'68 318 to carbed Magnum 5.2: Check my checklist
I think something used to be here.
Anyone for a '68 Satellite gasser? Put my A-body in shot to keep the natives happy ;)
Interesting B-body left-side engine mount observations. Though these mounts look like A-body mounts, the rubber isolator bolts farther forward on A-bodies:
And one other thing. This motor is SUPER GRIMY. Block has as much oil crud on the outside as it does on the inside:
Also - I have a theory of what's wrong with it, and why it has three cylinders with abnormally low compression readings. I don't think the cylinder walls are scored, and I don't think the valves are sticking open.
I think it's blown both head gaskets, and the reason it hasn't been obvious is because there wasn't ANY coolant in this engine when I drained it (or when it drained itself out of the timing chain cover bolts). It's full of water - entirely. Even an engine filled with water usually has some old coolant in it that'll work its way out during a teardown, but not a drop of green ever showed it's face out of a cooling passage during the entire removal.
If this engine has a dual head gasket failure, and never had coolant in it, it would explain two things: 1. The rust on the rockers and rocker shaft, and 2. The fact that the oil hasn't turned to expresso yet.
We'll find out when I swap engines on the engine stand. Should be interesting to see the inside of this thing.
-Kurt
I think something used to be here.
Anyone for a '68 Satellite gasser? Put my A-body in shot to keep the natives happy ;)
Interesting B-body left-side engine mount observations. Though these mounts look like A-body mounts, the rubber isolator bolts farther forward on A-bodies:
- The 360 has one less ear (bottom rear) than the 318 for mounting, but retains the same double ears up front.
- The left engine mount has material spanning all four ears. Some online discussions had me thinking that the mount would need material welded to it. No need.
- The forward bottom mount hole - necessary if you want all holes properly bolted on the 360 - is not drilled on my mount, but the steel is stamped with more than enough material to drill the necessary hole without any issue.
- The modification requires no welding. Drill it, bolt it, forget it.
- The isolators are NOT original. The rubber is marked "Made in Korea."
- Some sites report that the rear ear casting on the 360 sits farther forward, requiring a shim. From eyeballing my photos, it certainly appears such.
- Note the addition of the third freeze plug on the side of the block.
- Doug Anderson's article reported that these later blocks move the bolt hole for the transmission reinforcement brackets forward 1" on the side of the block. Sure looks that way. You can hardly see the original, but it's behind the chain holding the engine down. Compare its position with the center head bolt, then do the same comparison on the 360. Sure makes a difference to visualize it.
- I don't know if the 1989 360-to-A518 brackets are going to work. Might need 1988-91 LA-to-A500 brackets.
And one other thing. This motor is SUPER GRIMY. Block has as much oil crud on the outside as it does on the inside:
Also - I have a theory of what's wrong with it, and why it has three cylinders with abnormally low compression readings. I don't think the cylinder walls are scored, and I don't think the valves are sticking open.
I think it's blown both head gaskets, and the reason it hasn't been obvious is because there wasn't ANY coolant in this engine when I drained it (or when it drained itself out of the timing chain cover bolts). It's full of water - entirely. Even an engine filled with water usually has some old coolant in it that'll work its way out during a teardown, but not a drop of green ever showed it's face out of a cooling passage during the entire removal.
If this engine has a dual head gasket failure, and never had coolant in it, it would explain two things: 1. The rust on the rockers and rocker shaft, and 2. The fact that the oil hasn't turned to expresso yet.
We'll find out when I swap engines on the engine stand. Should be interesting to see the inside of this thing.
-Kurt
