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AG · 05-12-2019, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Yea, that one is hurt pretty bad. We used to produce some chambers that looked like that when we were pushing the Grocery Getter hard. What came first on that one, a piston coming apart or the broken valve head?
The beauty of aluminum is that chamber can be restored to 95% of it's original look and 100% of it's function. Never happen with an iron head. Even though I am still leading the charge for an iron "replacement" head.

A Manley Ti retainer broke on an exhaust valve, the collar separated from the top and the collar was still on the valve stem. Valve dropped, head broke off (Ferrea series 6000) bounced all around until it broke a hole through the piston causing smoke to fill the car at 130 mph. Exhaust valve stem stayed in guide. Machinist I use fixed the chamber for $500 plus valves and it came out perfect. No damage to the IAII block, just had to bore one hole 0.030" over.

mgarblik · 05-12-2019, 10:00 AM

I am glad you were able to get it fixed good as new. Aluminum is very forgiving even if your bank account isn't. I have a few more questions about the failure as we also use Manley retainers and a lash/cap/lock combination on the exhaust side. Do you think it was a pure part fatigue failure? Any witness marks or other issues with the 15 remaining retainers? What valve seat pressure do you run? Finally, what maximum RPM does your engine see? Appreciate the information. Good luck this season.

RAIV-Z · 05-12-2019, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AG

A Manley Ti retainer broke on an exhaust valve, the collar separated from the top and the collar was still on the valve stem. Valve dropped, head broke off (Ferrea series 6000) bounced all around until it broke a hole through the piston causing smoke to fill the car at 130 mph. Exhaust valve stem stayed in guide. Machinist I use fixed the chamber for $500 plus valves and it came out perfect. No damage to the IAII block, just had to bore one hole 0.030" over.

Hey AG,
Is there a local shop in NH that can fix than kind of carnage or did you have to ship the head out?

AG · 05-12-2019, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I am glad you were able to get it fixed good as new. Aluminum is very forgiving even if your bank account isn't. I have a few more questions about the failure as we also use Manley retainers and a lash/cap/lock combination on the exhaust side. Do you think it was a pure part fatigue failure? Any witness marks or other issues with the 15 remaining retainers? What valve seat pressure do you run? Finally, what maximum RPM does your engine see? Appreciate the information. Good luck this season.

There was a lash cap with Crower 1.5 rockers, no witness mark on any other retainers or rockers, running 230# seat pressure, max rpm 6600, ARP Pro series rocker studs, on the mild side for a race motor. Use Smith Brothers 3/8" pushrods and stud girdle. Looking at the retainer, I think it was a defective part. I changed to CC Ti retainers and they are thicker where the collar meets the top. Finally got it back together and just waiting for my belts to come back, missed last season. Sucks, but you have to be willing to accept things like this can happen.

AG · 05-12-2019, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAIV-Z

Hey AG,
Is there a local shop in NH that can fix than kind of carnage or did you have to ship the head out?

Leo did it in Dover, he's good.

mgarblik · 05-16-2019, 07:49 AM

Minor snag in the build of the second short block. Realized that I only have 3 good wrist pins left and need 8. That brings me to what I thought was a funny story with Bill Miller. (BME) During the winter of 2017, I sent 16 wrist pins to BME for inspection and polishing. About a week later, I get a call from Bill Miller Himself. He says, "I got your wrist pins and I have some good and some bad news". I ask, what's the bad news. He says, "all 16 pins are bent and can't be re-used". I said , huh, what's the good news then. He said, "your puny, weak Pontiac engine is making enough power to bend MY wrist pins!!". You have to understand Bill's dry sense of humor, but that was quite a compliment. We are now running his strongest material pins, the same used in current top fuel applications. We were using H11 tool steel used in top alcohol engines. Not strong enough in our diameter, 1.094". Anyway, 8 new ones are on the way.

slowbird · 05-16-2019, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Minor snag in the build of the second short block. Realized that I only have 3 good wrist pins left and need 8. That brings me to what I thought was a funny story with Bill Miller. (BME) During the winter of 2017, I sent 16 wrist pins to BME for inspection and polishing. About a week later, I get a call from Bill Miller Himself. He says, "I got your wrist pins and I have some good and some bad news". I ask, what's the bad news. He says, "all 16 pins are bent and can't be re-used". I said , huh, what's the good news then. He said, "your puny, weak Pontiac engine is making enough power to bend MY wrist pins!!". You have to understand Bill's dry sense of humor, but that was quite a compliment. We are now running his strongest material pins, the same used in current top fuel applications. We were using H11 tool steel used in top alcohol engines. Not strong enough in our diameter, 1.094". Anyway, 8 new ones are on the way.

