I have tried that (MMO and ATF and Acetone, etc.). This engine WILL get a rebuild regardless, the question was whether in the meantime i could move it under its own power. It's currently in a storage locker near me. But its a PITA to move it right now with no power of its own.
I am tempted to go ahead and do the tear down in prep for the rebuild, but will need to have the body work done before the engine can ever go back in. I am also sure that it will need to be overbored as it was rebuilt around 1973 at about 91K miles. I/we drove it until about 235K miles in 1987 when I parked it after a fender bender. it was running fine, and had plenty of power, but had rear main leak on the clutch and smoked a fair bit. Compression was fairly good, but dropping in a couple of cylinders.
I appreciate all the suggestions and will continue to try what I can as there is no rush at all.....
Jeff-in-KC