Engine bit the dust
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Rockstar
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
Engine bit the dust Well, about 2 weeks ago my radiator cracked open and it over heated.
Yesterday I put a new radiator in and test drove it, it still drove as bad as it did right before it cracked. It died right before I got to my driveway.
Tried starting it up, and I hear this horrible metallic screaming.
Today, after letting her cool completely down, I started it and it cranked up, but the sound is still there, and worse actually. Checked the oil, there's antifreeze in it.
I'll be pulling the engine to get a handle on exactly what the problem is, I'm expecting a cracked head at minimum, but I believe it is much worse than that.
Depending on what I find I'll either be rebuilding it, or possibly parting it out. This is the tough part for me, I really enjoy this car, but what I have wanted for a long time is a pre 74 C3 to restore.
Until it all pans out I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts.
I'll keep the thread updated with pics of what I find.
I might add that it has 228K miles, it had a good run.
Yesterday I put a new radiator in and test drove it, it still drove as bad as it did right before it cracked. It died right before I got to my driveway.
Tried starting it up, and I hear this horrible metallic screaming.
Today, after letting her cool completely down, I started it and it cranked up, but the sound is still there, and worse actually. Checked the oil, there's antifreeze in it.
I'll be pulling the engine to get a handle on exactly what the problem is, I'm expecting a cracked head at minimum, but I believe it is much worse than that.
Depending on what I find I'll either be rebuilding it, or possibly parting it out. This is the tough part for me, I really enjoy this car, but what I have wanted for a long time is a pre 74 C3 to restore.
Until it all pans out I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts.
I'll keep the thread updated with pics of what I find.
I might add that it has 228K miles, it had a good run.
That really sucks man! I hope the best for you and yur motor...
I figured if my car was ever done for it'd be because I wrapped it around a telephone pole, or a light pole, ect...
I've always said If I crash my car, I'd take my motor and tranny and put them in a Chevelle, or '77 Trans am or something oldschool...tough break tho
I figured if my car was ever done for it'd be because I wrapped it around a telephone pole, or a light pole, ect...
I've always said If I crash my car, I'd take my motor and tranny and put them in a Chevelle, or '77 Trans am or something oldschool...tough break tho
If you have a lot of work on the other parts of the car, and the body is in good condition, I'd say go ahead and fix it. That way you'd know what you have and can rebuild it the way you want. If the rest of the car is even a little beat, just part it out because LT1s are dirt cheap right now, especially those with around 100k miles.
Yup id have to say he hit it right on the nose. Thats not so so bad tho. with the mileage yours had it was due for a rebuild anyway. a simple rebuild shouldnt cost much...
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I had a similar situation. My water pump (mechanical I should add) let go on me instantly at 70mph and the engine overheated.
I replaced the water pump and the engine never overheated again. Never ran hot, no white smoke, no shitty mileage or performance, but one day about 3 weeks after the initial water pump failure I went to start it and it was hydrolocked.
I ended up pulling the motor (figuring something might have been bent or broken and didn't want to take the chance on just a head gasket change) and rebuilding it. Of course I'm rebuilding mine for boost, but you can just do a stock rebuild or something. FWIW, my only damage was the head gasket - but since I already pulled the motor I figured why not?
Or instead of rebuilding you could get a used motor off of ls1tech.com, camaroz28.com, craigslist, junkyard, etc.
I replaced the water pump and the engine never overheated again. Never ran hot, no white smoke, no shitty mileage or performance, but one day about 3 weeks after the initial water pump failure I went to start it and it was hydrolocked.
I ended up pulling the motor (figuring something might have been bent or broken and didn't want to take the chance on just a head gasket change) and rebuilding it. Of course I'm rebuilding mine for boost, but you can just do a stock rebuild or something. FWIW, my only damage was the head gasket - but since I already pulled the motor I figured why not?
Or instead of rebuilding you could get a used motor off of ls1tech.com, camaroz28.com, craigslist, junkyard, etc.
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