427 s/o engine melt down??????

lineslinger · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 10:18 AM

Yeah......but what was the rookie mistake,...... nobodys going to dump on Scott, but I would like to know so I don't committ the same error myself.

HSSS427 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 10:36 AM

I know everyone is sitting at the computers, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga. So here it is......

Talked to Tony Hull aka Cracker about the scenario and here's what we've figured thus far:

1. The rookie mistake was when I filled the engine with coolant, I neglected the fact that I have a thermostat on the engine, thus when you poor the coolant into the surge tank it fills the hoses and radiator, but doesn't fill the engine block.
2. This caused the engine to overheat but my water temp didn't show it as it was reading air temp since the water wasn't getting to it.
3. The water pump had no resistance to the water, so it was just freewheeling and thus throwing off the fan belt
4. The engine got hot enough for the rings to loose tension, which resulted in blow by, thus blowing the oil out the breater and oil dipstick
5. Blew the head gasket as when I drained the oil, I had water in the pan

So, repeat item #1 for education: MAKE SURE YOU TAKE OUT THE THERMOSTAT WHEN FILLING THE ENGINE WITH COOLANT SO THAT THE BLOCK GETS FILLED WITH COOLANT. AND DON'T TRUST THE WATER TEMP GAUGE TO INDICATE YOU HAVE A PROBLEM IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE!

Also, Keith Craft, being the class act he is, just called me after getting word of this post. He suggested I'm on the right track and to call if I needed advice. Also, Cracker is going to stop by to offer moral support and counsel.

In short, here's where I'm at:

- Stipping down the top of the engine so I can remove the intake and heads
- Keith suggested I check that all the pistons are coming up to same heigth (ie haven't screwed up a rod or bearings)
- Check the piston tops, etc
- Install new head gasket and re-assemble
- MAKE SURE I TAKE OUT THE THERMOSTAT WHEN FILLING THE ENGINE WITH COOLANT SO THAT THE BLOCK GETS FILLED WITH COOLANT.
- Do a pressure test and leak down test - per Keith looking for somewhere around 200 psi and consistent level across all cylinder
- See if it's smokin or running poorly

Still offering incense and slaughtered calves to the engine gods in hopes its just the head gasket and I don't have to re-build the short block. Prayers and like offerings appreciated

Thanks!
Scott



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