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Should I crack open my engine? by dhen
Started on: 12-21-2013 12:50 PM
Replies: 14 (314 views)
Last post by: conan469 on 12-22-2013 03:14 PM
dhen
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Report this Post12-21-2013 12:50 PM Click Here to See the Profile for dhenSend a Private Message to dhenEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
HI all,

I've got an L67 that I bought from Ed Morad. He promised me it was running, but because he was unsure of the mileage, it doesn't have a warranty.

I pulled the oil pan. No nasty surprises. I tried looking up the underside into the cylinders and what little I could see looked OK. The engine was covered in road salt spray but the alt and starter tested fine. The valve covers leak.

I was thinking about pulling the heads and having a look. Should I leave well enough alone or open it up? I've replaced head gaskets before, but I also believe that if something is OK, don't mess with it.

Thoughts?
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post12-21-2013 01:24 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Maybe replace the Lower intake Gaskets and Valve cover gaskets. anything Past that Starts getting mostly un necessary and expensive.
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Justinbart
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Report this Post12-21-2013 01:40 PM Click Here to See the Profile for JustinbartSend a Private Message to JustinbartEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Don't touch the heads. Replace the LIM gasket with the updated aluminum ones. Only use a scraper to remove gasket material. Try not to get any debris in the engine. With the oil pan off you should be able to look at the chain dampener and see how worn it is. If you need to replace the dampener or chain you might as well slide a hot cam in.

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sco77
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Report this Post12-21-2013 01:42 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sco77Send a Private Message to sco77Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Don't pull the heads without a purpose (like machine shop work).

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86 Fiero GT 4spd - L67 swap: VS cam, GenV
98 GTP - Some mods

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smartaxel
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Report this Post12-21-2013 02:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for smartaxelClick Here to visit smartaxel's HomePageSend a Private Message to smartaxelEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If i have an engine out, I always replace the head gaskets. Why? Because its far easier and cheaper now than it is if they ever leak. Intake gaskets are a must now anyway, so for a few dollars more do the heads and you have a sense of security.. Especially if you have no idea on milage. I keep my cars a long time so I replace all the gaskets while they are out.

Not a 3800, but i had a very well maintained 3400 that had a small head gasket leak at 120,000.. Couldnt do it myself because of work schedule and cost $2400 for a shop to do it.....
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Neils88
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Report this Post12-21-2013 03:03 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Neils88Send a Private Message to Neils88Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'd recommend a wet/dry compression test. This gives a great indication as to the condition without pulling the heads.
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hookdonspeed
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Report this Post12-21-2013 03:17 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hookdonspeedClick Here to visit hookdonspeed's HomePageSend a Private Message to hookdonspeedEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
unknown mileage engine? me PERSONALLY would do a full gasket set, rod and main bearings and piston rings....
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Justinbart
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Report this Post12-21-2013 03:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for JustinbartSend a Private Message to JustinbartEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by hookdonspeed:

unknown mileage engine? me PERSONALLY would do a full gasket set, rod and main bearings and piston rings....


lol

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trotterlg
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Report this Post12-21-2013 05:55 PM Click Here to See the Profile for trotterlgSend a Private Message to trotterlgEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If you pull the heads is it so little more to put in rings and rod bearings. Either leave the heads on and do the intake or do it all. If you pull the heads you should grind the valves for sure. Larry
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Justinbart
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Report this Post12-21-2013 06:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for JustinbartSend a Private Message to JustinbartEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post12-21-2013 07:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
"If you pull the heads is it so little more to put in rings and rod bearings. Either leave the heads on and do the intake or do it all. " That's what I thought !
by the time you're done you'll have $200 just in BOLTS, (they ALL are non re usable !) then $100-150 in gaskets, $75-100 rings, $75 timing chain, any Head work, Price of the Bearings is the Cheapest Part ! There is a very good reason people say "don't rebuild it, replace it". Cost me a fortune . Granted, once you're done, you KNOW what's in there, but..... It is NOTHING like rebuilding a small block Chevy (price wise).
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dhen
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Report this Post12-22-2013 01:28 AM Click Here to See the Profile for dhenSend a Private Message to dhenEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Yeah, thanks, this is actually what I was thinking, but I wanted to get as much info as possible.

If it compression checks OK, I'll replace the valve cover gaskets and call it a day. Where do you get those aluminum LIM gaskets?
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trotterlg
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Report this Post12-22-2013 01:51 AM Click Here to See the Profile for trotterlgSend a Private Message to trotterlgEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Remember, the only thing that seals the LIM is the rubber on the gaskets. Doesn't matter what holds the rubber in place, plastic or aluminum. Juat an urban mith. Larry
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Report this Post12-22-2013 06:30 AM Click Here to See the Profile for JustinbartSend a Private Message to JustinbartEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
http://shop.zzperformance.c...2-Intake-Gasket.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/ACDel...keywords=GM-89017825

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[This message has been edited by Justinbart (edited 12-22-2013).]

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conan469
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Report this Post12-22-2013 03:14 PM Click Here to See the Profile for conan469Click Here to visit conan469's HomePageSend a Private Message to conan469Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by trotterlg:

Remember, the only thing that seals the LIM is the rubber on the gaskets. Doesn't matter what holds the rubber in place, plastic or aluminum. Juat an urban mith. Larry


???????
After many hot/cold cycles the plastic that holds the rubber in place breaks and alows the rubber to shift and leak. This is compounded by a supercharger making boost. So it matters a lot!
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