John Deere Type W engine

In general, if you are "smitten" with the engine, price becomes relative.

Ask them what they would; "Have to have for it", and if it exceeds about 20 cents per pound, find another engine, or make counter offer. Cosmetics play a determining role in the 20 cent per pound level. If cosmetics are poor, or the engine is not complete, whatever level that 20 cent level that you are comfortable with should be your guide.

As a general rule- If there are water outlets; it has a radiator of some sort, If it has a boiling tank on the top of the engine, that was how it was cooled. If there are fins on the head, and on part of the block, it was air cooled, and there should be little chance of a crack in the block unless there was a mechanical failure within the engine.

I've seen these engines advertised for $5000 and up restored. If the link works, here's a picture of one at N.Y. Expo a few years ago. Don't think there are all that many around. Wouldn't mind having one myself.