The GMC 248 has been the most reliable engine I've ever seen, and it's simple enough that even I could maintain it. It has failed to start three times in 25 years, and two of those were my fault. Now, the headgasket is gonzo, sweet smelling steam pours out the exhaust. One of the con rods goes clunk on cold starts. Rebuild, immediately; obviously!
But wait, I don't have a garage to work in, my truck sleeps in the rain. Furthermore, there's a clause in my lease that specifically forbids work that would render the vehicle immobile for more than 24 hours. Can't pull apart the engine in the parking lot.
Get an estimate from a shop! Inlines are way easier than V8's, right? Nah, they all say pull it and send it to a machine shop... total cost would be double my entire savings.
Okay, then, what options are within my budget? Different engine?
Maybe an inline you can find parts for? That would require moving the motor mounts, but not much else in modification. I'd have to buy new intake/exhaust/pumps/pans but that will still be less than the shop (new pumps were included in the rebuild estimate as well).
BLASPHEMY! Destroying the purity of this vintage... um... work truck. When I first acquired the GMC panel it had a 228 laid to rest in the back with a rod poking out the side. The engine that's in it seems to be a wrecking yard find. Haven't a clue about actual miles or hours of operation, let's just say it's not original and well past its warranty. When it hasn't been used as a moving van by nearly everyone I know, it's been a rolling storage locker. I'd like to make it my wheelchair van, if I can find a lift that will clear the bumper and retract inside the doors. There's a place north of Seattle that harvests and resells wheelchair lifts, I'll see what they have. But, I digress.
What about the SM420 transmission? I've successfully ignored the input shaft bearing until the clutch throw-out began shouting even louder. I have a 4L60 automatic I'd love to see through a fresh-cut hole in the cab floor.
Hey, if you're gonna replace that GMC block with a bowtie, why not LS? Money, honey! I am a cripple with a very limited income, and if I can't afford to rebuild the inline, I sure can't afford a full LS conversion. Let's not forget this is a 3 ton vehicle, it will
never be fast.
So, that's what's kept me busy during lockdown. How are you doing?
