Engine Help for an older Pontiac

[MikeM]

Hey all, I need some help from the Pontiac enthusiasts on this site . . . I know you are out there . . .

I have a buddy who has a '70 Bonneville that he is restoring. Currently it has a 428, which was originally in a '68 car. He is getting a really bad knock from the engine and suspects either a bad lifter or possibly worse.

They have it at a mechanic right now for eval, but he's not sure if the guy really knows these older engines. My buddy is also thinking he might swap for a different motor since it's not original anyway.

So, anyone know of:
(a) a really good mechanic or expert he could consult and/or take it to, or
(b) what engine options there are that would be compatible, and/or where he might get a good rebuilt one?

Also if you have any good technical resources (websites, etc.) for these motors that would be awesome!

[TSTONE]

Hey Mike - long time, hope all is well.

Not sure anyone's here that knows much about something of that era.

The only lead I can give would be to reach out to "Lucky SOB" (Fred). I know he learned a lot about those when he and his dad rebuilt the GTO.

http://www.mifbody.com/forums/forum/...to-400-rebuild

Best of luck!

T

[MP81]

Lucky SOB

I'll send him a text, as I don't think that tag will alert him.

[MikeM]

Lucky SOB

I'll send him a text, as I don't think that tag will alert him.

Thanks Kyle! Mainly looking for some resources for my buddy . . . either a good shop / good guy that knows these older engines, or help finding a not-too-expensive Pontiac 400 or 455. Or a good tech website or two.

The "restoration" is really just to get it looking and driving well again so they can cruise & enjoy. It's one of those land-yacht Bonneville convertibles . . . 19 feet long! So the 455 would be better I think.

[Lucky SOB]

What octane fuel is he running?

Unfortunately I can't recommend the engine builder we have used for the last 2 late 60's Pontiac engines we've had rebuilt. Guy has always screwed something up.

I seem to remember there was a guy that built old Pontiac engines on the West side of the state. Can't remember his name though.

[TSTONE]

Thinking you also might try either the Widetrackers or POCI

http://www.widetrackers.org/

http://www.motorcitypoci.com/

[MikeM]

What octane fuel is he running?

Unfortunately I can't recommend the engine builder we have used for the last 2 late 60's Pontiac engines we've had rebuilt. Guy has always screwed something up.

I seem to remember there was a guy that built old Pontiac engines on the West side of the state. Can't remember his name though.

Can't say what fuel he uses, I have personally only seen the car once (last summer), he brought it to my house once. At that time he said it was running fine.

If you happen to think of the guy's name please let me know, thanks for the help!

[MikeM]

Thinking you also might try either the Widetrackers or POCI

http://www.widetrackers.org/

http://www.motorcitypoci.com/

Thanks Todd, I should have thought of that myself lol . . . those guys know Pontiacs inside out.

P.S. Are you going to their show this year?

P.P.S. My new house is real close to the Waterford Elks - isn't that where your favorite show is every year?

[TSTONE]

Thanks Todd, I should have thought of that myself lol . . . those guys know Pontiacs inside out.

P.S. Are you going to their show this year?

P.P.S. My new house is real close to the Waterford Elks - isn't that where your favorite show is every year?

Both are great sources of knowledge and they seem to love to help.

Answer #1 don't know yet, really depends on work schedule and projects.

Answer #2 Yup - that has long been my favorite show and I have dragged many folks there including Jeff, Brian & Larry.

If there is anyway it works with my schedule I'll be there. Sadly, from what I hear it might die due to last years turn out. Unfortunately most of the fun shows in the N. Oakland area are gone.

[DynoDave]

Something basic and easy to try...

Pull plug wires one at a time, and run the engine each time you deactivate one cylinder. If it's a rod bearing, wrist pin, or something load sensitive, it will go away or substantially lesson when you pull the plug wire for that cylinder.

If it's a lifter, it will do it all the time.

Far from a full answer or diagnosis, but at least you can approach a shop with a little bit of knowledge under your belt.

If you think there's a chance it's an accessory belt driven item, like a water pump or alternator, run the engine for a moment with the belt(s) off, and see if the noise is still there.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Thanks Todd, I should have thought of that myself lol . . . those guys know Pontiacs inside out.

