I know my engine is shot.

Case75 said:
Tried turning the engine over today just to see if it had seized. The good news is it's not seized. The bad news is it won't start.
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Are you thinking timing chain now then Greg? Could the pistons have hit the valves in the event of a chain failure? (interference engine?)

Wondering if you've got into it at all -- I know you're busy with other projects.

Bummer for sure.

I'd be pleased to show you the '94 after returning and also to hook up with Brad to compare notes too. I haven' seen his C4 yet and looking forward to it.

I'll see if I can break free to run up your way soon.

G/L with diagnosis and repairs.

C.
 
Your correct Colin...too busy with renos to get into the engine. I might pull the plugs out one of these days and take the cap off the distributor, that way I can try turning it over by hand and watch the rotor for any sign of rotation. If it doesn't turn...timing chain?

I would love to have you up this way. Southampton has a great cruise night on Thursday nights.
 
Greg, did you lift the distributor cap off yet. Probably find the rotor and and cap all in shreds from them bashing into each other.
 
if the motor is turning freely, pull the valve covers and inspect the valve train for obvious signs of damage,broken springs,bent valves/pushrods,missing keepers etc. by having a buddy turn it over by hand. put your thumb over each plug hole to check for squeeze and listen closely for noises.
 
buckhorn76 said:
if the motor is turning freely, pull the valve covers and inspect the valve train for obvious signs of damage,broken springs,bent valves/pushrods,missing keepers etc. by having a buddy turn it over by hand. put your thumb over each plug hole to check for squeeze and listen closely for noises.
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Thanks For the tips Doug. I'll be sure to try this. I only cranked it a few spins but noticed a drag on the starter like the battery was low. Except the battery is right up. Tells me something is broke.
 
Sorry to hear your summer is done with the car Greg but I must say in agreement with others that your attitude is great! Makes me feel a bit silly about pouting that my car is dumping coolant on the ground. I'm very interested to hear what could have happened to your engine!
 
Thanks Riley. I'm taking it in stride. It's not the end of the world. I'm not going to pretend that I'm happy about it but stuff happens. It'll be a learning experience. I've endured worse things in life.
 
Ok this I'm not happy about. I was putting the garbage out this morning; the Vette is now backed into the garage as that is how it came off of the flatbed. It's a nice sunny morning and my garage faces southeast. The sun is reflecting off of the hood when I notice a 1.5 inch long crack in the middle of the hood that lines up perfectly with the wingnut on the top of the air cleaner. It looks like whatever let go in the engine caused it to jump up violently and cracked the hood. :mad: This just keeps getting better. :(
 
Oh no! Sounds like major failure.
I hope it isn't but you seem to be prepared for that as well as a hood repair...

Glad you weren't on a very long trip when she decided to 'expire'.

Greg, your luck has to change sooner or later......:(

Stay positive my friend and remember, as I have lately, that you have lots of friends and help here.

C.
 
Holy moly!!! Have to checked to see what is loose? Could a backfire do that? Do you think the cam broke?....but then I don't think it would have fired.... Well that sucks Greg. I hope that is all you find!!!
 
Pulled the valve covers off this afternoon. From a visual and checking by hand the valvetrain looks good. I started pulling plugs and got 7 of them out. Can't get the socket on #8 due to the way the header pipe curves. I'll have to find a shorter socket. The 7 plugs I checked have no detonation damage. Electrodes are all even and gapped at about .050 Plugs are a bit black from running to rich. No oil fouling on the plugs either. Engine mounts look good. Oil does not smell burnt either. Once I get the last plug out I'll try rolling it over by hand and watch the valvetrain. The crack in the hood appears to be just the clearcoat after checking it more closely. I have a Performer RPM intake and with a drop base air cleaner it just cleared the hood. The engine definitely jumped as it shut down. I can see the scrape on the underside of the hood.

And thanks for the words of encouragement Colin. :)
 
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Greg,

Having suffered the loss of several tractor engines in my life I know that there is no greater, sinking feeling than the possibility and then knowledge of an engine heading south. I've a 446 in a grain truck that is in the process of reaching its end of its life too. I just hope it will last through this harvest.

I can only wish that after the renos and other projects that you have to undertake that there will be a few sheckles kicking around for a rebuild and hopefully upgrades for 2014.

With luck there may be significant portions of the engine which can be used again. Start writing up your dream engine build and then go from there..........

Cheers,

Garry
 
Thanks Garry (I have a brother named Gary).

I'm thinking of a 383 longblock if I can swing it. I can reuse my accessory drives, headers and fairly new water pump. Intake and carb too if need be. I dream of converting the car to a 5-speed manual but that would require even more funds.
 
buckhorn76 said:
as long as it's not full of chinese parts. :eek:
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The cam is a Comp Magnum 286 and the rotating assembly is from Eagle. The rest of the parts are branded Summit. You still have to put it together which I'm not equipped to do.
 

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