At the end of my rope... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71GMCer · 06-22-2010, 09:42 PM

Hey all,

Well some news hit me that shook my foundation on whether to keep the truck or not.

Apparently the thrust washer on my Crank is gone causing the crank to move and eat the rear main seal (The cause of my leak i believe) And my mechanic (which is a good friend of mine, i help do most of the work) Anyways he says that ill need to pull the motor and get it machined....

Do you guys think its worth it? I absolutely love my truck but im looking at a hefty bill in the future so i dunno what to do

Its definately depressing

Matt

Longhorn Man · 06-22-2010, 10:14 PM

get a quote on fixing it, then get a quote on a new crate motor + labor. You just might be suprized

Schwinn68 · 06-22-2010, 10:17 PM

what about getting a new short block and switching everything over. If you've already got a good top end this is what I would look into doing.

Jacfourteen · 06-22-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schwinn68

what about getting a new short block and switching everything over. If you've already got a good top end this is what I would look into doing.

That sounds like the cheapest route to me. What condition is the motor in other than the crank walk?

71GMCer · 06-22-2010, 10:35 PM

The motor is in good condition...havent really opened it all up but she runs like a deer!

And a short block is simply a block or is it with some components? Im not quite sure which one is which (long block and short block)

Matt

trusty72 · 06-22-2010, 10:42 PM

A short block is block with internals (pistons crank rods cam etc) and the oil pan. add heads and its a long block. Is it a manual transmission? It must be worn awful bad to eat the seal.

71GMCer · 06-22-2010, 10:44 PM

Yes its a 4 speed SM465 with a NP205 behind it

Longhorn Man · 06-23-2010, 12:37 PM

i would opt for the long block or a GM crate if I was in your shoes. No way would I slap old questionable heads on a new short block.

71GMCer · 06-23-2010, 01:46 PM

ok so now the question would be...how easy are aluminum heads to strip when putting new plugs in? Ive heard some bad things about them so im just wondering if there a good idea?

Longhorn Man · 06-23-2010, 01:50 PM

if it's a stock motor, then there's not much reason IMO. They are a bit lighter, and cool a little better, but no need in a stock engine. If it was, then they would have come that way.
Iron is mega cheaper, doesn't warp as easily, and in a stock engine, works just as well.

However, to answer the actual question, as long as you coat the plugs with anti-seize, it'll never happen.

GASoline71 · 06-23-2010, 02:43 PM

The SBC crank thrust ring surface being eaten away is a common prob on high mileage engines. The 350 in my 1972 GMC was the same way when I got it. But I was planning on a full on rebuild anyways.

In your case, a good shortblock will be EZPZ to do. Pulling the engine yourself isn't really all that hard. Just labor intensive.

Gary

junkyardjohn · 06-23-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71GMCer

Hey all,

Well some news hit me that shook my foundation on whether to keep the truck or not.
Apparently the thrust washer on my Crank is gone causing the crank to move and eat the rear main seal (The cause of my leak i believe) And my mechanic (which is a good friend of mine, i help do most of the work) Anyways he says that ill need to pull the motor and get it machined....
Do you guys think its worth it? I absolutely love my truck but im looking at a hefty bill in the future so i dunno what to do

Its definately depressing
Matt

SHOOT MATT... THOSE ARE THE KINDA VEHICALS I LOVE TO BUY. DEPRESSED, OVERWELMED OWNER, MOTOR NEEDING REBUILT = A BARGAIN. FORGET ABOUT ALUMINUM HEADS, QUIT WHINEING.. & FIX THE DAMN THING. IF NOTHING ELSE THE EXPERIANCE WILL DO YOU SOME GOOD. OR SELL IT AT A BARGAIN PRICE, & LOOK FOR A GOOD 10 YEAR OLD ESCORT. TOTALLY UP TO YOU.

JOHN

charx2 · 06-23-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

SHOOT MATT... THOSE ARE THE KINDA VEHICALS I LOVE TO BUY. DEPRESSED, OVERWELMED OWNER, MOTOR NEEDING REBUILT = A BARGAIN. FORGET ABOUT ALUMINUM HEADS, QUIT WHINEING.. & FIX THE DAMN THING. IF NOTHING ELSE THE EXPERIANCE WILL DO YOU SOME GOOD. OR SELL IT AT A BARGAIN PRICE, & LOOK FOR A GOOD 10 YEAR OLD ESCORT. TOTALLY UP TO YOU.

