Hank, give me a call.  Maybe I can help.     It sounds like it overheated and smoked a piston or connecting rod.   Perhaps I can talk you through the repair work.  Next Friday or Saturday I might be able to swing by for a listen to tell you what's wrong if you need me to do that, before you tear into the repair.

Hey Hank,

    Really sorry to hear it! Thank god the flames went out. Another option if you're not up to doing the work yourself, my brother owns a shop just over the OH border in Butler Pa. One of his specialties/hobbies is rebuilding and performance enhancing small blaock and big block chevys. His prices are the best around and he's never had an unhappy customer!

   If you're interested in talking to him, send me a PM and I'll get you in touch with him.

Either way, best of luck.

Luke

LukesVette38556.2570949074

Ken, thanks for the offer but with what you have on your plate, in good consciece, I couldn't impose on you.  It's good to hear of Debbie's improvement.  my son and his family are in from Ga for the rest of the week.  I probably won't do much until he leaves next Sat. 

Luke, thanks for the kind words and I'll keep your brother in mind, but I am leaning towards doing this myself or a substantial amount of it.   

I'm always at the other end of the phone to help.

Thanks Ken.  with all that's happening with Debbie, I really appreciate that.

haven't done anything still.  with the weather being so hot, my son here from Ga, and then on top of it, I lost my job a week ago last Friday.  it has been a hectic last month to say the least.

Hey Hank, Hang in there buddy if anything I can do let me know. Vettebeige81

I hope that job thing doesn't go on too long.  Do you want me to come up and listen to the noise to tell what it is?  You may not need to pull the engine.

But then again, this may be the chance to build it up a bit.  The good thing is once the engine is out, the rebuild work is farily easy on an engine stand.  Other than a cylinder bore, everything could be done in the car, but it's a lot more difficult.  I just put a new crank in mine with it on ramps in the driveway, engine in the car.

kstyer38573.5992476852

Hi Hank- Sorry to hear about your job loss adding to your engine troubles. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. If there's anything I could help you with let me know...

Bill

thanks guys for your support.  I really appreciate it. 

the job situation isn't bleak though.  my partners fired me and want to buy my stock.  we are negotiating a buy out.  won't get rich, but I won't be destitute either.  will still have to work for a living.  hope I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch. 

started to disassemble the engine last night.  is there anything I should know about taking out the AC compressor before I start?  not sure how to go about it.  any help would be appreciated.  thanks