[metalbeast]

Well, the car is back together after 4 weeks. New pistons, new rings (honed cylinder walls with new cylinder hone, up & down for a slow count of 10 each), new rod bearings, newly rebuilt head, new head gasket (Felpro...more on that in a minute), new oil pump, water pump, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing, flywheel, CV axles...I think that is everything.
I put the new O-ring in for the water tube yesterday. Filled it with coolant. Put 4 quarts of Valvoline 5W-30 Conventional Oi (I know 3.5 is the correct amount, put 4 in for priming) in this weekend. Hooked up the battery, removed the coil plug & turned the engine over for a few seconds to attempt to prime the pump. I then put the coil plug back on & started the ignition. Car cranked right up. Ran just a little rough ( need to check the ignition timing). I heard a tick that maybe either the lifters or an exhaust leak ( hope its the leak). I let it run just a minute then shut the car off.

I am still worried about this car. After all this work I came across the threads dealing with the problems with AFTERMARKET HEAD GASKET OIL DRAIN HOLES. I put a new Felpro Gasket on it which is offset from the hole slightly. I AM SO PISSED!!!
Evidently this causes an oil buring issue. Why is the gasket designed that way? Anyway, I am contemplating taking the dipstick tube out, putting a 1/2" hose on the dipstick tube & hoping that helps the oil drain back issue. See post #8 in this thread


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ht=oil+burning

ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS?


I DON"T WANT TO PULL THAT ENGINE BACK APART. Before some of you think "This guys is a lazy ass" I have too many other projects that need attention

1. 1997 Camaro Z28 M6 (painting, interior assembly, starter installation, rearend installation etc.)
2. 1997 Mustang Cobra ( need to replace starter).
3. 1997 Saturn SC2 (GFs car. Needs new motor mounts).
I am not so sure I like these Metros. Parts are impossible to find & it seems like once those parts are found, they are mismatched or poorly designed. Sorry for the long post & rant but this little car has pissed me off more than anything I have ever owned.
/rant.