'73 280 Prelimary Autopsy Report

[ctaylor738]

Team -

Thought I would give you an update on the 73 280C with "stuck" engine.

The e-Bay short block from Texas arrived, along with a rebuilt head from Adsit - $355 with internet discount - very good service.

The original engine and trans are out. I dismantled the valve train this afternoon. All of the cam followers are out, which means that the valves are staying closed as the engine turns. The crank will turn 10 degrees, but stops with a deep "clunk" from the bottom end.

I am now thinking connecting rod failure.

Chuck

[cth350]

Or the oil pump chain is somehow hosed.

Pull the pan. You've got nothing to loose at this point.

-CTH

[ctaylor738]

I have no choice but to pull the pan. I need to get the engine to turn in order to remove the transmission.

Chuck

[cth350]

You only need to get the engine to turn to remove the torque converter.

-CTH

[ctaylor738]

Right - I was including the TC as part of the transmission.

In any case, I don't want to buy a new TC unless I have to. Are you aware of a way to get the TC off w/o turning the engine assuming the transmission is separated?

Chuck

[cth350]

Can't be done. But torque converters are easy to get.

-CTH

[Mark DiSilvestro]

With the pan off, can you cut off the converter end of the crank with a torch or cutterwheel?
Mark DiSilvestro