Broken it already

[andybrown]

I saved for 12 years then bought a ready built RAM Cobra with a Chevy 350. It was the car of my dreams, and now after only 5 months I've broken it...

The fan belt has disappeared and I've blown a head gasket. Being completely clueless when it comes to engine maintenance (plus electrics and all other skills required to build my own car), could somebody tell me how difficult/expensive it will be to fix? WIll I probably have to get the head skimmed? Can it be done by any competent mechanic, or should I be looking for a specialist? Does anyone know of any such specialists in the Rugby/Leicester area?

Sorry if I sound too desperate, but any help would be gratefully received. I may even stop crying...

Andy:} :} ;( ;( ;(
RAM with a Chevy 350 (broken) ;( ;( ;(

[simon]

Andy,

I guess the first question has to be, did you drive it far without the fanbelt?
I'm guessing you may have done if it was hot enough to blow a head gasket.
Simon

[andybrown]

Simon,

I stopped for some fuel and all seemed well.
Then I thrashed it for about 8 miles along a dual carriage and back, grinning like an idiot, then pulled up in a lay-by. I then noticed smoke coming from uder the bonnet and heard the water boiling in the radiator, and immediately stopped grinning. :}

Andy

[simon]

Oh blimey. I think the first thing you should do is get bigger and redder warning lights !
All may not be lost though. I would say that these are big old tough engines and will take a lot of bu**ering up. If you take it to a normal garage, they may try and stitch you up (you know "he's got a car like this, he can afford it" sorry to be so cynical) I would think there are loads of members in your area who can put you on to someone who'll help you out.
There may even be someone who could come round and take the head off for you?
Heads can be skimmed, and it's quite cheap really, you just have to be aware how much you're taking off, as valve/piston interaction should be avoided. (also depends on how warped the heads are)
Also, if you're having one head skimmed, you've got to have the other skimmed by the same amount to make sure your compression ratio stays the same in each cylinder.
You could use the opportunity to have your valve seats recut and maybe some porting done.

[maxGD059]

Andy

If you can bear the thought of coming up to Donnington cobraless then I'm sure you'll get a wealth of advice (& sympathy). Us East Midlands guys will be there both days, although more on Sunday I believe. Keep your chin up,

Cheers

Richard
(Hillclimb convert)

[graham]

Looks like my chevy engine have week gaskets. Basically the block was decked (due to cylinder lining) Heads skimmed previously and before I assembled them they were checked as dead straight. Installed standard head gaskets but have noticed a weep of oil coming from outer gaps betwwen head and block. Since retorqueing (and they needed some to 70 lbs) the problem is still there but only slight at the rear of each bank.

Bit concerned that once recently things got a bit hot things may have warped. The comp ratio is probably a bit high aswell. I think I will strip and check heads as well as place competition felpro gaskets as these are mean't to be better and slightly thicker two.

Bit of a shame as engine only done 300 miles (No overheating and no water used just a little weep fron crack at rear.

Anyone else had this??

Graham