1949 Chevy 3800 AD Dually

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
First attempt at welding a nut failed. I realized that part of the bolt was sticking out past the other side of the block. I tried welding a nut on that side with a washer and success.
You must be registered for see images attach


Now I am able to get it up on the engine stand and dive into it.
You must be registered for see images attach


The first thing to go was the harness and computer. I might look for a standalone harness to make it less complicated but more expensive.
You must be registered for see images attach


I pulled the valve covers off to get an idea of the condition of the rest of the engine. Not as clean as I’d like to see but honestly not as bad it could be. It has 170k miles so what was I expecting? Sparkling? Nah…
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
I might just leave it as is and get a standalone harness and call it good. Of course new gaskets would be a must since it’s got some leaking going on.
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach


Well scratch that I noticed 3 exhaust manifold bolts were broken off in the heads. Looks like I might as well pull the heads off and do a head gasket while I’m at it. Might even send them off to get cleaned and checked.
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
Did some engine tear down today… Brought it to my garage instead of being out at the shop.

Pulled the intake off and got to work pulling the heads.
You must be registered for see images attach


I’m not used to aluminum heads! Those suckers are light!

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach


Cylinder walls don’t look terrible and there isn’t any noticeable damage.
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach


Should clean up nicely
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
Pulled all the pistons out.
You must be registered for see images attach


Figured dirt got down into the block when taking everything apart might as well disassemble and send it off to be tanked and cleaned.

Inspected the rod bearings and I’m not an expert but they don’t seem that bad.
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach


Camshaft is out and shows signs of wear. Reminder 170k miles so might as well replace it with something beefier
You must be registered for see images attach


I’m going to try and get the main caps off and inspect the bearings. Hopefully nothing threatening under them…
 

Camar068

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Posts
4,341
Reaction score
3,393
Location
Kentucky
First Name
David
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K10/LM7 5.3/4L60e/np208/3.73/32"
Engine Size
10 yrs Air Force
BTR has military discount if your active or a veteran. And a stock replacement is about the same price as an "upgrade".
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
BTR has military discount if your active or a veteran. And a stock replacement is about the same price as an "upgrade".
Good to know, however I am not military. I’m mainly doing this teardown/rebuild for the experience.
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
I was bouncing back and forth on pulling the mains or sending it. Today I committed to pulling them. Since I want it hot tanked and checked etc the crankshaft has to come out.

The main caps weren’t as bad removing them as I expected either.
You must be registered for see images attach

And to my surprise main #1 doesn’t look too bad, mind you I’m no expert.
You must be registered for see images attach


But…there’s always a but, looking at the main journal a different story is being told.
You must be registered for see images attach

And main #2 journal
You must be registered for see images attach


Hopefully just a polish is in order but who knows. The other side of the bearings look decent once I pulled the crank out.
You must be registered for see images attach


Just about time to head to the machine shop.
 

Old77

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Posts
28,491
Reaction score
9,558
Location
Kansas City, Mo
First Name
Jacob
Truck Year
1977/1990/1991
Truck Model
C10 longbed/R1500 Burb/R3500 Dually
Engine Size
350/350/454
Overalll I’d say you’re in very good shape!!
 

Camar068

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Posts
4,341
Reaction score
3,393
Location
Kentucky
First Name
David
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K10/LM7 5.3/4L60e/np208/3.73/32"
Engine Size
10 yrs Air Force
I was bouncing back and forth on pulling the mains or sending it. Today I committed to pulling them. Since I want it hot tanked and checked etc the crankshaft has to come out.

The main caps weren’t as bad removing them as I expected either.
You must be registered for see images attach

And to my surprise main #1 doesn’t look too bad, mind you I’m no expert.
You must be registered for see images attach


But…there’s always a but, looking at the main journal a different story is being told.
You must be registered for see images attach

And main #2 journal
You must be registered for see images attach


Hopefully just a polish is in order but who knows. The other side of the bearings look decent once I pulled the crank out.
You must be registered for see images attach


Just about time to head to the machine shop.
Look at upgrading the rocker arms with the trunion upgrade if it's not going to kill your budget. As well as new lifters/pushrods/lifter trays. All because your already there, might as well.

Michigan Motorsports
 

RangRayy

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Posts
655
Reaction score
273
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
First Name
ryan
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
r10
Engine Size
350
Look at upgrading the rocker arms with the trunion upgrade if it's not going to kill you budget.

Michigan Motorsports
I had seen a couple mentions on LS sites about doing this upgrade. Seems like a reasonable upgrade and not breaking the bank. Thanks for the link!
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
44,416
Posts
957,117
Members
36,753
Latest member
TheRigLivesOn
Top