1978 Trans Am Freshen Up - Page 2 - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

WildBillyT · 03-08-2010, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy78TA

well after all this work my worst fear has come true, my brand new passenger head gasket is leaking and I can't get it to stop no matter what I do. I will have to find a shop tomorrow and bring it in

Did you remember the thread sealer on the bolts that go into the water jacket?

andy78TA · 03-08-2010, 03:11 PM

I was under the impression no bolts go into water jackets in pontiac motors? I did use the dab of oil on each thread to get the correct torque readings though.

WildBillyT · 03-08-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy78TA

I was under the impression no bolts go into water jackets in pontiac motors? I did use the dab of oil on each thread to get the correct torque readings though.

You could be right. My Pontiac engine info is pretty slim.

andy78TA · 03-08-2010, 05:47 PM

I am currently checking every possible thing to see if the leak is maybe coming from somewhere else. I believe I have ruled out water jacket though. Some info on another forum has got me thinking that no bolts enter water jackets. People keep giving me things to check though and I am doing everything I can. If not Paul over at RPM in hillsborough said he could probably squeeze me in at the end of the week so here is hoping!

LTb1ow · 03-08-2010, 08:18 PM

Doesn't coolant run through the intake on old motors? Could be leaking there maybe?

andy78TA · 03-09-2010, 02:28 PM

That was where I originally thought the leak was coming from, but no luck. Everything up there is dry.

B4C · 03-09-2010, 09:38 PM

did you torque the head bolts in the correct order??

andy78TA · 03-09-2010, 10:19 PM

yes sir. I checked with a few different people to make sure i did it correct. I finally found a diagram too

B4C · 03-09-2010, 10:27 PM

ok...did you check the surface of the block with a straight edge and feeler gauge?

andy78TA · 03-10-2010, 12:30 PM

I did not. I am actually thinking that might be the issue which is why I was going to have a pro look at it. I cleaned the block but I didn't check it with a straight edge. A big oversight on my part I know. I am hoping that maybe it wasn't cleaned completely or something.

B4C · 03-10-2010, 07:00 PM

Or the block deck is warped...

andy78TA · 03-10-2010, 08:09 PM

Thats what I am afraid of but I have talked to many many people and the conesensus is that that is not very likely. The car never had any leaks before I took it apart and never had any overheating problems. Also apparently the pontiac cast iron blocks are pretty strong and resist warping more than others. It is still possible as the block is 30+ years old, but I am hoping it will be something simple

79T/A · 03-18-2010, 12:43 PM

Forgive me if this sounds dumb, but until now, I've never looked at them side by side. Are you sure it's a Pontiac 400 and not an Olds 403?

WildBillyT · 03-18-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79T/A

Forgive me if this sounds dumb, but until now, I've never looked at them side by side. Are you sure it's a Pontiac 400 and not an Olds 403?

Looks like they are 6x heads- aren't they Pontiac only?

BonzoHansen · 03-18-2010, 01:40 PM

Pontiac heads. It seems big chambers too.

http://www.pontiacstreetperformance..../6XheadID.html

I thought the 403s started in 79 (all automatic cars) but I could be wrong.

Lots of good info.
http://pontiacstreetperformance.com/...harticles.html

andy78TA · 03-21-2010, 11:06 PM

yeah it is definately the pontiac motor, not an olds, and yes they are 6x heads. I redid the head gasket but now I have an intake gasket leak. I can't win. New intake gaskets are on the way though.

andy78TA · 03-27-2010, 07:42 PM

As of 7 PM tonight the car started and ran for about 20-25 minutes. The temperature topped out around 205-210 with a new 195 stat. I am running open headers at the moment just to make sure everything is okay. If the inspection and test drive tomorrow go well I will be putting the exhaust system on tomorrow morning/afternoon

HardcoreZ28 · 03-29-2010, 07:33 AM

Does this mean you solved your leaking coolant issue??

andy78TA · 03-29-2010, 04:03 PM

For the moment haha, I replaced the head gasket and then had an intake gasket leak so I replaced those. When I first started it it was smoking lightly for about 5-10 minutes but then it seemed all clear. I checked underneith and there were no puddles, but there seemed to be a drop on the oil filter, I am not 100% where it came from though. After driving it yesterday the temp topped out at about 210 and was steady around there with a 195 t-stat. I didn't see any puddles and all the coolant seems to all be in the radiator so I am hoping everything is okay.

andy78TA · 04-15-2010, 01:14 PM

Here are some new pictures of painting under the hood. I was in a rush so there are not many and they aren't great but I will take more. I also still need to take pictures of the exhaust system but they are clamped on not welded on and I am waiting for the welding so it doesn't look horrible

Before:

During

After: (More after coming soon!)

I will have a lot more and better pictures this weekend since I am hopefully going to Englishtown.

mtnhopper1 · 05-06-2010, 12:55 PM

This has probably been mentioned as some point, but those are some crazy sunroofs. I think that would qualify as a "period correct" modification. Very 1978.

andy78TA · 04-06-2011, 08:20 PM

Resurecting a thread here... over the past few weeks my car went in to get all the body work done and get painted. I just got it back last week and in a few weeks it will go back to get wet sanded and buffed and than after that over to RVM to get the decals put on... here are a few pictures for anyone interested:

and some parts getting ready

maroman88 · 04-06-2011, 08:48 PM

coming along nicely!

holy sunroof t-tops

The Fixer · 04-06-2011, 08:52 PM

Looks great!!!!

HardcoreZ28 · 04-07-2011, 08:23 AM

Looks great so far...nice work.