Overheated my ls1, how to check for damage
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: san antonio, tx
Overheated my ls1, how to check for damage I originally installed an ls1 into my truck. it ended up having a spun cam bearing so i got another replacement. a ls6 block with ls1 internals and heads. when i first started to drive it, it revved to 6000rpms no problem, it was very quiet and smooth, real smooth compared to the other. i broke it in for 2 weeks (about 1000 miles) and then took it to the track. i ran a 14.4 with the new setup with no tuning, the old ls1 ran a 14.7.
on the way home, a tube popped off the head and let all the water out ( the tube that connects the front of the heads) i didn't have any antifreeze in it so i didn't smell or notice it. then the engine started running like **** and then i noticed it was overheating. it probably hit almost 290deg. well, i let it cool and then fixed the tube and filled it up. i don't hear any clatter or i'm not wasting water or oil and neither appear in each other. but the engine sounds louder, it feels just as fast, but it's like a beast now.
what can i check to ensure i'm not running on a worn out engine.
i figure, compression, that's all i can think of.
any ideas,
thanks
allen
btw, i would have put this in the truck area but it's a little different cause i have an ls1 and not a 5.3.
<small>[ October 21, 2002, 09:26 PM: Message edited by: FarmTruc ]</small>
on the way home, a tube popped off the head and let all the water out ( the tube that connects the front of the heads) i didn't have any antifreeze in it so i didn't smell or notice it. then the engine started running like **** and then i noticed it was overheating. it probably hit almost 290deg. well, i let it cool and then fixed the tube and filled it up. i don't hear any clatter or i'm not wasting water or oil and neither appear in each other. but the engine sounds louder, it feels just as fast, but it's like a beast now.
what can i check to ensure i'm not running on a worn out engine.
i figure, compression, that's all i can think of.
any ideas,
thanks
allen
btw, i would have put this in the truck area but it's a little different cause i have an ls1 and not a 5.3.
<small>[ October 21, 2002, 09:26 PM: Message edited by: FarmTruc ]</small>
TECH Resident
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 829
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From: Fremont, CA
Re: Overheated my ls1, how to check for damage If you have access to a smog machine like i do, you can take the radiator cap off, start the car and hold the smog probe over the opening in the radiator, if you see alot of HC's, you have a blown head gasket. If you dont have that kind of access, check for smoke on cold startup and when you rev it warm. White smoke would be a blown head gasket. But since you said you arent losing oil or coolant, you may be ok. Just keep an eye on it.
