The Ordeal Is Over!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
The Ordeal Is Over!
The Ordeal Is Over!
Two months ago, I looked at the L98 sitting in the bay of my wife’s car and thought, it can’t be that hard to pull the heads. Having failed smog, it needed a new EGR valve. Also the leaking valve guide seals leaked oil into the cylinders overnight and when you started it, the oil would get dumped into the catalytic converters, killing them too. Oil was also leaking out of the head gaskets as well, coating the block. The power steering hose or pump had leaked for years, leaving a ¾ inch thick sludge across the front crossmember and all over everything else.
It was Sunday, that I turned the key and it came to life running smoothly. No funny noises, no leaks and no big blue cloud billowing out the back. First time doing this and what took so long, was being careful and cleaning every single nut, bolt, bracket and assembly. Adjusted my own valves for the first time, though that took a few tries to get it right. Set up the timing too, and got that after much education. Thanks to all the gearheads at work, who gave me great advice!
Two months ago, I looked at the L98 sitting in the bay of my wife’s car and thought, it can’t be that hard to pull the heads. Having failed smog, it needed a new EGR valve. Also the leaking valve guide seals leaked oil into the cylinders overnight and when you started it, the oil would get dumped into the catalytic converters, killing them too. Oil was also leaking out of the head gaskets as well, coating the block. The power steering hose or pump had leaked for years, leaving a ¾ inch thick sludge across the front crossmember and all over everything else.
It was Sunday, that I turned the key and it came to life running smoothly. No funny noises, no leaks and no big blue cloud billowing out the back. First time doing this and what took so long, was being careful and cleaning every single nut, bolt, bracket and assembly. Adjusted my own valves for the first time, though that took a few tries to get it right. Set up the timing too, and got that after much education. Thanks to all the gearheads at work, who gave me great advice!
Last edited by F22; Oct 7, 2008 at 11:20 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Congratulations! 
Damn if you aren't a bonifide Corvette mechanic now. What a great feeling it is to do all that work and wait all that time to finally see the good results of your efforts. You have good reason to be proud of yourself! NEATO
Damn if you aren't a bonifide Corvette mechanic now. What a great feeling it is to do all that work and wait all that time to finally see the good results of your efforts. You have good reason to be proud of yourself! NEATO
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Thanks! 'Fear of Failure' is a very big motivator!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Before; (It can't be that hard)
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette002.jpg
During: (I was scared $hitless!)
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette037.jpg
After:: (Thank GOD!)
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette081.jpg
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette002.jpg
During: (I was scared $hitless!)
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette037.jpg
After:: (Thank GOD!)
http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orvette081.jpg