Hey guys

[Draq]

New here, looking for a group of fellow squarebody enthusiasts, and I found this place. Now if only I could figure out what the hell is wrong with my truck...

 

[bucket]

Howdy!

 

[HotRodPC]

Welcome to GMSB. What's wrong with your truck? Plenty of help here if you can give an accurate detailed description of the problem.

 

[Draq]

Well we bought it back in September. $2200 79k miles 1987 suburban 454 v8 2wd. Ran great, did the usual for a 'new' vehicle, change fluids, filters, brakes, was about to get around to doing plugs and wires when it dies coming back from thanksgiving at her parents house. Motor just shuts off, no warning. Wouldnt even try to crank. Gauges normal, had fluids. Small pieces of metal in air intake. Got another motor on eBay for $800+$100 shipping, had it installed, again ran fine, no temp gauge, then a little over a month ago, it started to knock. Sounded like a bell housing knock, like flex plate or something. Then on the way home a loud something-metal-breaking sound along with some real rough engine running and a puking of oil. Again all fluids (except oil that leaked). Haven't touched since.

 

[HotRodPC]

Wow, Stroke of bad luck x 2 on sterioids. Sorry to hear that. And you haven't given up?

Well Ok then, Yep, you belong here. You're obviously dedicated to it.

 

[Draq]

My mechanic didn't autopsy the first engine, and I don't have the money to have this one looked at. Hopefully when I do I can get my money back on it if it wasn't something i did( which I honestly don't think it was.)

 

[Draq]

Wow, Stroke of bad luck x 2 on sterioids. Sorry to hear that. And you haven't given up?

Well Ok then, Yep, you belong here. You're obviously dedicated to it.

Basicly. Fell in love with it instantly. Went from mild acknowledgement of square bodies to full blown favorite. If it happens to one more motor, I may have to get rid if it though. :_(

 

[HotRodPC]

We've got lots and lots of TX members here. You might want to update your City or at least Region of TX in your location. Many helpful members here. They might have some cheap parts or able to help with a rebuild etc.

Pros and Cons to everything. Nice having a Big Block, but that means 2 to 3 times the cost since small blocks can be picked up for cheap about anywhere these days especially with everyone wanting to go LS conversions. Sounds like you probably have a good set of heads. It shouldn't cost much to put rings and bearings in that first short block with a new oil pump and timing chain.

Ohhhh and First things first, get you some aftermarket guages if you can't get those in the dash working right away, but we have help here with that too. I'm sure we can get those dash guages figured out one way or another. At least Oil Pressure and Water Temp.

 

[Draq]

We've got lots and lots of TX members here. You might want to update your City or at least Region of TX in your location. Many helpful members here. They might have some cheap parts or able to help with a rebuild etc.

Pros and Cons to everything. Nice having a Big Block, but that means 2 to 3 times the cost since small blocks can be picked up for cheap about anywhere these days especially with everyone wanting to go LS conversions. Sounds like you probably have a good set of heads. It shouldn't cost much to put rings and bearings in that first short block with a new oil pump and timing chain.

Ohhhh and First things first, get you some aftermarket guages if you can't get those in the dash working right away, but we have help here with that too. I'm sure we can get those dash guages figured out one way or another. At least Oil Pressure and Water Temp.

Sweet, thanx. The temp gauge WAS working so I think its something small. I do want a tach gauge though, always good to have another measurement of engine condition. Funny .. Before my truck, I was a ford guy, but now I've become a lot less biased.

 

[Draq]

Everyday I walk outside and see it I think 'aw its so awesome' then I get really pissed off cuz it doesn't work... Its pretty mint though especially the interior. The windshield sprayers still work, and it still has all 4 factory hub caps.

 

[1973c10]

Welcome

 

[theblindchicken]

Welcome! Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the truck, but we're all here to get her back up and running ship shape again.

 

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site
Tony

 

[Draq]

Welcome! Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the truck, but we're all here to get her back up and running ship shape again.

I think you mean square shape. Lol. Thanx guys. If I had a little more experience I'd just tear it apart and do the autopsy myself...

 

[yevgenievich]

I think you mean square shape. Lol. Thanx guys. If I had a little more experience I'd just tear it apart and do the autopsy myself...

If you have time, jump right in. Can't hurt it at this point. You should be able to find a motor locally for it as well. Or just get back to the first one as it sounds like it is more alive.