Hello - I've decided it's time to work on my 97 C2500 and I joined the forum because I have time for the next few months and it might make things easier
A year ago I did a compression test and I remember that 2, 4 and 6 were way too low, like in the 20s. 1,3,5,7,and 8 were good like in the 80s or 90s. I lost my numbers but that's what I remember. I'll probably do another compression check today since that's an easy thing to do and I have a fresh battery. Before it died like 3 years ago, there was a period of white smoke so it's pretty clear what I'm up against, a blown head gasket or cracked head. I replaced the engine with a $2,000 long block from my local chevy dealer about 100K miles ago. I bought the truck used from a guy in 2002 that did a lot of towing and when it blew white smoke before, I just bought the new long block thinking that it was a better idea. It's a great truck. It's the C2500 5.7 Vortec, extra cab, long bed and I want to put it to work. If there's anyone out there that wants to give some friendly advice, or just follow the comedy of my journey, I'll be checking in regularly with updates. I've never done the car enthusiast forum thing, but you only live once, right? Cheers and have a great day.

 

Welcome. We love photos.

 

I started my compression testing on bank 2 and have concluded that my compression testing equipment and/or skills are lacking. Cylinder 2 held good at 180. Then I did cylinder 4 and it was a 120 dropping when I got around the front of the truck. I pulled the tester out and saw a blown o-ring on the extension. I bypassed the extension and no difference for cylinder 4. I then re did cylinder 2 without the extension and it was 170 dropping when I got around to the front of the truck. The tester seems ok with a button to relieve the pressure so I'm going to put a new o-ring on it. It's ancient so I'm not surprised the o-ring broke when I put a wrench on it. I suppose dropping pressure could mean blown rings cylinder 2 held at 180 so I'm going to assume it's the o-ring for now. Also, my friend Cassie the cat reminded me that I still have the original engine in the crate that came with the new engine and if I can get it running, I want to do a complete rebuild on that with the 400+ hp head work I've been reading about. Cheers