Did I just blow a head gasket?

[ocala]

Originally Posted by ocala

What is an ATK engine? Thanks

I check it out, thanks

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by luckydriver

i blew one last year driving and didnt know it......

Yep. That was me, too .

Originally Posted by luckydriver

......after it shut dont (sp)......it was towed home and started right up......

Mine would start up after 20-30 minutes.

Originally Posted by luckydriver

......we took out a plug and watched the stuff pour out..soup everywhere..not fun.......

THAT'S when we realized it'd blown a gasket. Good thing I had a spare engine 10 feet away .

Originally Posted by luckydriver

.......also cooked all the oil and heard a noise on the lower end of the motor so decided on a rebuild......

My engine still ran fine (meaning, no apparent damage) but I rebuilt anyway. Got a real good 383ci shortblock for sale now .

KW

[95Chwagon]

My first major auto repair was replacing a head gasket on a 89 ford thunderturd 6 months after I turned 16 (I've been beating on cars since day1 ). Didn't end up costing more than fluids, a head gasket and a some tools I didn't have yet.

If it didn't overheat the head may still be square and you'd be fine. It all depends how long you drove it like that.

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by 95Chwagon

......If it didn't overheat the head may still be square and you'd be fine. It all depends how long you drove it like that.

Be more concerned of coolent washing down into the oil pan and getting pumped onto you bearings.

Yep....coolent ruins bearings.

KW

[ocala]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm able to replace the head gaskets myself, but I don't want to do that and have my bearings go out next.

I didn't run the engine hot, but the gasket surely went out for a reason.

The oil is dark, and a little thicker than it should be. I use Mobil One and I'm not sure how it reacts with coolant, but I think I have more than oil here.

I don't really have the expertise to evaluate the engine if I pull it apart to decide what I need to replace, or service.

I appreciate your thought regarding the short block KW, but then I'd still have an engine that I'd either have to repair or give away. Plus I'd still have to determine if my heads and stuff were ok.

Anyway, I called Karl Ellwein today and we're going to get moving on ERE41!

Pulling the engine will be a new one to me, but at least I know Karl will get it right.

I think I might want to upgrade the heads while I'm at it. I'm going to post a WTB on that one, but if anyone has anything interesting please let me know.




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[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by ocala

......I appreciate your thought regarding the short block KW, but then I'd still have an engine that I'd either have to repair or give away. Plus I'd still have to determine if my heads and stuff were ok.

Anyway, I called Karl Ellwein today and we're going to get moving on ERE41!......

Cool.....I suppose ERE-41 will be a good deal for ya and that Karl will take good care of ya !

Still, the engine I'm selling is ERE-3.......so if ya know anyone who needs a good engine......push them my way !

KW

[luckydriver]

Originally Posted by ocala

What is an ATK engine? Thanks

http://www.atkvege.com/content/


i only choose them because the parts place down the street from me used them a long time with little to no issues...said the warranty work was never an issue even with DIY installs

i go to them for most of my parts and after this purchase they definitley know my name! comes in handy sometimes as they give me little breaks here or there.

$2300 and i'm over 12000 on the engine since august and no issues so i have to recommend them

[ocala]

Thanks for the info - looks like a good company.


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