'96 4.3 V6 question

[lxndr]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum but I have been on the AF for several years.

I'm currently working on my mother in laws '96 Blazer LS with a 4.3L V6. The motor lost oil pressure and developed a slight rod knock so I'll will be tearing the motor apart, possibly turning the crank, replacing a rod, replacing the bearings and replacing the oil pump. I've rebuilt many Chevy V8's so I'm confident I can handle this one.

The motor has about 120K and it doesn't blow a puff of smoke so I'm trying to get it running again without having to rebuild the whole thing.

My question is are all 4.3L V6 rods the same? Can I use rods from a pre '95 motor in a '95+ motor? Someone offered me a '90 V6 block and I haven't had a chance to look it over, but I suspect it's exactly the same motor. Knowing how chevy designs motors, I can't imagine there would be any difference in the V6 motors from the 1st gen Blazer to the 2nd gen.


Thanks,

Alexander

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by lxndr

Hi,

I'm new to this forum but I have been on the AF for several years.

I'm currently working on my mother in laws '96 Blazer LS with a 4.3L V6. The motor lost oil pressure and developed a slight rod knock so I'll will be tearing the motor apart, possibly turning the crank, replacing a rod, replacing the bearings and replacing the oil pump. I've rebuilt many Chevy V8's so I'm confident I can handle this one.

The motor has about 120K and it doesn't blow a puff of smoke so I'm trying to get it running again without having to rebuild the whole thing.

My question is are all 4.3L V6 rods the same? Can I use rods from a pre '95 motor in a '95+ motor? Someone offered me a '90 V6 block and I haven't had a chance to look it over, but I suspect it's exactly the same motor. Knowing how chevy designs motors, I can't imagine there would be any difference in the V6 motors from the 1st gen Blazer to the 2nd gen.


Thanks,

Alexander

If you are going to do it go all of the way down to bare block.
In case of lost oil pressure be sure to service/replace cam bearings and have the heads reworked while you are there.

On parts interchange check the parts books real close.
Rods usually have a stamped part no on them.
Good Luck
MT

[blazes9395]

The blocks are different, from the balance shaft on the newer blocks, to the cast being different in itself. the new intake style will not bolt up to the older heads and vice versa. The rods may work, but you have to take a good look in a parts interchange book to find out for sure. My personal opinion is that they will not work. I know the pistons where changed to lighter pistons in the newer engines also.

Your best bet is to find a '96+ core, get it machines and put it together, or, pull your engine, get all the machining work done, and put it back together.

And for sure, like MT said, if your going to do it, go all the way down, and do it since you are rebuilding it. Easier to it right the first time.
Good luck.

[Blazer SS]

No the rods are not the same. The v6 actually have bigger ends. the piston side is the same , but the crank side is larger. The rods both use 5.7 inch standard length but the journals are 2.250. The pins are .927 both the same.