Hello to all,

I joined this forum because my boy bought a 69 olds toronado a few months ago. I was at work when it was delivered to the house so could not look at anything or check anything out. I know there was no antifreeze in the cooling system cause everything froze the next night. When they started the engine the next day they said they could see steam coming from under the car and shut the engine down. I am not sure how long it ran. I know that the radiator is busted down low on the passenger side. I also drained about a quart of water out of the oil pan. I also found the intake manifold is cracked by the water house housing on the front. This occurred about 2 months ago. I pulled the intake and heads off a couple of days ago. I cannot find any cracks in the heads. We are going to clean them off and bring them to a shop for pressure testing. The block is another matter. None of the freeze plugs popped out when everything froze up months ago. They are still in the block. So I am thinking that the cracks in the pics came from overheating at sometime or another. I can tell from the little plastic retainer for the throttle cable, where it connects to the carb. It is melted. So I am sure that in the past that this engine ran hot. I am trying to find out how the water got into the oil pan. One of my problems is that I don't know if it was there already or not. The head gaskets looked fine. I am not new to cars or engines but I am 455 ignorant. If the heads check out fine, where should I look on the block to find cracks that would allow water to get in the oil but not interfere with the engine running. It would crank up and run so I don't think water was getting into the cylinders. Thanks for reading and for any help you may be able to throw my way.

capt.

 

Wow. I have a feeling that block it toast.

 

Welcome to the site! I agree with Randy, that doesn't look good. If you wind up needing a block post your city/state as the members of this board are scattered across the U.S., Canada, and many other parts of the world Hopefully someone close to you has a spare. John

 

Has your machinist seen the block yet? What does he say?

 

Sorry about the block, looks like a replacement is in order

 

That does look like it's terminal, I would get another block too, maybe a complete engine.
At least you know what's wrong?
Maybe your engine guy/machinist will say different but why spend the bucks and time to even have that block checked any further for damage when you could probably get another block or a complete engine cheaper than it would cost to repair (if possible) and then you would have something. Unless matching numbers are important?
Lots of knowledgable Toro guys here for advice.
The core hole plugs don't have anything to do with relieving pressure if the water freezes in the block, it's against the laws of physics.

 

As said block is trash, look no further for any other problems. Heads may be ok, have them magnafluxed for cracks. Likely they are big valve heads. A 455 block should not be too hard to find and and start over with a rebuild.

 

I had a 69 455 that cracked just like that.The cylinder head that was on that side was cracked too.

 

Welcome to CO capt. Sorry about the bad news.

 

I had one like that, I tried to save it.
Had it pinned, machined, etc, etc.
Over $500 in it when I went to assemble.
Installing a freeze plug caused the side of the block to crack.
Save your money for a crack free block.
Sorry...my opinion.
Have the heads magnafluxed.
Good luck,
Jim

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. I kinda figured that was the situation but I am much more familiar with another brand engine. Had to get the info from people who are familiar with Oldsmobiles. Numbers matching was important but it ain't no good if it don't run. My son goes on spring break tomorrow and weather permitting, we will pull the block and disassemble it and thoroughly inspect it. The heads are going to be cleaned and taken to a shop for inspection, maybe it won't be a total loss. Whatever happens, it will be a good learning experience for him and a great bonding experience for us. It is a riot watching him try to work on his car. He really has to learn patience and me laughing at him doesn't help. He was complaining about needing more room to work....I about fell out. If he only knew! Gonna weld the intake manifold today cause those low-rise things are hard to come by. Figured I'd give it a shot. It is already cracked so its not like I can mess it up. Couple of tricks to welding cast iron though.

Anyway, I have absorbed what you guys have to say and will continue to progress in this project. Appreciate the help!

capt.

 

I wouldn't even mess with the manifold....all toro's from 66 to 70 used the lower intake but there are differences in chokes I believe.