LS1 swapped E30 - overheating

[kristov]

Tore it all down today - I just looked over the head gaskets and heads quickly and they both seemed ok.

Maybe I need to split the MLS head gaskets apart to find the leaks?

Found this in cylinder 8 though:



Seems like this engine has blown a gasket before and someone let the coolant sit there too long so the wall got heavily pitted or could there be a crack in the block?

All the other cylinders were spotless.

[jalopi]

This pic wouldn't show up the other day... definitely combustion gasses if that color change happened within 30 seconds. Most likely head gasket issue... sorry guy. At least it's all apart. Check the block deck for warpage, get the heads leveled for piece of mind.

[kristov]

This engine came from a reputable seller on Ebay and were supposed to have done only 71k miles.

After this experience I am not sure that I want to take the chance with another used engine again. I could rebuild the one I have but I would also like to save some time.

Are new LS1 crates still available?

What about remanufactured units like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271034075166...84.m1423.l2649 ?

[garretvs]

Did you hook up the steam vent line to the upper radiator hose?

Re: cylinder pic: the LS series engines uses steel cylinder liners which are cast into the block. Not likely it is cracked since it is rather ductile.

[kristov]

Did you hook up the steam vent line to the upper radiator hose?

Re: cylinder pic: the LS series engines uses steel cylinder liners which are cast into the block. Not likely it is cracked since it is rather ductile.

Yes, it was hooked up. I also bled the engine until there were no more bubbles from that line with the front of the car jacked up.

Thanks for all the help guys!

I think I will keep my current engine as a spare and rebuild it at a later stage.

If someone knows a good deal on a new guaranteed good to go engine let med know! :)

[jalopi]

I was under the impression that getting crate engines into Europe was a real PITA. I'd rebuild what you've already got if that actually is the case