Replacing head gasket: how is my block? (pics)

[NinjaGaiden]

We are replacing the head gasket. When we took off the head, we noticed
that the entire gasket was blown. had pieces of asbestos all over the block.

We noticed that the rear piston's water passes were kind of deteriorated.
Should we even continue to put in the new head gasket and put the engine
back together? Is it lost hope? Please look at the pictures below. Feedback
is appreciated.

Want to know if this engine is a lost cause or not.

Thanks.

http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20004.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20005.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20006.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20008.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20013.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20015.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20016.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20017.jpg
http://home.myuw.net/gmakx/pics/andy_block/Picture%20018.jpg

[S14DB]

Been running lean lately? Those pasages are realy cavitated.

[NinjaGaiden]

This is my friend's car, he got it about a month ago. its a SOHC.

I noticed that the wires on the fuel injectors are white. They dont' look stock at all, and there is hot glue holding the wires into the plugs. They did a really shitty job replacing them or something. The coolant is totally mixed with the oil. When we drained the oil, it was totally milky brown. The head, on the other hand looks ok. Which is weird; I figured the head would be in worst shape than the block.

If it has been runnign lean, could the injectors be bad?

So, do you think this car will last 2 to 3 years if we put it back together with a new head gasket?

[240Stilo]

I would look for a new block.

[NinjaGaiden]

Been running lean lately? Those pasages are realy cavitated.

if it runs lean and really hot, will the coolant eat away at the block?

[S14DB]

When it runs lean the head gets overheated and the coolant cavitates. Basicly boils chipping the metal away with it. How were the plugs?

I would worry about what is causing the problem. You can put a new headgasket on and flush the block. then burn up another if you don't fix it.

[orion::S14]

Looks fine...if there were that much heat getting out, the AL head would melt before the cast iron block.

It's a cast block, so every passage edge IS NOT perfectly clean...

Get the head checked...you CANNOT see if there are imperfections or warpage with the naked eye...needs to be measured.

But the block looks fine.

If you put it back together with a new gasket and clean, straight surface, it'll last plenty long.

- Brian

[S13_slidr]

I'd just look for another engine to put in there. I don't think you'll get 2 or 3 years if you just put a headgasket on there and slap the head back on. The heads probably warped if it got as hot as it looks like it did. The deck surface probably isn't flat either and would need to be milled, which means the engine needs to come out and be rebuilt. It will be cheaper in the long run to find a running, possibly even low milage(but probably not) KA to replace that one with.

[Whiplash Willy]

I am ninja's friend. We are going to take the head in tomorrow to a machine shop to get it checked. When we drove the car, it was burning coolant and smoked pretty bad (white) until it was warmed up. Most of the time, the temp gauge was up there to close to the first thick bar, but the engine block or bay didn't seem too hot. We took out the spark plugs and they were rusted.

[thx247]

It would really be cheaper and easier to just buy another motor...but on the other hand you do learn alot more pulling things apart and playing with them. Either way, right on dudes. :thumbsup:

[NinjaGaiden]

yeah, definitely learned a lot.

If putting everything back together and this thing will last 2 to 3 years, then i think its easier than swapping in another engine since we have everythign off already. But if we knew this engine was a lost cause before we took it all apart, then yeah it would be better to just swap in another SOHC.

hoepfully the shop says it'll last tomorrow.

Looks like the feedback is mixed whether the block is good or not.

[NinjaGaiden]

well, took the head in to the machine shop guys.

I showed them pictures of the block, and they said the block is gone. Guess its time to find another KA to drop it in.

:wtc:

this car's engine must have been extremely neglected.

[Var]

i got a SOHC with 170K on it. But i dont know if it's worth messing with

[Tygma]

Meh, w/e just rock it. that or get the heck down here and grab my motor... its still sitting in the same exact spot. 30 bucks mannn

[S14DB]

Meh, w/e just rock it. that or get the heck down here and grab my motor... its still sitting in the same exact spot. 30 bucks mannn
Can't beat that.

Get the muti-meter out and work on the harness while the engine is out. You'll have the same problem.

[NinjaGaiden]

Can't beat that.

Get the muti-meter out and work on the harness while the engine is out. You'll have the same problem.

what is wrong with the harness?

[S14DB]

I noticed that the wires on the fuel injectors are white. They dont' look stock at all, and there is hot glue holding the wires into the plugs. They did a really shitty job replacing them or something.
Bad wiring job?

[CustomS14A]

Dude that block is no good because if it was running with water in the engine the rod bearings are gone so it would be best to rebuilt the hole things or buy a another bottom end because why do so nuch work putting on another head gasket then spin all the rod bearings then say let rebuild one more time.