Back in June I picked up an s52 from a member on here. Weekend only cruiser, never seen snow, perfect running condition.. yadda yadda. "Needs nothing, wire in your c101, and have your swap running in a day!". I knew the quick and easy swap claims were bullshit, but I figured it would be a perfect starting point.
I got the engine in, and running at the beginning of August. I was ecstatic. I thought I really got what I payed for. It started right up, idled strong, and revved up without issue. Everything you would expect from a low mileage s52 sold at a premium. Granted the radiator leaked, the mounts are probably on their way out, and I needed to buy a new clutch, and flywheel, but I digress.
Before dropping it into the car I replaced a few things like the thermostat, spark plugs, rear main seal, oil pan, valve cover, and intake gaskets.
Fast forward to the beginning of September. I get the drive-shaft installed after waiting 2 long weeks for the final 3 bolts needed to attach the guibo to transmission. I start the car up, and I notice white, sweet smelling smoke coming from the tail pipe. I chalked it up as condensation due to it being the first cold night of the season. Anyone with any sort of experience would have spotted the impending doom right there. I however, went into this project knowing almost nothing about cars, and was unaware of some of these basic tell-tale signs to look out for.
The next day, final pre-flight inspections were completed. I couldn't believe it. I had been waiting almost two years for this day to come. The blood, sweat, and tears that had ensued would all finally be worth it.
Me and my brother hop in the car for it's maiden voyage. The car is running, and driving as well as I always dreamed it would be, or so I thought. We took a few laps around the neighborhood before returning home where my friend had been waiting. Both of us have shit eating grins plastered to our faces at this point.
My friend hops in for his turn in the passenger seat. This time around the temp needle starts climbing dangerously high. I immediately turn around, and limp the last 2 blocks home. I pull over, and immediately turn off the car. My worst nightmares have come true. Tiny air bubbles are pouring from the head gasket, and oil looks to be seeping past the right side of the lower timing chain cover. Survey says..... Blown head gasket!
Needless to say I was crushed, but I held it together considering the circumstances. Thinking about it made me sick, so I did what any warm blooded american would do.. I bought another toy to distract me. A 1981 Kawasaki kz305. Picked it up cheap from a friend, and have been riding it for the past month every chance I can get.
After a brief intermission, I am back, and ready to tackle this next hurdle. Due to the engine overheating, this week I went ahead, and bought a reconditioned head/VANOS unit from autoheadperformance.com. Top end gasket set, head bolts, water pump, thermostat, and new radiator/hoses are all on the list to be ordered next.
It occurred to me today that replacing the timing chain gasket makes this job just that much more intensive. I still have yet to figure out what I will need to replace while that cover is off. Chain guides, tensioners, etc.
Now that that is off my chest. On to the questions.
Has anyone attempted a head gasket while the engine is in the car? Was it worth the trouble, or would you pull the engine if you were to do it again? Any words of advice for a first timer?
I got the engine in, and running at the beginning of August. I was ecstatic. I thought I really got what I payed for. It started right up, idled strong, and revved up without issue. Everything you would expect from a low mileage s52 sold at a premium. Granted the radiator leaked, the mounts are probably on their way out, and I needed to buy a new clutch, and flywheel, but I digress.
Before dropping it into the car I replaced a few things like the thermostat, spark plugs, rear main seal, oil pan, valve cover, and intake gaskets.
Fast forward to the beginning of September. I get the drive-shaft installed after waiting 2 long weeks for the final 3 bolts needed to attach the guibo to transmission. I start the car up, and I notice white, sweet smelling smoke coming from the tail pipe. I chalked it up as condensation due to it being the first cold night of the season. Anyone with any sort of experience would have spotted the impending doom right there. I however, went into this project knowing almost nothing about cars, and was unaware of some of these basic tell-tale signs to look out for.
The next day, final pre-flight inspections were completed. I couldn't believe it. I had been waiting almost two years for this day to come. The blood, sweat, and tears that had ensued would all finally be worth it.
Me and my brother hop in the car for it's maiden voyage. The car is running, and driving as well as I always dreamed it would be, or so I thought. We took a few laps around the neighborhood before returning home where my friend had been waiting. Both of us have shit eating grins plastered to our faces at this point.
My friend hops in for his turn in the passenger seat. This time around the temp needle starts climbing dangerously high. I immediately turn around, and limp the last 2 blocks home. I pull over, and immediately turn off the car. My worst nightmares have come true. Tiny air bubbles are pouring from the head gasket, and oil looks to be seeping past the right side of the lower timing chain cover. Survey says..... Blown head gasket!
Needless to say I was crushed, but I held it together considering the circumstances. Thinking about it made me sick, so I did what any warm blooded american would do.. I bought another toy to distract me. A 1981 Kawasaki kz305. Picked it up cheap from a friend, and have been riding it for the past month every chance I can get.
After a brief intermission, I am back, and ready to tackle this next hurdle. Due to the engine overheating, this week I went ahead, and bought a reconditioned head/VANOS unit from autoheadperformance.com. Top end gasket set, head bolts, water pump, thermostat, and new radiator/hoses are all on the list to be ordered next.
It occurred to me today that replacing the timing chain gasket makes this job just that much more intensive. I still have yet to figure out what I will need to replace while that cover is off. Chain guides, tensioners, etc.
Now that that is off my chest. On to the questions.
Has anyone attempted a head gasket while the engine is in the car? Was it worth the trouble, or would you pull the engine if you were to do it again? Any words of advice for a first timer?
i have no idea what i am doing with my life
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