LSXDoc

iTrader: (8)

Ok, here is the short of it. Was losing water and couldnt figure out where it was going. Crankcase was just oil no water, no leaks couldnt figure it out. Finally found it in the valve covers and the pcv. Was told blown head gasket or even worse cracked block/heads/warped heads etc. Tore into the engine and decided to check the torque on the heads (arp head bolts) and the very first one was only 22ft/lbs now for the big question...can i just torque everything down or should i go ahead and replace the head gaskets????

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

How many miles are on the setup? If there are only a few, I wouldn't be against draining the oil and retorquing and seeing where you are at then. What would that hurt? If you are still losing coolant then you know you have to replace the head gaskets.

conan

iTrader: (5)

If it were me I would be pulling heads. You're already started with the tare down. I'd want to know what my head gasket looked like before I have a hydrolocked engine, and with the money you have spent on that engine, removing the heads would be the least of my worries.

LSXDoc

iTrader: (8)

Well, I went ahead and took off the passenger side head and this is what I have found. Think that may be the source of my problem. Any suggestions?

conan

iTrader: (5)

the crack looks like it goes down the cylinder wall.

LSXDoc

iTrader: (8)

the sleeve is still intact, but i cant see how deep the crack is

00pooterSS

iTrader: (40)

you need to sand/buff down on that "crack" to confirm its not just a scratch and go from there.


and usually if you have a cylinder that is burning coolant the piston will be very clean looking, yours is not.

conan

iTrader: (5)

I would get a shop vac and suck out all the coolant roll the piston to the bottom of its hole and get something like this product. you spray on a "film" coat then a "developer" and if the sleave is cracked it will show up as red. You should be able to spray in to coolant jacket to see the damage too.

http://www.vobaker.com/ndt/spotkit.htm

Sorry to see that kind of problem. good luck.

1FastBrick

iTrader: (16)

What block is this??? What kind of work was done to it??? How long have you been losing colant???

Outlawfireman

BURN Damn I hope you don't have a cracked block!!! Best of luck dude, sounds like your gonna need it.

LSXDoc

iTrader: (8)

ls1 block, 382 stroker, about a month. I have been searching for the source in what little off time i have (in the military)
and found out on friday when i went to change the oil and found the gunk in the valve cover but nothing in the crankcase but oil

frito1

iTrader: (12)

My thoughts would be that "gunk" is something that was used in the assembly process. If that was something water related on your valve covers, that would have showed up in the crankcase as well.

brett walker

iTrader: (6)

i dnt know what to tell ya..... except the motor was torqued to specs. ive built several ls1 and never had a problem....you get my car and it seems you have nothing but problems

1FastBrick

iTrader: (16)

The Foam/Froth which you refer to as Gunk usually occurs in the top half of the motor. You won't see it untill the last bit of oil comes out. Sometimes not at all if its not severe enough.


If its a true 5.7 "LS1" aluminum Block then it can be welded up and re-sleeved. If its an Iron 6.0 block Then It's most likely Junk at this point.

1fastTransAm

iTrader: (6)

damn bro .. get me some more pix after it is vac. out. try to wipe it all down to get a better look. I am trying to find a block now. Looks like I am going to be coming up in OCT to help build a motor.

1fastTransAm

iTrader: (6)

Brett **** happens man.. game of fast rides. things break when u dont want them too.

98Camarod

iTrader: (43)

This is true. I see the same thing if I go on short trips and turn the car off, that residue will be on my breather cap. If you aren't loosing any coolant then I'd say you are safe. That crack could be something though. If it isn't anything now, it may be something later.

brett walker

iTrader: (6)

yup! **** happens when u party naked!

1fastTransAm

iTrader: (6)

Lol..

1fastTransAm

iTrader: (6)

Justin could have you a over a 408.