so i picked up this 97 cav z24 last month with a blown headgasket that had sat for 2 yrs. it had 114,000 when i bought it... dragged it home, pulled the top end off and replaced the headgasket, some timing parts and tried to flush all the gunk n goo out of it. all was good till a few days ago (2000 miles later) when a rod started knocking. pulled the dipstick and sure enough... metal shavings!

so now im wondering if i should tear it down completely or just get a crank kit and leave the head on it or what. don't really want to tear it down completely so its thought and suggestion time!

thanks

sounds like its time for an eco swap .. lol but really i would just rebuild it if you rebuild that motor correctly it will be worth every penny...

found a cadillac for cheap last nite... now that would be an interesting swap LOL but seriously, a couple questions ....
1.. can the crank be swapped out without removing the head?
2.. should i replace the cam bearings too? (im thinking yes as insurance)
3.. assembly lube or just a good coat of oil?
4.. any tricks for making sure i get all the metal shavings out so i dont destroy the new bearings??

I guess you could but I would not suggest trying (engine has to come out anyways so why not pull the head)

Q4/LD9 does not have "cam bearings"

I always use GM EOS when assembling my engines

Complete dissasembly and flush

my thought on not pulling the head is i just did it 2000 miles ago and dont want to spend the money and disturb it again. yes i found out there are no cam bearings after i asked the question.

what is the best way to flush the head and block so i dont destroy the new bearings? im finding out that these engines are a completely different beast from the gm v6's and v8's im used to working on!