87 Chevy 3/4 ton

[Plumpton]

I just bought a 1987 chevy 3/4 ton. For the first two weeks i drove it with no problems, then all of a sudden i started to hear a loud tapping noise from the drivers side of the engine. I only drove it for a mile or so after I started to hear the noise. When i got home i checked inside the valve covers and sure enough there was that beautiful milky brown color. The engine only has 128,567 km's on it, so i am assuming that the truck sat most of the time. I was wondering if it is worth replacing the head gaskets, or is the damage already done? Its got a 5.0L engine in it.

Hope you guys can give me some advice.

[horse482]

You will probably have to replace the lifters if you are getting a tapping noise, that is if the noise is from the top end, if the noise is from the bottom end then you probably have some bearings that are bad. If its just head gaskest and lifters then you may want to go that way, if its the main or rod bearings then you may want to look at a new engine, upgrade to a 350.

[Plumpton]

Thanks for the advice. The tapping noise is coming from the top end. I have been thinking about upgrading to a 350 but with such low mileage on the engine, i have been hesitant due to the extra cost. I can do the work myself so if the damage isn't that extensive i think i am just gonna go with the head gasket and lifters. I guess I will have to wait until i tear it down and see how much touble I am in.

Now if i do go with a new 350 how much work is involved with that process. What kind of modifications will I have do to the truck, ie frame, trans et...

[jveik]

if its carbureted, it will be exactly the same setup except maybe a bigger carb. also, the emissions controls might be a tad bit different, if you even have them... i dont know about fuel injected tho if you need to reprogram it or something... basically upgrading to a 350 is going to look exactly the same as a 305, its just internal differences and possibly the carburetor.

[xjjeeper]

I own an 87 1/2 ton with a 350 carbed and I need to sell it $800.00 It needs a new transmission and body has rust but cab and frame have no holes or rust. Email [email protected]