P.S. Are you going to their show this year?

P.P.S. My new house is real close to the Waterford Elks - isn't that where your favorite show is every year?

Mike, they've slit their throats over the last 5 years due to a lack of inclusiveness, a lack of imagination, and a lack of comraderie. Great venue, but if you're not part of the "club", you're ignored. And ignored with ignorance, as they didn't understand anything post 1970. So the show is dying off because their owners are dying off, or selling the cars off. Neat show, but desperately in need of any owners younger than 50. There was a legit, documented 69 matching numbers RS/Z28, hugger orange, that didn't get the time of day at this show. Embarrassing . It was a near #1 car, with an owner who was happy to walk you through and show off the hose clamps, if you would listen to him. Great car. But he wasn't part of the club. First timer, came by himself. Not sure how many people talked to him other than Todd and me. Not sure if he ever went back, that was a few years ago...

[DynoDave]

Mike, they've slit their throats over the last 5 years due to a lack of inclusiveness, a lack of imagination, and a lack of comraderie. Great venue, but if you're not part of the "club", you're ignored. And ignored with ignorance, as they didn't understand anything post 1970. So the show is dying off because their owners are dying off, or selling the cars off. Neat show, but desperately in need of any owners younger than 50. There was a legit, documented 69 matching numbers RS/Z28, hugger orange, that didn't get the time of day at this show. Embarrassing . It was a near #1 car, with an owner who was happy to walk you through and show off the hose clamps, if you would listen to him. Great car. But he wasn't part of the club. First timer, came by himself. Not sure how many people talked to him other than Todd and me. Not sure if he ever went back, that was a few years ago...

Which show/club is this?

[TSTONE]

Mike, they've slit their throats over the last 5 years due to a lack of inclusiveness, a lack of imagination, and a lack of comraderie. Great venue, but if you're not part of the "club", you're ignored. And ignored with ignorance, as they didn't understand anything post 1970. So the show is dying off because their owners are dying off, or selling the cars off. Neat show, but desperately in need of any owners younger than 50. There was a legit, documented 69 matching numbers RS/Z28, hugger orange, that didn't get the time of day at this show. Embarrassing . It was a near #1 car, with an owner who was happy to walk you through and show off the hose clamps, if you would listen to him. Great car. But he wasn't part of the club. First timer, came by himself. Not sure how many people talked to him other than Todd and me. Not sure if he ever went back, that was a few years ago...

Dave - Waterford Elks

I agree with you Jeff, and there are other detractors from this and EVERY show.

As with most shows it was a popularity contest among the car clubs.

[MikeM]

Mike, they've slit their throats over the last 5 years due to a lack of inclusiveness, a lack of imagination, and a lack of comraderie. Great venue, but if you're not part of the "club", you're ignored. And ignored with ignorance, as they didn't understand anything post 1970. So the show is dying off because their owners are dying off, or selling the cars off. Neat show, but desperately in need of any owners younger than 50. There was a legit, documented 69 matching numbers RS/Z28, hugger orange, that didn't get the time of day at this show. Embarrassing . It was a near #1 car, with an owner who was happy to walk you through and show off the hose clamps, if you would listen to him. Great car. But he wasn't part of the club. First timer, came by himself. Not sure how many people talked to him other than Todd and me. Not sure if he ever went back, that was a few years ago...

That's a real shame . . . was looking forward to finally going to that one, it's so close. Maybe I will wander over there on the day of the show anyway and see how it is . . . you never know, maybe they learned their lesson . . .

[MikeM]

Something basic and easy to try...

Pull plug wires one at a time, and run the engine each time you deactivate one cylinder. If it's a rod bearing, wrist pin, or something load sensitive, it will go away or substantially lesson when you pull the plug wire for that cylinder.

If it's a lifter, it will do it all the time.

Far from a full answer or diagnosis, but at least you can approach a shop with a little bit of knowledge under your belt.

If you think there's a chance it's an accessory belt driven item, like a water pump or alternator, run the engine for a moment with the belt(s) off, and see if the noise is still there.

Thanks Dave! I will pass that along.