Need a new motor....

[swathdiver]

So my 05 z. Has 2000k on it. Starting to have alot of blow by and oil is now pushing out after the dip stick tube once crankcase pressure pushes it out past the oring on the handle. It just started all of the sudden. Never had an issue with this truck since new until the castec heads let loose at about 170k so had new heads, bolts, rear main, crank seal, lifters and cam. I know at that point i should have probably gone ahead and the short block just redone but hey im a cheapass and paying for it now. I have not done a leak down test or compression test yet but the amount of oil its passing im sure its not good... I have been looking at just getting a short block or having mine redone. But every one keeps saying they are so cheap and plentiful you can buy a take out cheaper. One guy on another forum claims he can buy 5.3s with 40k on them for 500 all day long. Id love to simply pull out, drop in and all for 500 bucks. But ive yet to find and engine that cheap. Craigslist austin... 900 was the cheapest with over 100k... Online 600.. Plus shipping to tx. Summit. 1300.00 for a short block... Local lkq wrecking yard 1300.... So where are so many people finding these low mileage motors for 500- 800 bucks like they claim. Any one know of a better place ? Ive been looking all day and have yet to get under the 1000.00 mark for anything id even consider dropping in with confidence..

Put new rings and bearings in your motor after having it magnafluxed for cracks, have the machine shop put new cam bearings in and be done with it.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Maybe notify GM about your 2 million miles. Maybe you'll get a huge"Loyal Customer"discount on a new motor.

 

[SnowDrifter]

This'll be the last time OP typoes an extra zero lmao

Check pcv system again. And I mean check it. Not assume it's good because it has new parts. Inspect hoses for kinking or cracking. Manually verify the pcv valve works and flows well. Don't forget the pass side valve cover - the fresh air pcv intake. Check that for issues too. I don't remember if it had a check valve or not.

It would take a rather substantial amount of blowby to crate this much crank case pressure with a normally functioning system

 

[mountie]

Maybe notify GM about your 2 million miles. Maybe you'll get a huge"Loyal Customer"discount on a new motor.

Unicorn wish...... But it never hurts to ask......

I suggest contacting GM dealer body shops. They have collision left-overs in the rear yard. Then find a guy with an auction license.

 

[Dpayne]

Sorry that was supposed to be 200k. Ive been calling around to wrecking yards and rebuilders today. Pick and pull had one for 300 if you pull it condition unknown sold as is. After that i didn't find one under 800.00 anywhere in close proximity. Found a few on ebay but shipping to texas would have been just as much. I went ahead and did a compression test and leak down test. All but # 2 had close to 155 # 2 was around 140. Leak down was not good on any cylinder. About 35% across the board into the crank case. So after looking at prices i decided to just overhaul the bottom end since the top end is all ready new... A overhaul kit runs about 500 with new pistons or there bouts depending on the source and i have seen some less pistons for the 300 range. Only question in new pistons or not. Guess ill find that out once i get the motor on the stand tonight.. I was really just hoping to pull out swing left drop it swing right pick up new motor and drop it in. But spending 800 on a used motor that has no history minus all accessories just doesnt seem like a good idea. Sure wish i would have taken and extra few hrs last time it was out and just have done it right....

 

[mountie]

There are companies that sell used engines. These companies find crashed vehicles that were in good running condition before it crashed. Many check the vehicle mileage & inspect engines.

Ask your local 'good' repair shop. I can bet they know these companies.

I had a '93 Cadillac STS, 14 yrs ago. I bought a used Northstar engine - complete. It ran great! ( $1,200 )

 

[SnowDrifter]

Sorry that was supposed to be 200k. Ive been calling around to wrecking yards and rebuilders today. Pick and pull had one for 300 if you pull it condition unknown sold as is. After that i didn't find one under 800.00 anywhere in close proximity. Found a few on ebay but shipping to texas would have been just as much. I went ahead and did a compression test and leak down test. All but # 2 had close to 155 # 2 was around 140. Leak down was not good on any cylinder. About 35% across the board into the crank case. So after looking at prices i decided to just overhaul the bottom end since the top end is all ready new... A overhaul kit runs about 500 with new pistons or there bouts depending on the source and i have seen some less pistons for the 300 range. Only question in new pistons or not. Guess ill find that out once i get the motor on the stand tonight.. I was really just hoping to pull out swing left drop it swing right pick up new motor and drop it in. But spending 800 on a used motor that has no history minus all accessories just doesnt seem like a good idea. Sure wish i would have taken and extra few hrs last time it was out and just have done it right....

Check tolerances and go from there. That being said, with 200k on it, I'd assume replace pistons too. Cost difference isn't too great.

If you do cam bearings, get them line bored

 

[mountie]

If you have the time without the truck, a rebuild could make that engine run sweet !!

And, as I did with my Cadillac, I did a nice job cleaning / heat wrapping / servicing the space where the engine was.

 

[swathdiver]

Sorry that was supposed to be 200k. Ive been calling around to wrecking yards and rebuilders today. Pick and pull had one for 300 if you pull it condition unknown sold as is. After that i didn't find one under 800.00 anywhere in close proximity. Found a few on ebay but shipping to texas would have been just as much. I went ahead and did a compression test and leak down test. All but # 2 had close to 155 # 2 was around 140. Leak down was not good on any cylinder. About 35% across the board into the crank case. So after looking at prices i decided to just overhaul the bottom end since the top end is all ready new... A overhaul kit runs about 500 with new pistons or there bouts depending on the source and i have seen some less pistons for the 300 range. Only question in new pistons or not. Guess ill find that out once i get the motor on the stand tonight.. I was really just hoping to pull out swing left drop it swing right pick up new motor and drop it in. But spending 800 on a used motor that has no history minus all accessories just doesnt seem like a good idea. Sure wish i would have taken and extra few hrs last time it was out and just have done it right....

Inspect the old pistons for cracks, especially around the ring lands, this is a common failure point when folks drive around with cheap fuel and let the motor knock knock all over town. Check the rods and wrist pins, if you decide to swap pistons, you'll need them pressed on of course and that is an additional cost if you do not have a press.