tapped on a wood stick that was on the piston - it didn't come out. So I then took a much bigger hammer and hit the wood stick and broke the wood stick. I then took a 1/2 ratchet extension and hit it with my little hammer. Didn't come out. I then took the 1/2 extension and ligtly hit it with a sledge hammer. Didn't come out. I then took the sledge and beat the livin sh!t out of it. Didn't come out - in one piece. Knocked the top of the piston right off the piston. The rod still didn't come out, but it gave me a clear view of what was going on.

I was basically beating the shit out of my block with a connecting rod. But I have to admit, it got rid of a lot of stress. 

Holy Crap, why would someone just let the engine rust out? Person doesnt deserve to have a car

Last time i got a 454 that sat a long time and was locked up solid, i soaked it with tranny fluid overnight and no problem the next morning.

2sav

Using a 4' pry bar and a lot of patience I eventually got the block dissassembled. It's sitting on the garage floor waiting for a check from Uncle Sam. I never did get the crank to turn and I never figured out why, the bearings and crank both look good, must have been the rust in the cylinders.

i have been thinking about your block. as an engine builder,i would suggest that you have that block magnafluxed and pressure tested for crack/flaws before you go further.any questions feel free to call me at 714-8799671

I bought a complete engine. 454 with 4 bolt mains. Rust in the cylinders. So I've been trying to remove the pistons and rods or the crank from the block. The crank won't turn with Marc putting pressure on a ? 4 ? foot cheater bar. Marc is a big dude. You can't get to all of the connecting rod bolts, only some of them. So I removed both nuts from one of the rods (damn that sounds funny) and took a hammer and tapped on a wood stick that was on the piston - it didn't come out. So I then took a much bigger hammer and hit the wood stick and broke the wood stick. I then took a 1/2 ratchet extension and hit it with my little hammer. Didn't come out. I then took the 1/2 extension and ligtly hit it with a sledge hammer. Didn't come out. I then took the sledge and beat the livin sh!t out of it. Didn't come out - in one piece. Knocked the top of the piston right off the piston. The rod still didn't come out, but it gave me a clear view of what was going on.

I was basically beating the shit out of my block with a connecting rod. But I have to admit, it got rid of a lot of stress. 

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Now what's the matter with those?  They look fine to me.  Put some WD-40 on 'em and slip them back in and go run.  LMAO!!!