So we have finally gotten down to the block. Next we will finally start putting it all back together (which should be easier than taking it apart with all the problems we had). Here are some of the things we have come across during the job so far.

The engine was dirty! I know engines get dirty, thats what they do. However my block had about 1" of hardened build up under the intake manifold. I had to break it up with a screwdriver and suck it out with shop-vac.

I have apparently been running on 5 cylinders this whole time. One of the plugs under the intake manifold was not plugged in.

One of the previous owners had warped the head causing the gasket to blow once before. Instead of actually fixing it, they used some sort of head gasket goop which ended up restricting some coolant passages and of corse having blow the gasket again.

I think the mechanic that use to work on this runner is a shifty character. I never met the guy, but I remember the girl I bought the truck from saying she paid upwards of $1,500 to fix the oil leak, but he couldn't find where the oil was coming from.

While you have it pulled apart I would put in a new heater bypass tube. These are notorious for rusting/leaking, and it just makes good sense to change it out while making your engine right again.



Location at the back of the engine

Is that the piece that runs along the top of the block between the cylinders?

It's the one that goes from the engine up along the back fire wall. It has hose attached to the upper part that's out of the engine.

I got the heads and the lower intake manifold back from the machine shop and mostly put on today.

I am curious... How many miles are on your engine? Be sure to post how it runs when you get it done!

180,000