89 Chevy truck - think I snapped the crank, new engine or new crank?

[AZ Vic]

Hey all,

I am pretty sure I snapped the front of my crank in my bucket truck. It is a 350 and just stopped running at an idle while I was up in the air. No noise or any thing I didn't even know it stopped until I went to move... turns over with no irregular noise but does not fire. I can wobble the front balancer assembly back and forth - it appears that it snapped the nose of the crank.

I am not sure as I have not tore in to it yet, but if the crank is broken - the question is:

Should I just get a whole new long block from GM?
(I guess about $2k with me doing it)
or

new crank, gaskets, bearings, timing chain, etc. - just fix the parts that are broken?
(I guess about $800-900)

It has about 78k on it ... it is a work truck, but did a lot of sitting. I idle most of the day with it (to operate the pump for my bucket)so the motor is well worn.

I would hate to just fix the parts that are broken to have it burn a head or something 6 months from now. It is my work truck, so I need it to run every day that I need it to. When it is down, like now, it costs me money.

What do you guys think?


Vic

 

[gofstbuick]

If after you've done a complete diagnosis and determine the engine is toast, the crate motor is really the way to go (IMHO). You get a motor that is warrantied by the manufacturer. I think the warranty is 3 years/50000 miles. Can't beat a warranty like that. Those motors produce varying amounts of HP and torque at a very reasonable price. Since you depend on this vehicle to make money, consider the most economical and practical choice.

 

[AZ Vic]

If I do the whole engine, I absolutely want to go with a new GM crate motor... I remember seeing one advertised somewhere for 1300 or so...


Anyone have a good source (read cheap ) for a new GM crate motor?

Thanks,

Vic

 

[gofstbuick]

If you lived near me, I'd arrange a jobber price for you and you could pick it up. But to travel to Sac just to get a motor deal would probably cost you more in gas than finding someone in AZ to help you.

 

[Reaper]

*cough* big block *cough cough*

 

[AZ Vic]

Originally posted by Reaper
*cough* big block *cough cough*

Nah...

Not in my bucket truck... stock and easy, less parts to break, better mpg.

Check your email BTW...



gofst - And thanks for the offer on the jobber price, you are right on the gas. What $$ should I be looking for jobber and retail?

Thanks again,

Vic

 

[Reaper]

Originally posted by AZ Vic
Nah...

Not in my bucket truck... stock and easy, less parts to break, better mpg.

Check your email BTW...



Vic

you have mail