Big time bummer!

[sailtom]

I posted a couple weeks ago about a strange starting problem and coolant in the oil of my '94 LWB. After considering doing a head gasket job myself I elected to take her into a local shop with a good reputation. Head gaskets were blown and valves needed some work, so they proceeded. They also dropped the oil pan to make sure things looked okay in the bottom end - they looked okay. Work completed they started her up, ran her for a few minutes, then pulled the dip stick to check the oil - bad news - still getting coolant in oil. The dropped oil pan again, turned crankshaft and found that when the piston was in the right spot coolant came flowing out of #7 cylinder. So my engine is done. I am now searching for a used 4.2 and may be selling off my heads and any other parts from my dead engine.
Any adive, suggestions, comforting would be appreciated. Now I am going to spike my morning coffee.

[TerryS]

Cracked or loosened liners are almost always #7 or #8, Why not have your block resleeved? There are a few US shops doing flanged sleeves with good success. Robison, in Springfield, MA, is advertising that he does (or has it done) this job. There are still some good 4.2 engines out there, but there's always the question in the back of your mind about their previous overhaeting history.

[Paul Grant]

While I don't have a 4.2L block to sell I do have a very late 3.9L out of a '95 RRC with 103K miles on the clock that you could have at a reasonable price. It has the bosses where the 4.0L has cross bolted main bearings and 10 bolts for the later style heads used with composite gaskets. It's really the best version of the 3.9L you can get.

I don't know where you're located (I'm in CT) but if you are at all interested, contact me at paulgrant@mac.com.

[smileyq]

Sorry to hear that man. Best of luck with your shopping.