There is no way to know if a used engine is good unless you take it apart and have a look for yourself.

I'm currently rebuilding a 96" S&S that the PO told a friend that the motor only had 500 easy miles on it.
After opening it up and looking it appears to have more like 50k hard miles on it.

You simply cannot trust an old motor to be good. IMO

 

I got everything tore apart today except for the sump and I have to admit it looked pretty decent. I think I'll have the local Harley Guru check out the bottom end for me.

Engine has Keith Black 266's 10.5:1, Crane Elec ign, and some funky cam, but no markings other than the gear.

Lifter on failed valve was fine.

The jug is not scored top to bottom, just a bunch of little dings. I found a pair of pistons on eBay as well as a couple adj push rods (which I also need) for $100. They are 20-over. Very tempting! Another 10 or so from what I got would knock off the high spots, but probably leave a few little spots here and there, likely be fine.

 

Stock heads on it or S&S? I may have a set of pistons for stock heads on a 4 5/8" stroke motor. No S&S ones.

Griz

 

are the cams marked on the other end that goes in the bearing?

 

Not it is not marked. The collar directly behind the gear has a 7 or L on it, that's it.

 

S&S..