Good catch! Would have been one big 
Catastrophe averted
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Catastrophe averted
Sometimes rebuilds are necessary, sometimes we do them because "its about time."
I thought I would share my "yikes" moment for the evening.
I thought I would share my "yikes" moment for the evening.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Looks like it's about time to do somethin' about somethin'...
I pulled mine apart for a couple of reasons and as we were removing the components, we started realizing how good the timing was (no pun intended):
---60# valve spring seat pressure (120# is tired...)
---3 bent pushrods...one of them a pretzel
---2 lifters starting to wipe
---Old nylon timing gear waiting to strip
---Several chipped valve crowns
---2 very near blowout points on my head gaskets
This was all on a GM assembled LT-1 engine that was dated between 1976 and 1978. We estimate that the engine hasn't seen 10k miles since put in the car around then, judging by the wall/ring condition
Any one of these things could have created CATASTROPHIC failure inside the engine and I would have been looking for a core block. As it was, I was able to start with a "9 out of 10" 4-bolt main old-school engine for my rebuild.
Score one for catching problems before they're problems. Good job!!!
I pulled mine apart for a couple of reasons and as we were removing the components, we started realizing how good the timing was (no pun intended):
---60# valve spring seat pressure (120# is tired...)
---3 bent pushrods...one of them a pretzel
---2 lifters starting to wipe
---Old nylon timing gear waiting to strip
---Several chipped valve crowns
---2 very near blowout points on my head gaskets
This was all on a GM assembled LT-1 engine that was dated between 1976 and 1978. We estimate that the engine hasn't seen 10k miles since put in the car around then, judging by the wall/ring condition
Any one of these things could have created CATASTROPHIC failure inside the engine and I would have been looking for a core block. As it was, I was able to start with a "9 out of 10" 4-bolt main old-school engine for my rebuild.
Score one for catching problems before they're problems. Good job!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
No telling how long it's been that way. Amazing that it didn't let go, though. The 'loose' half of that keeper is all that was retaining the other half so that the valve didn't drop. WHEW!!! 
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,595
Likes: 7,043
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
BUT I have to go into the garage and yank a couple valve covers.....
you know.........
just to be safe and all!
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
There were many minor symptoms that made me start the tear down, I'm glad I made the decision.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Indeed. My comb just got a little finer.
There should be a smiley for that.