No, not at all.
So, I was at Tony's hanging my exhaust (for the third time!) and I noticed a few engine-to-transmission bolts had worked their way loose a few turns. So I tightened them. No big deal, right?
From there I heard a slight tinny(is that a word?) rattling noise. I didn't think anything of it because I thought it was the engine-to-transmission metal gasket rubbing against the flywheel. I was going to tend to it later.
A day later, running errands for work, the tinny noise turned into a knock. Every few minutes it would get louder and louder, to the point where I could hear it clearly over the radio. I was still on the clock so I couldn't just pull over and get it towed home.
When I finally did get it home, it wasn't pretty. I let it cool off for a few minutes and then went to fire it up and drive it onto the ramps so I could examine the engine-to-transmission gasket as best I could. The engine turned over 1/4 turn then stopped dead. Would not budge any more.
Crap.
Something gave out. What is it? More importantly, how can I fix it, and FAST! I was supposed to start a new job the following week.
My Dad said that if I fixed his 99 Windstar I could have it. One used junkyard alternator later (and a battery with the correct amount of cold cranking amps)and it's in great running condition.
Now that my whole daily driving situation is ruled out, I can focus on the Caravan again. It's been bitterly cold the first few weeks of February, but it's been too long since I've had grease on my hands so I figure it's time to dig in.
I've never taken an engine apart before, other than my lawn tractor. I started by taking off the oil pan.
That can't be good. Flaky stuff? the oil on the pickup tube looks like it's graphite. I then removed the Balance Shafts. I don't know what it is in there, but something smells BAD.
I don't know what to look for, really, so I just started feeling around for something that was either broken or had play to it. I found what I was looking for. The end cap connecting the...well, connecting rod to the crankshaft had lots of play in it. I could move it around and it made a clickety noise.
I took off that end cap by two 13mm bolts. I hear I'm supposed to find a bearing in there? Well I sure didn't see one. Maybe that's what all those metal shavings were...
The cap didn't seem in really bad shape though.
Sorry about the crappy images. I couldn't get the camera to focus correctly.
The piston moved up and down with little effort. I don't see how it could not turn over? What the hell.
Tomorrow (Feb. 25) I will pull the head and see what else I can find.
Now that I have a daily driver, I think a rebuild is neccessary.
I'm going for: A valve job, Turbos Unleashed custom computer, Wiseco forged pistons, 225lph fuel pump, +20% injectors, new bearings, gaskets, sandblast EVERYTHING, Garrett T-03 turbo with new turbo lines....rings...have everything (that I can afford :/ ) balanced.
That's all I can think of at 12:13 AM. I'm sure there's more. It's gonna cost me more than $1500.
