At the end of my rope...

[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

[Longhorn Man]

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

[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.

[Jacfourteen]

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]

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]

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]

Yes its a 4 speed SM465 with a NP205 behind it

[Longhorn Man]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[turner15]

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

[vectorit]

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.

[charx2]

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!