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Well, after 169000 miles, the 'ol 460 up and died. Things started going south one morning (Wednesday) when I went to start her up for work. It sat there in the driveway and idled a bit rough initially and then cleared up after a few minutes. That afternoon, she wouldn't start. I checked the battery (of course), found the positive terminal loose, snugged that down and drove home. Got out the trusty wrench, tightened said terminal, and thought 'all is well in the world.'
Thursday morning, however, the world stopped spinning. I got in to start her up for work, and nothing! Checked the positive terminal...still snug. Checked the negative terminal...snug, too. Went in and got out the voltmeter...12 volts at the battery. Tried starting her again and she fired...but running rough. Back to the battery with the meter...yep...14 volts and change. Then, it happened...a big puff of steam off the back of the motor near the firewall. First thought was a freeze plug went (it's been cold here in Nebraska). So, I dove under to check things out. Couldn't see any coolant running out of the backside of the block...checked out the plug that I had replaced recently on the passenger side...still good. That's when I noticed coolant leaking out of the junction of the passenger-side header collector-to-exhaust pipe. And, she was making some odd noises at the oil pan. So, I went to the tail pipes. I gunned it and a huge plume of white smoke (steam) came out. I shut it off, pulled the oil dipstick...still black. But the level looked high. Not a good sign.
So, since it's my daily driver, I called the engine guy and we're putting in a reman this week. Sure, I could have had the head gaskets replaced but the labor for that was almost the same as for an engine swap...and I'd still be left with a tired motor. At least this way, I get new power and piece of mind. Just wanted to give everyone an update.
Thursday morning, however, the world stopped spinning. I got in to start her up for work, and nothing! Checked the positive terminal...still snug. Checked the negative terminal...snug, too. Went in and got out the voltmeter...12 volts at the battery. Tried starting her again and she fired...but running rough. Back to the battery with the meter...yep...14 volts and change. Then, it happened...a big puff of steam off the back of the motor near the firewall. First thought was a freeze plug went (it's been cold here in Nebraska). So, I dove under to check things out. Couldn't see any coolant running out of the backside of the block...checked out the plug that I had replaced recently on the passenger side...still good. That's when I noticed coolant leaking out of the junction of the passenger-side header collector-to-exhaust pipe. And, she was making some odd noises at the oil pan. So, I went to the tail pipes. I gunned it and a huge plume of white smoke (steam) came out. I shut it off, pulled the oil dipstick...still black. But the level looked high. Not a good sign.
So, since it's my daily driver, I called the engine guy and we're putting in a reman this week. Sure, I could have had the head gaskets replaced but the labor for that was almost the same as for an engine swap...and I'd still be left with a tired motor. At least this way, I get new power and piece of mind. Just wanted to give everyone an update.
