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hello, new to this forum, wish I had joined a decade + ago but here we are... after owning a 2008 z06 and now this 72 lt-1, finding out the hard way should have done some homework on good mechanics to handle maintenance and repairs.
On my 72 L-1, 80k miles, had oil blow out into the cabin. local mechanic advised he tool care of it, this was likely the moment the engine seized, but got back from him and ran another 500 miles....then total breakdown (a lot of noise under hood) so pulled over and engine would no longer turn over back on again, had towed to a new mechanic... original motor, matching number vehicle. - new mechanic wants to replace the engine. we asked for it to be rebuilt and he is advising it's not an option.
Any recommendations out here for a second opinion shop in the Northern New Jersey area?
Trying to unpack what you wrote so let me see if I have this right.
You had oil in the passenger area? Leaking oil gauge connection?
Engine (original) is now seized and a mechanic says he cannot rebuild it? Does he say why? Cracked block?
We need some more details on the current state of your original engine. Personally I would do everything I could to save the original engine. Whatever you decide keep all the original parts.
Hello Andrew,
Welcome!!!
Very nice looking LT-!
I'm sorry to hear about your engine problems.
I'm going to make just one point now......
YOU MUST GUARD YOUR ORIGINAL ENGINE.
WHAT MAKES YOUR CAR SPECIAL IS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND IT'S STAMP PAD.
IF THE ENGINE IS REBUILT THE PAD MUST REMAIN UNTOUCHED.
IT'S SURFACE AND STAMPS MUST REMAIN AS THEY WERE WHEN THE CAR LEFT ST. LOUIS.
THIS IS VITAL.
I hope things go well as you proceed with this repair.
Regards....
hello, new to this forum, wish I had joined a decade + ago but here we are... after owning a 2008 z06 and now this 72 lt-1, finding out the hard way should have done some homework on good mechanics to handle maintenance and repairs.
On my 72 L-1, 80k miles, had oil blow out into the cabin. local mechanic advised he tool care of it, this was likely the moment the engine seized, but got back from him and ran another 500 miles....then total breakdown (a lot of noise under hood) so pulled over and engine would no longer turn over back on again, had towed to a new mechanic... original motor, matching number vehicle. - new mechanic wants to replace the engine. we asked for it to be rebuilt and he is advising it's not an option.
Any recommendations out here for a second opinion shop in the Northern New Jersey area?
Thanks
Andrew
I Googled "Corvette shop in Northern New Jersey" and it came up with three. Try Google.
Hello Andrew,
Welcome!!!
Very nice looking LT-!
I'm sorry to hear about your engine problems.
I'm going to make just one point now......
YOU MUST GUARD YOUR ORIGINAL ENGINE.
WHAT MAKES YOUR CAR SPECIAL IS THE ORIGINAL ENGINE AND IT'S STAMP PAD.
IF THE ENGINE IS REBUILT THE PAD MUST REMAIN UNTOUCHED.
IT'S SURFACE AND STAMPS MUST REMAIN AS THEY WERE WHEN THE CAR LEFT ST. LOUIS.
THIS IS VITAL.
I hope things go well as you proceed with this repair.
Regards....
If I were in the OP's position I'd remove the engine myself and put it in the corner of the shop until I could find a trustworthy rebuilder, then find someone to put a crate engine in if I didn't want to do that myself.
Welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear about the engine.
The oil spilling into the cabin definitely sounds like a ruptured oil pressure gauge line. Until 1974 they were a physical line of oil going all the way to the gauge rather than a wire with an electric signal from a sending unit. They’re plastic, and not uncommon to have issues with.
If the engine seized right then at that point you would not have been able to drive it another 500 or any number of miles. Not physically possible.
The LT-1 is a solid lifter engine. It requires valve adjustments at certain intervals to keep the correct lash. Has this been done recently prior to or during your ownership? Deferring this can definitely cause a bit of mechanical noise under the hood.
As you have found out these older cars have very few places that can work on them, and even fewer that can do it well. Even if you won’t be performing the work yourself you can save thousands of dollars and multiple headaches by at least learning what could’ve gone wrong yourself.
Like others have said the LT-1 is a very special engine, and you should do everything in your power to keep the original one in the car. I would find out exactly why the first mechanic didn’t want to rebuild the engine, then get a second opinion.
Trying to unpack what you wrote so let me see if I have this right.
You had oil in the passenger area? Leaking oil gauge connection?
Engine (original) is now seized and a mechanic says he cannot rebuild it? Does he say why? Cracked block?
We need some more details on the current state of your original engine. Personally I would do everything I could to save the original engine. Whatever you decide keep all the original parts.
Thanks, helping my father out on this one - he was the driver . .. .
That sounds correct, the leaking oil gauge under the hood leaked at first, that was the only real issue we had since purchasing it at 70,000 miles. The original owner has records of meticulous service. we brought it in to get repaired and then this happened, not blaming the last tech - more so in need of recommended local mechanics within an hour of NYC or so who are trusted. We run a plumbing and HVAC business, good techs are unfortunately hard to come by. Assuming these engines should be worked on by specialists.
We had it towed to a new shop in midland park, NJ; mechanic advises there was no coolant and engine coil / however the oil pressure was not low on any gauges, seemed to be operable. no smoke or steam ever out of the engine. just driving and all of a sudden heard something clanking, pulled over immediately, and wouldn't restart.
Hello Andrew,
Do you know about or are you a member of the NCRS.
If so you might consider contacting one of the local chapters.
They often know what and where reliable work is being done.
Regards.....
Central NJ Chapter
Ed Dinapoli 1150 Kearney Rd North Brunswick N.J. Zip08902 Phone:732-297-4280
Metro Long Island Chapter
Arthur Nastre 1906 Wilson Ave North Bellmore, NY11716 Phone: 516-578-5923
Thanks, helping my father out on this one - he was the driver . .. .
That sounds correct, the leaking oil gauge under the hood leaked at first, that was the only real issue we had since purchasing it at 70,000 miles. The original owner has records of meticulous service. we brought it in to get repaired and then this happened, not blaming the last tech - more so in need of recommended local mechanics within an hour of NYC or so who are trusted. We run a plumbing and HVAC business, good techs are unfortunately hard to come by. Assuming these engines should be worked on by specialists.
We had it towed to a new shop in midland park, NJ; mechanic advises there was no coolant and engine coil / however the oil pressure was not low on any gauges, seemed to be operable. no smoke or steam ever out of the engine. just driving and all of a sudden heard something clanking, pulled over immediately, and wouldn't restart.
Clanking. Did the mechanic say you threw a rod?
Take your time with this repair. As many have said that original engine block is what makes your car an LT1. Don’t let just anyone tell you it’s toast. I’ve been there. Most things can be fixed in the right hands.
1972 lt-1
