Greetings all. Had a head gasket go on my 22R. Got head machined ready to go back on, etc. #3 bolt hole in block stripped. Went to drill out for thread insert, and the block around the outside of the bolt hole literally fell apart. Apart from bang my head against the wall and getting a new block, I'm open to advice. The truck is a 1980, the engine was rebuilt and has less than 4K on it too!

 

Pictures please.

 

The piece that came shooting off the block.
Piece came from just beneath my thumb.

 

Wow! That's not gonna buff out.

Expensive specialist repair might fix it, but another block would be best.

 

Get a 1985+ longblock on Craiglist, sell your 1980 head to recoup some of the financial damage.
pretty soon I think the 84 and older engines are going to become more obscure as far as parts go. It's a good investment to me.

 

I still can't believe that block gave like that. Stupid thing only has 3K on it! I'm guessing that it had issues that ultimately led to the head gasket blowing in the first place.

 

@bootscoot.... What other conversion parts would I need going to a 85 & up 22R? I know almost everything pre-85 is plug and play.

 

I just put a 1985 22r in my buddies 81 and we used a pre 85 intake. The exhaust manifolds are different because of the shape of the ports on the head but you'd only have to change the manifold itself, not your entire exhaust. If you go with the 85+ alternator you'll have to rewire the plug but that's nothing. Just a little soldering. Overall it's easy as hell. Nothing like going 22r to 22re or vice versa.

I want to say that you can still use your pre 85 valve cover and keep that classic early 22r look.

 

I thought pre-85 block was a little taller. If so, valve cover needs replaced along with timing chain.

 

Yeah I know the blocks are different but I *think* you can swap the valve covers. I may be thinking of 22r/re compatibility.

 

You're correct. That was the last post of the night for me and it's good thing too! I meant to say timing cover...