Thread: Heads or not?

After wasting much time trying grippy sockets and drilling and easy out extractors on the very last stuck bolt, I gave up and called the local bolt guy. He got the bolt out in less than 10 minutes. The head looks as expected, just water jacket leaks, no breaks.

Thanks to everyone for the opinions on whether or not the heads needed doing, and the advice when I was struggling with the stuck bolts. I might not have acted on these leaks or caught this early without the help. Now to get it back together and sell my collection of tap wrenches on eBay.

Shell

heads drivers side.jpg

Make sure that you get ALL the coolant out the bolt holes and chase the threads to make sure there is no sealant in them, or you will not be able to torque the bolts accurately.
I suggest that you us GM sealant when you refit the heads. That will make them easier to remove next time.

Regards Philip A

Originally Posted by Dozer2

After wasting much time trying grippy sockets and drilling and easy out extractors on the very last stuck bolt, I gave up and called the local bolt guy. He got the bolt out in less than 10 minutes. The head looks as expected, just water jacket leaks, no breaks.



heads drivers side.jpg

What was the bolt mans trick?
Cheers Jim

Now onto the fun bits of cleaning the block and heads (plus any things else you want really)


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I went the full monty only to find out it was a lower block lemon

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You need a block out of a 4.6 RR...
then swap pistons....

[QUOTE

I went the full monty only to find out it was a lower block lemon

][/QUOTE]

BUGGER
Maybe the engine had got too hot too often that has caused this lower end problem.
When my D2a V8 blew a head gasket I shut it down when the temps exceeded 123C and had the truck sent by tilt tray to Whyatts in Geraldton.
I knew I was taking a big risk spending quite a lot of money getting the top end done But I am certain that IF the block was "Compromised" Whyatts would have informed me Before they went any further with the repairs, Luckily the only problem found in the block was a massive build up of sludge in the sump due to the PO Not servicing at regular intervals and the lifters needed to be replaced.
I have done 20k (Mainly towing a 1.5t boat) since the repairs and the engine is still as strong as it ever was and minus all the fluid leaks it used to have

Originally Posted by Andrew D

I went the full monty only to find out it was a lower block lemon

What's the problem?

Originally Posted by ballbag

What's the problem?

This YouTube

Not me in the video but same issue and chance for all D2 (especially D2a) to have.

[/QUOTE] Maybe the engine had got too hot too often that has caused this lower end problem. [/QUOTE]

Simple answer is No. The D2a engine in my opinion is a pot luck one. More so than other vehicles. The issue is manufactured into them.

I punted the car to the wreckers.