Not a Merry Christmas for the 103,000 mile LS1:
12-26-2008, 01:53 PM
#1
Not a Merry Christmas for the 103,000 mile LS1: I had a good Christmas untill I decided to go finish taking the heads off to fix what I assumed to be a blown head gasket. When I took off the driver's side head this is what greated me. The odd thing is that is #5 and usually #7 cracks up first. This cylinder was a lot lighter than the other 7. The combustion chamber and exhaust port were also lighter. I am thinking I had an injector wimping out on me (but it might have been just washed by the coolant from the crack as stated below). Also note the valve mark. This is the only piston with one of those also, and that is odd. Maybe that one cylinder overheated more and the piston expanded just enough to make contact?? The valve appears un-damaged.
Happy Holidays folks. Come on income tax return.............................
Happy Holidays folks. Come on income tax return.............................
Last edited by 1CAMWNDR; 12-31-2008 at 09:23 AM.
12-26-2008, 02:07 PM
#3
Well, if my luck turns around I might be able to build an iron 370"-376" motor. I am thinking I only need a block, pistons, and rods; the crank is probably fine. The pistons and rods will be forged of course and I will probably get valve reliefs. I will just re-use my heads (they may be a touch small for the bigger motor, but I can't get new ones) and cam, intake and headers. I am going to stay with the .040" Cometic head gasket just for a 4.03"-4.06" bore with the iron block.. I also have some SVO 30lb injectors and a Racetronix fuel pump I will go ahead with.
Ugh, what a pain. But if I can swing the forged iron motor it will last longer than the 9.5-years and 103,000 miles this one lasted. Good investment I think.
Ugh, what a pain. But if I can swing the forged iron motor it will last longer than the 9.5-years and 103,000 miles this one lasted. Good investment I think.
12-26-2008, 03:13 PM
#6
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the coolant is def what was cleaning the cylinder.I would reccommend just honing the iron block .005 over instead of boring it .030 or .060,no extra power to be had,plus make the block weaker.Good luck on your rebuild
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12-26-2008, 03:55 PM
#8
did it ever overheat on you?
i would take the springs on that cylinder off and have them checked. they may have been getting weak on you. a mark like that on the piston, i would check the valves too, even if there is no visual damage.
where in NW florida are you?
i would take the springs on that cylinder off and have them checked. they may have been getting weak on you. a mark like that on the piston, i would check the valves too, even if there is no visual damage.
where in NW florida are you?
12-26-2008, 07:07 PM
#14
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I had a good Christmas untill I decided to go finish taking the heads off to fix what I assumed to be a blown head gasket. When I took off the driver's side head this is what greated me. The odd thing is that is #5 and usually #7 cracks up first. This cylinder was a lot lighter than the other 7. The combustion chamber and exhaust port were also lighter. I am thinking I had an injectorwimping out on me. Also note the intake valve mark. This is the only piston with one of those also, and that is odd. Maybe that one cylinder overheated more and the piston expanded just enough to make contact?? The valve appears un-damaged.
Happy Holidays folks. Come on income tax return.............................
Happy Holidays folks. Come on income tax return.............................
12-26-2008, 07:53 PM
#16
Only the missing chunk. I do not have all of that hammering damage like on yours. All I have is the missing chunk between 9 and 11 o'clock and the small intake valve eyebrow.
I will disassemble that head and inspect the valve for any unseen damage.
12-26-2008, 08:36 PM
#17
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That was the point. All of the "hammering" you speak of is from the chunk of piston bouncing around. I drove it home 50 miles from the track not knowing this was going on. So we had the same engine failure only yours appears to be on #3? And my head gasket wasn't leaking... I still don't know the exact cause of mine
12-26-2008, 09:38 PM
#19
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Ah, I misread your first post. You stated it was #5 
I'd say you got lucky and it went straight out the exhaust judging by the ring still being in place (couldn't have gotten by that very easily). It probably bent a valve stem on the way out causing the valve to be closer to the piston and contacting it.
I'd say you got lucky and it went straight out the exhaust judging by the ring still being in place (couldn't have gotten by that very easily). It probably bent a valve stem on the way out causing the valve to be closer to the piston and contacting it.