| Trip Report [message #219790] |
Sat, 24 August 2013 18:00  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
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The GMC is still in the driveway, where it was placed by the wrecker after its first excitement laden trip.
http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=204653&rid=3115#msg_204653
But as the latest developments read like a bad adventure, I'd thought I would share.
Adventures in Engine building:
Due to zealous code enforcement, I decided on a "hot swap" of a replacement with minimal "up on blocks" time, as opposed to pulling and rebuilding the existing engine. Found a 70 toronado 455 that was "stored inside" and "ran when parked"(as it turned out it must have been parked sometime during the Carter administration) for less than the cost of a core.
This should have been a clue, but I'm a hopeless optimist.
I recently scored a home built gmc engine hoist at an estate sale, and my brother is a mechanic, so we were set, right?
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p50576-image70.html
The plan was to swap in a runner while the original was sent to JimB for rebuilding. However, the swap into the motorhome being what it is, my brother talked me into freshening up "the runner" first. The bores looked pretty good, no lip - just a little carbon.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p49800-clean-cylinders-i-got-lucky.html
But it looks like the head gasket was leaking and the coked oil in the galley was impressive.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p49801-valley-of-death.html
So the block, crank, pistons and heads get sent to the local machine shop to get checked out cleaned up and machined where necessary. Three and a half weeks later, we get it all back.
The honing reveals there is an edge but we are determined to use the stock pistons as this is still just a freshening project.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p50574-image69.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p50571-image66.html
So we flip it over to install the crank and can't get the rod ends off. End up breaking a piston skirt. So, back it goes, and after much discussion it is decided that the skirt breaking was gods way of saving me from the folly of cheapness. Bore it 30 over and get new pistons.
Fast forward two weeks. Shop bores it 030 over and we have new pistons. Shop mounts the pistons on the rods and we try it again. Get the pistons in and rods on the crank and it will not turn without a 2' cheater bar. remove rod nuts and "1 pops off - bearing is crushed, WTF? My brother is stumped so he call a buddy who looks at it and proclaims the rods are on backwards. So, it all goes back to the machine shop.
Now might be a good time to remind the reader that while two middle age jokers might be able to afford the tools to monkey with an engine, it doesn't mean it is a good idea.
The machine shop looks at our handiwork and comes to the conclusion above. Luckily it is a friend of my brothers and he offers to complete the longblock assembly, and warranty it so that we are no longer a danger to ourselves. The "freshen-up" has turned into a full rebuild.
Unfortunately with football season upon us, and I still have to attend to the onan and the roof ac - I don't think we will be tailgating GMC-style this year.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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