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#68394 11/09/2006 9:02 PM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 24 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 24 | I have been working on getting this truck in running condition since I got it. C60 Brakes, cooling, exhaust...etc. I pretty much decided to pull the engine and go through it this winter but wanted to use it to cut firewood this fall. Last weekend it started to burn water...white exhaust. I figured the head gasket blew, and thought I could fix it and continue using the truck. Well today I pulled the head and I found, along with a small chunk missing in the #4 piston, and oil in the intake manifold, there is a repaired head bolt (heli-coil) in front left position. Will this damaged block cause problems, can it be fixed, (another heli-coil) any other solutions, or should I look for a replacement? Thanks for your help Bill | | |
#68395 11/09/2006 9:55 PM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | WCKaner,
I think a properly installed Heli-Coil has as least the strength of the original fastener.
If the insert is intact and in good condition, is doesn't have to be removed. I don't know if that head bolt extends into the water jacket, but that would be the only concern...sealing it with some Permatex etc.
Stuart | | |
#68396 11/09/2006 10:28 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I was just reading a new book on fasteners, bolts etc. They mentioned the heli-coil and said that they should equal the original thread in strength. Also you can relieve stress on it by using a stud. | | |
#68397 11/09/2006 11:24 PM | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Look real close around that area of the block. They were weak & prone to cracking around there. That is why they specify 85 ft. lbs. torque on that bolt & 95 on the rest. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
#68398 11/10/2006 5:34 AM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | Just come on up here to Iowa and get another one from me. It's complete and cheap, Scott | | |
#68399 11/10/2006 4:54 PM | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,194 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,194 | It was the 250's that were weak at the front head bolt, the 292s are taller so there is more iron around and below the head bolt. Just to be sure block is OK, clean the area real good and spray some brake clean on it to dry it out. If there is a crack, oil will seep out and show up on the freshly brake cleaned area. Putting studs in the four corners is recommended, but makes it a little difficult to get the head on if its in the truck. Joe | | |
#68400 11/10/2006 6:12 PM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | Had a buddy years ago rebuilt a 350 Poncho, & stripped a main cap bolt. They are huge on those engines & torqued to 125ft/lbs. Block all bored, cleaned & cam bearing'd. We Helicoiled it and the last I heard the engine was still going after about 15yrs, one '70 GTO, & one 79 Firebird. I wouldn't be afraid of it,,Brian | | |
#68401 11/10/2006 6:54 PM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 24 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 24 | Thanks everyone for your advise! Does the heli-coil come for a specific size bolt or are they generic? The old one came out wrapped around the head bolt. I started taking the front end off "The Truck" in preparation to pull the motor. I'll put it in the shop for the winter (once I make rooom, bigger project than rebuilding)
Scott I might take you up on the offer. I will be traveling up 35W to Duluth for my next Grandchild's birth sometime around Jan. Maybe on the return I could swing over. Thanks again for your help. Bill | | |
#68402 11/10/2006 10:19 PM | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Each bolt size & thread count has a little kit by itself with the nessesary tools & instuctions. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
#68403 11/11/2006 2:22 AM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | E-mail me and I'll give you the scoop. I would really like to find this engine a new home (it's taking up valuable storage space) since I'm a V-8 kinda guy. Also have a 250ci and a 230ci, but a 292 would work best in your big truck. Let me know, Scott | | |
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