Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

Im getting ready to tear the front of the motor apart and see whats going on

Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

I wanna explain my situation and see what you guys think. Gonna try and keep it short and to the point, since I could write a book about my build-up problems.

I bought a 427 short-block(dry sleeve) from MTI. When I fired the motor it started using coolant real bad after about 45 minutes. Both sides were burning the coolant and the motor probally ran for ten minutes after I realized it was definitely a block issue. The 45 minutes it ran everything seemed fine the valve train was very quiet.

MTI replaced the block with a Darton MID wet sleeve block. I put everything back together and after about 3 days of trying to get it fired I find out that everyone of my exhaust valves are bent/hung open. When the heads were off the car the valves were all seated and looked fine. I also find that everyone of my brand new rockers (Yella Tera's) are all bent also just on the exhaust side. If you hold the shaft the rocker rides on and try and move the rocker it is very stiff or impossible to move, the intake side of the rockers are fine and all move freely like their supposed too.

After doing some research and a bunch of phone calls it seems the coolant hit the valves when they were hot and bent/warped all the valves. The pistons did NOT hit the valves, I checked the valves and the pistons and there is not one mark on them.

I am running GTP stg2 5.3 heads, 1.7 rockers, 7.400 pushrods, and comp r lifters. The pre load on the lifters was about .006 and like I said before when the original motor was running the valve train sounded and ran smoothly.

MTI has the heads now and are still trying to figure out what happened. I did not purchase the heads or rockers from MTI. I feel since this is a direct problem from their block that they should be responsible for replacing the parts that are ruined. I guess well see how they handle it.

Now for the questions. Anybody have any thoughts on this situation. Should MTI replace the parts? Anybody ever seen a problem like this? Any other possibilities on what bent the valves? I havent asked for any compensation for my labor to pull the motor in and out and now the heads are back off it again, should they compensate me for any of the labor? What should they be responsible for? Any input is much appreciated, thanks

Originally Posted by CamaroJoe

Just curious, when did you buy this dry sleeve block?

I was under the impression that all MTI resleeve blocks now use the Darton MID and have been for some time now. I'm assuming the Darton blocks are far more reliable then an interference dry resleeve and are less prone to failure.

I know this doesn't have much to do with your bent valve problem but again I'm just curious since I want a 427.

Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

You guys keep forgetting this complete valve train already ran and was fine.

Originally Posted by Chris ARE 360

How much are those GTP heads milled? Did you clay to measure PtoV?

I have seen 5.3L GTP heads with .055 off them. That would DEFINITELY affect PtoV with that size cam unless the valve reliefs were quite large.

Also I dont believe the coolant did anything. I have never seen bent valves AND rockers for a headgasket blowing or any other coolant related problem. Whenever that happens it is always from mechanical contact. You might have had a combination of things wrong. (weak springs, incorrect PtoV, bad rockers etc etc)

I would expect MTI to warranty the block and thats it.

Chris

Originally Posted by 9secbird

Stay tuned, we have some UNBELIVABLE info on this

Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

Would you expect them to fix it if the problem was they put the cam in wrong? Which caused the valves to hit.

Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

Well the crank sprocket is off about 3 teeth. When the dots on the timing chain are lined up the number1 piston is down in the cylinder about an inch or so. I am having a hard time understanding how this happened, but it did.

I talked to David@MTI today and it seems that they(MTI) are going to take care of the mistake. I will update as I get more info

Originally Posted by 9secbird

They got paid to degree this cam. its obvious they did not do it. So what else is not done properly. Lets just wait and see how they take of this, in my opinion it should have NEVER happened!!

Originally Posted by CANNIBAL

Can't argue with you there. Something like that should NEVER be overlooked and should be done if it was included in fee of services.

I'd be infuriated.

Originally Posted by DOC OTIS

Im glad you see it our way. I paid to have the cam degreed locally on the first motor. When it shot craps part of them rectifying that problem was to degree the cam in the new motor, which wasnt done or it would of been noticed right away there was a problem. I will be interested to see how timely they handle this and if they agree to the compensation I feel do to me.

Originally Posted by CANNIBAL

I can't imagine how you must feel right now. I hope it all works out in the end. I have no doubt it'll come out just fine even though it's long over-due. Please keep us updated.