1994 Bounder Engine swap

wmacdonald wrote:
Im not sure of the whole story with this one, apparently the head gasket went and it hydrolocked, when I pulled the plugs one was smashed so in my mind its not worth trying to do a full rebuild when I can get a low mileage drop in for 1500$

Hard to find a 454 that is used and still in good condition, I would go with a rebuild, takes a lot of work to get that motor in and out might as well get a new motor vs a used one that might have problems.

Not sure when the 454 went out of production. Some where in the early 2000, I think. With that in mind, a used engine will have old gaskets that could possibly fail again. I wouldn't consider a used engine unless I intended on replacing all the gaskets, checking the valves and replacing the oil pump. With all the work it takes to R&R the engine, saving a few $$ is not productive. Then there is all the small items that will eat a hole in your budget. Hoses, belts, oil, filter, spark plugs, theromostat, water pump, power steering fluid, antifreeze, OH GEE! I think i need replace that too, etc. GRIN
And while I'm on a roll. That rubber air dam, above the radiator needs to be put back on. It's an important part of the engine cooling package. Now get out there and get dirty!

Richard

Yeah my plan is to buy something used. Go over it reAL well. Seals bearings etc. Make any nesscesary repairs and hope for an engine that will last for 5-6 years of light use. I don't think it's too much to ask.

And will give me an opportunity to practice my mech skills.

I guess it depends on how long you plan to keep the beast and how many km (Canada you know) you plan to put on it. A quality rebuild will cost more and probably outlive your 20+ year old coach. A factory long block would be quickest getting you back on the road where you belong but again not cheap, this would be the route to go if you plan on keeping it. If the household finance manager says your budget is at stake a used engine makes sense as long as you are willing to wait and have a good mechanic in the wings.

Richard, thanks for the info, I figured it was something like that. Still for a full rebuild that it would require on an engine thats already got 140'000KM on it not worth it to rebuild when I can hopefully find one for a couple grand thats in half decent shape.

Any major issues you ran up against that a guy might not think about?

Thanks again, may have some questions for you in the coming months ;)

I'm the one that R&R the 460, in the posted link.
No need to pull the engine out of the dog house. That'll just get every thing mucked-up inside.
My 460 block is taller and wider than your 454. Yours will come out the front easier than mine did.
A few 454s had intake manifold failure that hydro locked the engine. And some had head gasket failure that hydro locked the engine. My first encounter with a hydro locked 454 motorhome was in 2002. Broke a piston and bent a rod. You're not the first to encounter this problem.

Richard

go back a few pages and youll find a guy thats in the process of changing out a 460 in an older bounder. He posted some photos and it appears he pulled his out the front

I suggest scouring the wrecking yards for an rv that has not been hit head on. The 454 has not been used in passenger vehicles for some time so low mileage engines will be hard to find. If you are in the lower mainland there are a couple of large yards on Scott Road in Surrey that might be able to help. Also check Chilliwack wreckers.

Im not sure of the whole story with this one, apparently the head gasket went and it hydrolocked, when I pulled the plugs one was smashed so in my mind its not worth trying to do a full rebuild when I can get a low mileage drop in for 1500$

My dad had a bounder and he cracked a piston. His 454 had two bolt main bearings so we put a four bolt main bearing short block in it from the front. PITA.