1977 Buick 350/Th350 Update

[MrSony]

Hello guys. Great news! Today I started the disasembly (basically top end minus heads just to take a peek inside) of the SBB i scored yesterday with original trans for 350$. Ok, so I have a small question, wtf is that white chunky stuff in the pics? On the one of the pump housing still on the engine, I poked at the right most hole and green fluid came out, looked the normal color. The engine sat for 8 years in a nice, clean barn over many cold Iowa winters. Was told it ran perfectly fine before pulled. (car made into derby car, guy still had it. Poor car.) Anyway, is this normal for an engine that has been sitting so long with some of the fluids still left?? Thanks.

 

[truracer20]

Was that engine used in the demo derby?
That crud looks like normal aluminum corrosion. It kind of turns into stalagmite.
I would at least pull the heads, front cover and oil pan on an engine like that. Also look for signs of rear main seal leakage, although just because it didn't leak before doesn't mean it won't leak now. New seals and gaskets are far easier to do with the engine out. Doesn't hurt to go with a new oil pump while you're at it. Same for the transmission, front seal, tailshaft and selector shaft seals. If you can help it don't turn the transmission upside down without draining the fluid and removing the pan first. Sometimes there is a lot of crud in those pans and you don't want to dump it all to the valve body, case etc.

 

[MrSony]

Ok cool. And no, as far as I know the engine was pulled immediately and was never used in derbies, so I think for the most part it's just from sitting for so long, everything's kinda broke down into it's elements, so to speak. 😛

 

[MrSony]

Anyone know of a COMPLETE 100%, quality full gasket set for the SBB? And you can use a Ford 460 rear main seal right? I don't wana deal with stupid rope seals.

 

[Bonnewagon]

That's what happens to aluminum that is kept constantly wet. It forms aluminum hydroxide that in itself is even more corrosive. Hopefully it will clean up or a new timing cover will be needed. I used a neoprene rear seal from TA Performance on my last Buick 350 as well as fully grooved main bearings and a high volume oil pump kit . They also have all the gaskets. Rock Auto has the full Felpro set plus others probably cheaper. Check at http://taperformance.com/products.asp?cat=84

 

[MrSony]

Thanks 😛