JOHN

I hear that, I would look at this opportunity for me to learn how to rebuild, assemble and/or install a motor into my baby. It is the best feeling in the world when you do something like that for the first time. Take your time and do your research, it will all work out fine. Good luck!

turner15 · 06-23-2010, 03:24 PM

I agree just swap it. You may get a complete 350 ready to go.. Easy to install.

vectorit · 06-23-2010, 03:34 PM

What is your budget for this situation?

That will determine a lot, as to which direction to go next.

Fix what you have.
Used engine vs new engine.
stock vs performance upgrades.

Figure out what your budget is, then decide the best route to take after that.

Let us know what that budget is, and we can all give you some help on the best direction to take.

06-22-2010, 09:42 PM	#1
71GMCer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 116	At the end of my rope... Hey all, Well some news hit me that shook my foundation on whether to keep the truck or not. Apparently the thrust washer on my Crank is gone causing the crank to move and eat the rear main seal (The cause of my leak i believe) And my mechanic (which is a good friend of mine, i help do most of the work) Anyways he says that ill need to pull the motor and get it machined.... Do you guys think its worth it? I absolutely love my truck but im looking at a hefty bill in the future so i dunno what to do Its definately depressing Matt __________________ 1970 GMC 1/2 Ton 4x4 350sbc SM465 NP205

06-22-2010, 10:14 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: At the end of my rope... get a quote on fixing it, then get a quote on a new crate motor + labor. You just might be suprized

06-22-2010, 10:17 PM	#3
Schwinn68 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Minooka IL Posts: 191	Re: At the end of my rope... what about getting a new short block and switching everything over. If you've already got a good top end this is what I would look into doing. __________________ Ben _____________________________________ 1971 Chevy shortbed 350/4-speed sold 2005 Chevy Duramax EC/4x4 Local 597 Pipefitters certified TIG MIG and stick welder

06-22-2010, 10:35 PM	#5
71GMCer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 116	Re: At the end of my rope... The motor is in good condition...havent really opened it all up but she runs like a deer! And a short block is simply a block or is it with some components? Im not quite sure which one is which (long block and short block) Matt __________________ 1970 GMC 1/2 Ton 4x4 350sbc SM465 NP205

06-22-2010, 10:42 PM	#6
trusty72 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: ft smith arkansas Posts: 131	Re: At the end of my rope... A short block is block with internals (pistons crank rods cam etc) and the oil pan. add heads and its a long block. Is it a manual transmission? It must be worn awful bad to eat the seal. __________________ 1972 super cheyenne 1970 Suburb

06-22-2010, 10:44 PM	#7
71GMCer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 116	Re: At the end of my rope... Yes its a 4 speed SM465 with a NP205 behind it __________________ 1970 GMC 1/2 Ton 4x4 350sbc SM465 NP205

06-23-2010, 12:37 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: At the end of my rope... i would opt for the long block or a GM crate if I was in your shoes. No way would I slap old questionable heads on a new short block.

06-23-2010, 01:46 PM	#9
71GMCer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kelowna, Canada Posts: 116	Re: At the end of my rope... ok so now the question would be...how easy are aluminum heads to strip when putting new plugs in? Ive heard some bad things about them so im just wondering if there a good idea? __________________ 1970 GMC 1/2 Ton 4x4 350sbc SM465 NP205

06-23-2010, 01:50 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: At the end of my rope... if it's a stock motor, then there's not much reason IMO. They are a bit lighter, and cool a little better, but no need in a stock engine. If it was, then they would have come that way. Iron is mega cheaper, doesn't warp as easily, and in a stock engine, works just as well. However, to answer the actual question, as long as you coat the plugs with anti-seize, it'll never happen.

06-23-2010, 03:24 PM	#14
turner15 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Canada Posts: 265	Re: At the end of my rope... I agree just swap it. You may get a complete 350 ready to go.. Easy to install.

06-23-2010, 03:34 PM	#15
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: At the end of my rope... What is your budget for this situation? That will determine a lot, as to which direction to go next. Fix what you have. Used engine vs new engine. stock vs performance upgrades. Figure out what your budget is, then decide the best route to take after that. Let us know what that budget is, and we can all give you some help on the best direction to take. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU



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