Repair And Fix it

Pontiac has always been GMs excitement division, and its V-8 production strategy was one reason its stayed that way for so long. Unlike many other divisions that had large- and small-block engine families, Pontiac had only one engine that spanned from 265 all the way up to 455 cubic inches. Smaller-displacement engines like the 350 were oft-overlooked cult classics, mostly because of serious junkyard upgrades in the form of higher flowing heads, intakes and cam packages for the 428 and 455.

Rotation Direction

Most V-8 and V-6 engines use common-journal crankshafts, meaning that the connecting rods from two opposing cylinders ride on one arm of the crankshaft. Such is the case here: Pistons 1 and 2 share a crankshaft arm, as do 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8. Knowing this, and the fact that the even numbers are on the passenger side of the block, you can figure out the direction of rotation from the engines firing order.

The Pontiacs firing order is 2-1-8-4-3-6-5-7. Notice that in this order, you have a couple of pairs: 2-1 and 6-5. Since you know that those cylinders share a common arm, you can deduce that the crankshaft hits the passenger side first, and then the driver side. Theore, the crankshaft rotation is clockwise when looking at the engine from the front, counterclockwise when looking at it from the rear. Inside the distributor, the rotor spins counterclockwise.

If you have a Chevrolet car or truck made between 1967 and 1997, theres a good chance it has a 350-cubic-inch engine. The Chevrolet 350 small-block engine was offered in many Chevrolet cars and trucks and in other General Motors vehicles as well. The 350 became Chevrolets primary work-horse small-block engine after the demise of the 327 and 283 engines. The 350 is identified using both visual clues and casting numbers.

Instructions

1

Count the number of spark plugs. The 350 is an eight-cylinder engine

2

Inspect the engine compartment to locate identification tags. GM usually places various tags, decals and other identification devices throughout the engine compartment. These usually provide any necessary information if it is not worn off.

3

Locate the casting identification number on the engine block. This number is stamped on a pad just forward of the right-side (passengers side) cylinder head and may be hidden by the alternator. Remove the alternator if necessary. The ID number usually consists of eight digits in a combination of numbers and letters.

4

Decode the ID number according to Chevrolets code system. For example, the number V0908CNJ breaks down as follows: V is the engine plant, followed by the month and day of manufacture and the engine suffix code. ID number V0908CNJ was manufactured at the Flint engine plant on October 8 and was originally installed in a 1970 Caprice with 250 horsepower. To decode the engine suffix, cross-referencing is necessary.

Between the head and the engine block of a Chevy 350 resides a head gasket. The head gasket is a seal; it keeps the coolant that is moving from the engine block to the head from entering the combustion chambers of the motor. When a head gasket fails, coolant can enter the combustion chamber, which is a bad thing. Installing a new head gasket requires a special torque sequence to ensure the gasket seats properly against the head. Failing to follow the proper tightening sequence will result in the head gasket failing shortly after installation.

Instructions

1

Stand facing the head you are tightening.

2

Mark the top row of head bolts, using a wax marker, starting with the leftmost bolt. Mark that bolt 13. Mark the next bolt, moving to the right, 5. Mark the third one 2 and the fourth one 10. Move to the middle row of bolts and label them 17, 9, 1, 6 and 14 from left to right. Mark the lowest row of head bolts 16, 12, 8, 4, 3, 7, 11 and 15, left to right.

3

Attach a socket matching the size of your 350 Chevys head bolts to a torque wrench.

4

Set the torque wrench to 65 foot-pounds.

5

Tighten the head bolt marked number "1" with the torque wrench. Stop tightening the bolt when the torque wrench signifies the bolt has 65 foot-pounds of torque. Torque each bolt in the order they are numbered. For example, the next bolt you will torque is number "2," then number "3," until you reach bolt number 17.

6

Mark and tighten the bolts on the other head in the same manner as the first.

The 1990 Ford F-350 truck was available with three engines: a 5.8L Windsor engine, a 7.3L engine, a 7.5L engine, and a 4.9L engine. The 5.8L engine, like the others, comes with a throttle position sensor, also called a TPS. The throttle position sensor helps to regulate the trucks idle. If its faulty, the idle may be high, low, or otherwise irregular. Removing the old TPS and installing a new one shouldnt take you longer than 15 minutes.

Instructions

1

Turn off the F-350s engine. Gather your tools and replacement throttle position sensor.

2

Open the F-350s hood to view the 5.8L engine. Move to the passenger side of the engine compartment. Look in the center, behind the intake manifold, right next to the area the large black air hose comes from. Youll see the throttle position sensor mounted next to the air hose. The sensor looks similar to a capital "T." The top part of it is wide. The bottom part (the connector) is thin. It is a black plastic piece.

3

Push the tab on the TPS electrical connection and unplug it from the sensor. The connection is attached to the thin part of the throttle position sensor.

4

Remove the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Carefully pull the TPS away from its mount.

5

Insert and seat the new throttle position sensor in its mount. Insert and tighten the two screws. Plug in the electrical connection. Shut the hood.

The Chevy 350 Vortec engine is found in different models of trucks. If you cant get your 350 to start, there are a few things that you can look at before you take it to a mechanic. The battery is the most common issue with motors that wont start. If the battery is dead or even has a low charge, the motor will not be able to turn over. Checking the fuel level, the alternator, and the starter is also recommended.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition on your vehicle. Listen for a clicking noise. If you hear a clicking noise, get your car or truck to a mechanic to test the alternator or the starter. Mechanics have specialized tools for this.

2

Look for the gauges to turn over when you turn the ignition. If the gauges flicker on, you are low on fuel. Fill the fuel tank and start your car.

3

Pop the hood and locate the battery. The battery will have two terminals coming to it. Get a socket wrench or a pair of pliers and remove the terminals from the battery.

4

Use a can of soda and a wire bristled brush to clean the terminals. Reattach the terminals and start your car.

5

Jump start your car with jumper cables and another vehicle. Let the car run for about 5 minutes to charge the battery. Cut the car off. If the car will not come back on, replace your battery.

The Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch engine made its debut in 1967 and continues to be manufactured today as a crate engine. As one of Chevrolets longest-running and most popular engines, it is a favorite with restorers, race enthusiasts and engine builders. Identification of the 350 block requires locating and decoding the engine ID number and referring to a suffix code listing to determine the block in question. The entire process is aided by Chevrolets efficient numbering system.

Instructions

1

Find the Chevrolet engine ID number. According to Nasty Z28, it is found on a machined pad in front of the passenger side cylinder head. Removing the alternator may be necessary to access the number. The number consists of a four-position prefix and a three-letter suffix, V0315-CDH, for example.

2

Decipher the prefix portion of the ID number. Nasty Z28 decodes the prefix as follows: the first letter, "V," represents the manufacturing location, in this case Flint, Michigan. The following four-digits are the date of manufacture, "0315," or March 15th.

3

Locate the engine ID suffix on a Chevrolet code listing. Nasty Z28 and Chevy-Camaro both have extensive listings. The suffix code gives important information concerning the block, such as year of manufacture, horsepower designation, model car, etc. The Suffix "CDH" translates as a 1972 350 with 200 horsepower.