Engine Rebuild

Gary- look me up On the black list. In MN. and have your friend give me a call. Six one two. 961 - four one nine six.

I have about 5000 miles on my S&J 455.

The company is out of spokane, washington. They will ship you an engine and then you ship the core back.

Their engine generally "is not complete". Shows up with just block/heads. You have to swap over your intake, oil pan ect.

http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018.html?m=1

http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018-continued.html?m=1

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
I have an S & J engine on my engine stand right now. It is a "long block
rebuild.
The installer needs to call S & J in Spokane, Washington and talk
directly with them. They will in fact do a complete engine, if you send
them a complete engine and specify that is want when you order it. Your
choice of upgrades will be fitted if that is your choice. BE ABSOLUTELY
SURE THAT YOU TELL THEM THAT IT IS GOING TO BE USED IN A GMC MOTORHOME. I
have installed a number of their engines. Good company. They do have strict
rules for the installers.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

On Sat, Feb 8, 2020, 5:35 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist
wrote:

> Gary- look me up On the black list. In MN. and have your friend give me
> a call. Six one two. 961 - four one nine six.
>
> I have about 5000 miles on my S&J 455.
>
> The company is out of spokane, washington. They will ship you an engine
> and then you ship the core back.
>
> Their engine generally "is not complete". Shows up with just
> block/heads. You have to swap over your intake, oil pan ect.
>
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018.html?m=1
>
>
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018-continued.html?m=1
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Thanks guys for the very helpful information. I have recently been able to locate so far 9 GMCers in the Reno area that we are beginning to network with.
I already have leads on 2 more.
Thanks again.

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

Begin forwarded message:

> From: James Hupy via Gmclist
> Date: February 8, 2020 at 6:05:40 PM PST
> To: gmclist
> Cc: James Hupy
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Engine Rebuild
> Reply-To: gmclist
>
> I have an S & J engine on my engine stand right now. It is a "long block
> rebuild.
> The installer needs to call S & J in Spokane, Washington and talk
> directly with them. They will in fact do a complete engine, if you send
> them a complete engine and specify that is want when you order it. Your
> choice of upgrades will be fitted if that is your choice. BE ABSOLUTELY
> SURE THAT YOU TELL THEM THAT IT IS GOING TO BE USED IN A GMC MOTORHOME. I
> have installed a number of their engines. Good company. They do have strict
> rules for the installers.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
>
>> On Sat, Feb 8, 2020, 5:35 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist

>>
>> Gary- look me up On the black list. In MN. and have your friend give me
>> a call. Six one two. 961 - four one nine six.
>>
>> I have about 5000 miles on my S&J 455.
>>
>> The company is out of spokane, washington. They will ship you an engine
>> and then you ship the core back.
>>
>> Their engine generally "is not complete". Shows up with just
>> block/heads. You have to swap over your intake, oil pan ect.
>>
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018.html?m=1
>>
>>
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2019/01/engine-2018-continued.html?m=1
>>
>> --
>> Jon Roche
>> 75 palm beach
>> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
>> St. Cloud, MN
>> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
A word to the wise don't use superior machine in Reno .Aggie will talk your ear off about how good he is with olds cylinder heads but don't believe
him the heads he did for me I wound up removing in a camp ground and getting done at another shop so I could get home.
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
Roy,
Thanks for your advice. Would love to see you our next Reno GMC breakfast meeting on Saturday March 21 at 9:00 am at the Golden Valley exit.
We welcome having your wealth of knowledge and experience.

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

>
> A word to the wise don't use superior machine in Reno .Aggie will talk your ear off about how good he is with olds cylinder heads but don't believe
> him the heads he did for me I wound up removing in a camp ground and getting done at another shop so I could get home.
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
no one wins if an engine fails. there will be lots of finger pointing, and no matter what whoever paid looses.

Even if you can fight and get a new engine, you lost confidence, ect... and still lost.

I bought the extended warranty, more to ward off Murphy. I had no hopes it was going to protect me from a loss. Even if it my engine does blow
up, and it determined to be S&J's problem, the loss of time, labor, it only covers portion of that. and there is no amount of money that will
cover my loss of confidence in an engine.

I did a "self install" that cut my warranty coverage down, but I only trust myself on how it was installed. I have seen plenty of "certified
install facility" install's done, that I did not care for.

engine rebuilds are a gamble. it can be a very calculated gamble, and there are things you need to do to minimize the risk of engine failure, but
that chance is always there. I have seen some of the best fail.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
We quit supplying engines as I felt we had to make it right and ended going
backward.
We now let owners squire them and we do install and removal.

On Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 11:56 AM Jon Roche via Gmclist <

> no one wins if an engine fails. there will be lots of finger pointing,
> and no matter what whoever paid looses.
>
> Even if you can fight and get a new engine, you lost confidence, ect...
> and still lost.
>
> I bought the extended warranty, more to ward off Murphy. I had no hopes
> it was going to protect me from a loss. Even if it my engine does blow
> up, and it determined to be S&J's problem, the loss of time, labor, it
> only covers portion of that. and there is no amount of money that will
> cover my loss of confidence in an engine.
>
> I did a "self install" that cut my warranty coverage down, but I only
> trust myself on how it was installed. I have seen plenty of "certified
> install facility" install's done, that I did not care for.
>
> engine rebuilds are a gamble. it can be a very calculated gamble, and
> there are things you need to do to minimize the risk of engine failure, but
> that chance is always there. I have seen some of the best fail.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
It is always hard to trust the person doing the rebuild has checked all clearances and torque values. Using quality parts is another concern. If the
original engine had a bearing failure I would never trust the existing oil cooler even if it were cleaned and back flushed one tiny piece of metal
could wipe out a fresh engine cleanliness is very important .
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
Why not upgrade to a 455?

On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 1:34 AM roy keen via Gmclist
wrote:

> It is always hard to trust the person doing the rebuild has checked all
> clearances and torque values. Using quality parts is another concern. If the
> original engine had a bearing failure I would never trust the existing oil
> cooler even if it were cleaned and back flushed one tiny piece of metal
> could wipe out a fresh engine cleanliness is very important .
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Well I just did an autopsy on a Chev 350 SB. One cyl. failed and lost
compression. Put compressed air into nasty cylinder spark plug hole and
escaping air escaped thru oil pan and oil breather Symptom pointed to
ring/seal issue in that cylinder.

Tore down engine and removed piston to find essentially what is shown in
image that was added to this post. The damage was created when the loaded
piston was inserted into the bore. The other clue is that it is a "bottom
up" witness damage. Not a "top down" witness damage. The "neophyte" that
assembled this engine used
forced the piston into the bore and broke the piston. As with my friends
engine, the damage ran for some 8000 miles before it got bad enough in
performance to investigate. Remember there is only one way to damage the
oil ring, It had to happen on the down stroke when it was inserted.

Just Say'n

Tom Pryor
4188 Limerick Dr
Lake Wales, Fl 33859
Cell 248 470 9186

1977 23'B named "CASPER", HARDLY ORIGINAL, (455 EFI) (Pwr. Drive)
(tailgate) (rear bunk beds)
(Webasto petrol boiler) (MB Elect fan clutch) (Brake reaction arms) BUT
STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS!

ReplyForward
 
Many of us feel that a swap from a 403 to a 455 is not an upgrade, not even
an even- Steven swap. But, we might be a minority.(GRIN)
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 4:13 AM Michael Hunt via Gmclist <

> Why not upgrade to a 455?
>
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 1:34 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> gmclist>

>
> > It is always hard to trust the person doing the rebuild has checked all
> > clearances and torque values. Using quality parts is another concern. If
> the
> > original engine had a bearing failure I would never trust the existing
> oil
> > cooler even if it were cleaned and back flushed one tiny piece of metal
> > could wipe out a fresh engine cleanliness is very important .
> > --
> > Roy Keen
> > Minden,NV
> > 76 X Glenbrook
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Why not? I would think the 455 would give you more horsepowerxand towing
capacity.

On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 11:39 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> Many of us feel that a swap from a 403 to a 455 is not an upgrade, not even
> an even- Steven swap. But, we might be a minority.(GRIN)
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 4:13 AM Michael Hunt via Gmclist <

>
> > Why not upgrade to a 455?
> >
> > On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 1:34 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> > gmclist>

> >
> > > It is always hard to trust the person doing the rebuild has checked all
> > > clearances and torque values. Using quality parts is another concern.
> If
> > the
> > > original engine had a bearing failure I would never trust the existing
> > oil
> > > cooler even if it were cleaned and back flushed one tiny piece of metal
> > > could wipe out a fresh engine cleanliness is very important .
> > > --
> > > Roy Keen
> > > Minden,NV
> > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
The 403 is more than up to the task. Several of our GMCers tow extreme
loads with no issues. One tows a long trailer with as many as 3 COPO
Covairs on board thousands of miles per year. With upgrades like final
drive gearing changes, they will git n scat with the best of them, and get
better fuel economy doing it. My 403 cruises easily all day long at 65 mph,
or faster if I am in a hurry. Makes 8 - 11 miles per gallon doing it. Don't
be afraid of them, they are very durable. Mine has never been open, and has
nearly 140,000 miles on it. You would be on your third 454 chev by now, if
that was the engine in your RV. But, the 455 Olds is also a good engine.
You can't really go wrong, no matter which one you choose.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 5:16 AM Michael Hunt via Gmclist <

