67-427ci

Took my car for a ride this morning and the temp spiked to 230* within a few blocks. Pulled over and it immediately dropped to 200*. Took off again and it did the same thing again. Took it home (only 6 blocks) and released the steam from the radiator and discovered it was alomost empty (no external leaks). Pulled the dip stick and found the oil was full of coolant . Pulled the valve covers and they were covered with the same milky sludge. Hooked up a radiator pressure tester and immediately heard a leak in the valley and saw (with a small mirror) a small stream of coolant coming from the base of the passenger side head. Pulled the intake and head and found this crack .

Only 15,000 miles on this engine since I bought it new. Unfortunately it is out of GM's warranty and I doubt they will even talk to me about it.

To me it looks like new engine time. I don't think this is repairable. The crack goes down at least 1" that I can see. I have to sleep on this one, it has not been a good day.
Roy

Jimbo64

Roy, sorry to hear of the engine problem, wonder what caused it. Good luck on the repair. What are you thinking of putting in? Getting closer to having seats done--waiting for quote from flyboyz in Horseheads-ever hear of them

Dennis Beck

Roy,
You do not deserve this!!!!!!!!! Hope you can come up with a solution that you can live with. Good Luck!!

Dennis

67-427ci

Jim: I have no idea yet exactly what I will do, except that it will be another Big Block. I'll have to move pretty fast if I want to make it to Carlisle, plus my trip to Texas in September.

I have heard of Flyboyz and understand they are very good at what they do.
Roy

ctjackster

Roy - that sux huge. Even If you go basic BB and still make Carlisle you are the real deal!

67vetteal

Good Luck Roy! I always enjoy your postings. Al W.

mrg

Sorry to see this happened to you, Roy. .. It had to be the block, of all things - not something simple, like a head gasket or the next worst case; a cracked head.

Even with the engine out of warranty, all things considered it would seem GM should be willing to take a hard look at what happened and possibly make right on it. ..

knight37128

It's the thin Mexican castings.

You have everything else, buy a new block.

Hitch

Roy,

That absolutely sucks... I know you'll have another one in there in no time. Dave

Paul L

I am sorry to read of your misfortune....

crw41

Sorry for the bad news.

Roy - did PT install, that engine for you?

Nick D.

Roy, sorry about the motor. Aren't you glad it happened close to home instead of on the road somewhere?.... Was this a "crate" motor or ?? Gen IV, V? 454? I know the Gen IV's had trouble with oil consumption due to "low tension" rings, kind of out of touch with the big block world. Please let us know what you find.
Good luck,
Nick

Shurshot

Sorry for that

Let that be "buyer beware" for late GM crate motors and maybe someone else can be saved this experience.

Doug

John BX NY

Roy,
If it's a GM Goodwrench engine, all may not be lost. The engine warranty is 36 months or or 50,000 miles (whichever first occurs).
The warranty begins on the date of engine installation. I suggest you go to the dealer where the engine was purchased and make your case.

good luck

Glenn O.

Roy,
That sucks. I thought I was the only one that always had bad luck. I am no expert but from that picture I cant imagine that could be welded. That crack looks like it goes right through the bolt hole. I hope you get it worked out. Good luck Glenn Oister

67-427ci

When I purchased it the warranty was 12 months/12,000 miles. GM upgraded the warranty recently to 24 months/50,000 miles. They are not making it retroactive to the earlier purchases. My engine is 2 1/2 years old with 15,000 miles on it.
Roy

Shurshot

Hi Roy

Sorry about the tough break but you are not alone

There are a lot of horror stories surrounding late model GM big blocks in the 454 and 502 configuration. IMHO unless one can find an older good one (not sure of the production dates, maybe someone else will contribute them) that is a reason to weigh the cost of an high dollar aftermarket one.

One good place to look could be a "fresh water" marine salvage or parts yard. The marine blocks were a tad heavier but the increase weight was in critical places making them highly desirable for the racing crowd.

On the plus side considering your skill level I expect when you are back up and running you will be at the head of the pack........ no more unlucky dog days for you

Doug

rj8806

hey Roy, sorry to hear about that.

On a side note, would you mind if I sent your driveshaft and slip yoke to dave? You won't be needing it now.
I'm only kidding, hoping to make you smile in this not so happy time.


Richard

Black_Magic

OUCH

That Sucks BIG TIME

George

Vogie

I just read an article about selecting blocks. It indicated that cracks in the block deck like that are a result of stress. If I recall correctly that hole goes into the water jacket. I would guess an over-torque or tightened out of sequence unless there was a core shift making the block thin at that spot.

I'm really sorry that this happened. Good luck.