Yanking 408 Out

[matt63]

After a less than a month of driving the head gasket started leaking coolant badly.  Afte discussions with CP, Cometic and the local engine shop (Bel) I decided to yank the engine as I need to have the deck milled for a smoother surface finish so I can run the Cometic MLS head gaskets.  Hopefully this will be a permanent fix.  I probably should have retorqued the Eddy heads after a few heat cycles but it never crossed my mind.  The guy at Cometic says that retorquing is more of a head mfg's recommendation rather than the gasket mfg's.  At least this will give me a chance to inspect all of my bearings and fix the front gearbox oil leak.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Wow that sucks, hope it works out for you 

[moper]

As much as it's a PITA, at least you can make sure it's right this time.

[Rev-It-Up]

As much as it's a PITA, at least you can make sure it's right this time.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

no fun but it has to be done , at least get it done right now

[matt63]

no fun but it has to be done , at least get it done right now

Definitely.  I thought I did it right last time!  Live and learn.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Definitely.  I thought I did it right last time!  Live and learn.

I thought I did a few things right the first time too.      

  Mike

[moper]

Well, sometimes even doing everything right can have issues. You havent really hurt much but your pride, and that can be gotten right back when it's back up and running. It's almost time to put them away in CT anyway.

[AprilsPink72Cuda]

I hope everything is all back together really soon, it stinks to be without your car.  Best of luck!

[Dustu]

How did it perform ?Would change anything while you are into it? Street motor ?               

[matt63]

How did it perform ?Would change anything while you are into it? Street motor ?               

The engine ran great.  I was just doing some tuning work.  I won't change anything in the motor but if I had to build it again I would go with H beam rods and JE or Diamond pistons instead of the Probes.  I think I would also stay away from the Magnum style Eddy head and go with the LA/pre-magnum head with the shaft mounted rocker set-up.

[matt63]

Update - I got the block back from the machine shop after getting it decked for the MLS gaskets.  When disassembling the engine I found that the fuel pump eccentric was loose as the cam snout extension piece keyway was hammered out so I now have to put in an electric fuel pump system.  I also got the heads checked for flatness and they are twisted so those will get milled too.  It better run good after this!

[Chryco Psycho]

It has to run better !!

[BARACDA]

I would have to agree with you on the re-torqueing.  I have only had two alum headed motors and both have needed retorqueing periodically.  Both heads were Edelbrocks (one a BBC SuperVictor and one a 340.


jim

[moper]

It sounds mean, but I always smile when I find stuff wrong. It's vindication that you are now moving forward, instead of spinning your wheels. Take the time, get things right, it will be fine when you're done. (the electric system is a better way to go now-a-days anyway )