What wall thickness?

scott70 · 05-16-2019, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AG

Head damage is a drag.

Ouch.....that sucks !!

Dragncar · 05-16-2019, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Minor snag in the build of the second short block. Realized that I only have 3 good wrist pins left and need 8. That brings me to what I thought was a funny story with Bill Miller. (BME) During the winter of 2017, I sent 16 wrist pins to BME for inspection and polishing. About a week later, I get a call from Bill Miller Himself. He says, "I got your wrist pins and I have some good and some bad news". I ask, what's the bad news. He says, "all 16 pins are bent and can't be re-used". I said , huh, what's the good news then. He said, "your puny, weak Pontiac engine is making enough power to bend MY wrist pins!!". You have to understand Bill's dry sense of humor, but that was quite a compliment. We are now running his strongest material pins, the same used in current top fuel applications. We were using H11 tool steel used in top alcohol engines. Not strong enough in our diameter, 1.094". Anyway, 8 new ones are on the way.

Pontiac,s suck. RAVs blow chunks.

Sure can not wait until you get that thing all ironed out with spare engine so you can beat some of those Hemis at their own game.

mgarblik · 05-16-2019, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowbird

What wall thickness?

I am sorry I can't answer that question. They are a taper wall pin. I am guessing the hole may be .375-.400" at the smaller point in the center. They weigh 246 G. The new pins we began running in 2018 are made of Vasco-jet material. So far, no scratches or bending period. They look like new. But they were so expensive, we were only able to buy one set last year.

mgarblik · 05-27-2019, 05:52 PM

Finally was able to spend a full day working on the short block. I had a pneumonia relapse and was unable to work for another week. Now we are getting under the gun to have the car together, running and ready to race. It takes me right at 400 hours to build one of these engines for the first time with a new engine block. The number of modifications and one time machining operations eats up a huge amount of time as well as dozens of cleaning operations. Anyway, the short block is assembled and after 3-4 hours of modifications to the oil pan, it will be ready to install. Then we move on to the heads and valve train. Heads themselves are assembled and bagged, but the valve train geometry will be quite a bit different with all the head repairs, so I am anticipating some issues getting all that straightened out. Still hoping to be back in the chassis and ready to fire next weekend Here are a few short block pics.

GTO Dan · 05-27-2019, 07:15 PM

Those parts sure are purty.

How you’re at 100% soon.

p4msi1 · 05-27-2019, 08:07 PM

Eric, I was hoping to see you guys again at Beech Bend Dragway Hot Rod Reunion but looks like y'all won't make ?

Steve Prudhomme

Dragncar · 05-27-2019, 08:29 PM

The dedication is impressive. Only 400 hours ! You guys will set your personal best this year.
Its all lining up. All the hard work will pay off.

Elarson · 05-27-2019, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p4msi1

Eric, I was hoping to see you guys again at Beech Bend Dragway Hot Rod Reunion but looks like y'all won't make ?

Steve Prudhomme

No. That's a cool event but the payout for fuel cars is pretty sparse now that Steve Gibbs isn't running it. We got a much better paying gig at National Trail on July 6th and with a full engine tear down every event, we can only do about one a month.

Eric

mgarblik · 06-23-2019, 08:20 PM

Little up-date on the Boss Bird engine (s) . We were able to successfully start and run the new engine block for the first time today. It's always a worrisome situation when firing and putting some heat in a brand new engine for the first time. We ran it on alcohol for about 5 minutes to get the timing set and check oil pressure and some computer data, then it was time for 91% nitro. Ran about 10 gallons through it and everything looks good for our race July 6th. Have a list of dozens of little items that need attention, but the basic engine package seems to be good. This is in addition to the old block being refreshed and available as a spare. Still need to work on the heads for that block and then we will have 2 long blocks for the first time ever. Looking forward to getting on the track finally after all the rain, tornadoes and other damage our area has endured this spring.