> Why not? I would think the 455 would give you more horsepowerxand towing
> capacity.
>
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 11:39 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

>
> > Many of us feel that a swap from a 403 to a 455 is not an upgrade, not
> even
> > an even- Steven swap. But, we might be a minority.(GRIN)
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Oregon
> >
> > On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 4:13 AM Michael Hunt via Gmclist <

> >
> > > Why not upgrade to a 455?
> > >
> > > On Tue, Feb 18, 2020, 1:34 AM roy keen via Gmclist <
> > > gmclist>

> > >
> > > > It is always hard to trust the person doing the rebuild has checked
> all
> > > > clearances and torque values. Using quality parts is another concern.
> > If
> > > the
> > > > original engine had a bearing failure I would never trust the
> existing
> > > oil
> > > > cooler even if it were cleaned and back flushed one tiny piece of
> metal
> > > > could wipe out a fresh engine cleanliness is very important .
> > > > --
> > > > Roy Keen
> > > > Minden,NV
> > > > 76 X Glenbrook
> > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I have driven both cross country several times. Up to the Eisenhower tunnel and Trail Ridge Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park) and other
places. I have observed absolutely no differences in performance. The only difference I have observed is when I open the hatch to work on one. The
403 is much easier to work on because of it's smaller outside dimensions.

My personal coach is a 455. The coach currently in my hangar that we are restoring is a 403.

I did, years ago, help a little on a swap from a 455 to a 403. The biggest differences were the oil filter adapter and lines, and the radiator hoses.
There may have been other things that I have forgotten.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
There is one thing they are not telling you, that you must know, that the
gear ratio need to be 3.70 to put one in the torque range that both the 404
and 455 need to run at in order for it to pull at 60-70 mph.
Walt Hally,Mugil Mendes,Rick Flanagan, Wally Anderson and over 3,000 are
running the 3.70 .

On Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 12:21 PM Ken Burton via Gmclist <

> I have driven both cross country several times. Up to the Eisenhower
> tunnel and Trail Ridge Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park) and other
> places. I have observed absolutely no differences in performance. The
> only difference I have observed is when I open the hatch to work on one.
> The
> 403 is much easier to work on because of it's smaller outside dimensions.
>
>
> My personal coach is a 455. The coach currently in my hangar that we are
> restoring is a 403.
>
> I did, years ago, help a little on a swap from a 455 to a 403. The
> biggest differences were the oil filter adapter and lines, and the radiator
> hoses.
> There may have been other things that I have forgotten.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Me too, Jim! I consider that the addition of the 3:70 gears in my final
drive was absolutely the single best upgrade that I have done to my coach.
As well as the return on investment. My fuel economy actually improved at
least by 1 mpg.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 12:43 PM Jim Kanomata via Gmclist <

> There is one thing they are not telling you, that you must know, that the
> gear ratio need to be 3.70 to put one in the torque range that both the 404
> and 455 need to run at in order for it to pull at 60-70 mph.
> Walt Hally,Mugil Mendes,Rick Flanagan, Wally Anderson and over 3,000 are
> running the 3.70 .
>
>
> On Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 12:21 PM Ken Burton via Gmclist <

>
> > I have driven both cross country several times. Up to the Eisenhower
> > tunnel and Trail Ridge Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park) and
> other
> > places. I have observed absolutely no differences in performance. The
> > only difference I have observed is when I open the hatch to work on one.
> > The
> > 403 is much easier to work on because of it's smaller outside dimensions.
> >
> >
> > My personal coach is a 455. The coach currently in my hangar that we are
> > restoring is a 403.
> >
> > I did, years ago, help a little on a swap from a 455 to a 403. The
> > biggest differences were the oil filter adapter and lines, and the
> radiator
> > hoses.
> > There may have been other things that I have forgotten.
> > --
> > Ken Burton - N9KB
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > Hebron, Indiana
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.gmcrvparts.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Many of us feel that a swap from a 403 to a 455 is not an upgrade, not even
> an even- Steven swap. But, we might be a minority.(GRIN)
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon

I agree, Jim. My all original 403 has 160,000 on it and still running strong. About 30,000 miles ago, I did have to open the top end on one side to
replace a valve but nothing else. With 3.70 gears, the 403 is in it's sweet spot and just purrs at 60 to 70 mph running up around 3,000 rpms. I tow
all the time with no problem with get up and go. I can usually outpull a stock 455 up about any grade. Love my 403 and will not entertain switching
when I finally need to replace the 403. Now, I need to find a lot of wood to knock on...ha! ha!.
--
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
 
Why not swap a 445? Because you probably don't have all the accessory brackets and hardware handy.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II