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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: K25 on October 20, 2015, 06:51:59 am

Title: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: K25 on October 20, 2015, 06:51:59 am

I did a stupid thing!  I checked my fluids before going on a two hour trip and forgot to replace my radiator cap.  Engine lost fluid, overheated, lost power and shut off driving down the interstate at 75 mph. Cooled it off and cranked it over but it would not start.  Pulled the #1 and #3 plugs and water was shooting out as I cranked it.  My question is should I rebuild or just replace the engine? 

Title: Re: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: FlatBlack77 on October 20, 2015, 03:02:49 pm

replace. some parts should be reusable but you are much better off just buying a crate engine.

and invest in a decent set of gauges lol

Title: Re: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: rich weyand on October 20, 2015, 07:51:03 pm

Yeah, you roached the heads, either warped or cracked, so I assume it is a 350.  They skinnied up the late 70s heads to reduce weight, and, uh, went a little too far.

Get one of these.  If you want it a little feistier, you can replace the cam before you put it in.
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance/809/10067353/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710611204&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000848859&cadevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAjwzJexBRCa_pGo8IK0ilASJABfGldbC5GxAWxeHxs0pc9pRx5UuO_8-KBmVNGXqcpKcm9PLhoCU6jw_wcB

Title: Re: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: K25 on October 21, 2015, 08:13:36 pm

Thanks!  Decided on the new 5.7L HO turn key from GM.

Title: Re: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: Dr_Snooz on October 22, 2015, 11:13:13 pm

No one's going to suggest that it might just be a blown headgasket? Seems at least worth a tear down to be sure.

Title: Re: Did a Stupid Thing!!
Post by: philo_beddoe on October 28, 2015, 10:18:44 am

Replacing this is easier.  On sale this week only, $10 rebate.
http://m.chevrolet.com/performance/crate-engines/big-block-anniversary-427.html#.VjDnE1_3bCQ