Short block
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Rookie
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Texas
Short block
Just found out that they will short block a new motor to my GS430. The car got flooded a couple weeks ago. This might be a dumb question but what exactly are they doing. On the bright side, I'm getting a new motor.
Thanks
Thanks
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
The term "short block" refers to an assembly consisting of the block, crank, rods, pistons and rings (along with bearings and other support components) This requires that they swap all the other stuff from your existing engine starting with heads and including everything else required for a functioning engine. This is cheaper than replacing an entire engine assembly.
BTW, sounds like your engine inhaled water. Water is not compressible and when the engine tries to do it you end up with bent or broken rods as well as damage to the block when the broken part "hits" it inside and often punches a hole right through the engine.
Here are some pictures I took of the exact problem you have experienced.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=broken+engine
BTW, sounds like your engine inhaled water. Water is not compressible and when the engine tries to do it you end up with bent or broken rods as well as damage to the block when the broken part "hits" it inside and often punches a hole right through the engine.
Here are some pictures I took of the exact problem you have experienced.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=broken+engine
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Short block = everything below the head / headgasket.
Long block = short block plus complete head.
short block and long block does not include any of the other accessories such as alternator, P/S components, A/C components, etc.
Usually manufacturers offer complete short blocks and long blocks for easier replacement when customers have problems such as yours.
it's less time consuming and less costly for the mechanic to order up a new short block than to fix your old block.
by the way, what are they doing with your old short block?
maybe pass on the word to your dealer that if they're willing to sell it, they have a buyer...
that's of course if you've only experience a bent rod... no broken rods or cracked engine cases
hehehehe
Long block = short block plus complete head.
short block and long block does not include any of the other accessories such as alternator, P/S components, A/C components, etc.
Usually manufacturers offer complete short blocks and long blocks for easier replacement when customers have problems such as yours.
it's less time consuming and less costly for the mechanic to order up a new short block than to fix your old block.
by the way, what are they doing with your old short block?
maybe pass on the word to your dealer that if they're willing to sell it, they have a buyer...
that's of course if you've only experience a bent rod... no broken rods or cracked engine cases
hehehehe
Last edited by TerryTCL; Dec 3, 2003 at 10:51 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Originally posted by gs4304u
TerryTcl,
A rod broke off and went thru the oil pan, probably no good to you now.
TerryTcl,
A rod broke off and went thru the oil pan, probably no good to you now.
actually, the oil pan is very replaceable
just as long as the main block casing is ok, it's all useable...
can you ask the dealer and see what their policy on selling replaced parts?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 32
From: Texas
Terry,
Did you check out the link I posted? I asked the dealership about acquiring the short block and at first they were going to GIVE it to me! But, there was pending litigation about the damage and they had to return it. As far as the replacement goes the engines rod had impacted the inside of the crankcase and created a crack into on of the oil drainback holes. They actually thought it was a WATER passage
That is why they shortblocked the car instead of just replacing the rod/piston assembly. I would have heliarced the small nick and rebuilt the engine myself. Chances are though on most broken rods there is just too much damage inside the block and of course sometimes block "ventilation" occurs 
Here is a picture from the above link:
Did you check out the link I posted? I asked the dealership about acquiring the short block and at first they were going to GIVE it to me! But, there was pending litigation about the damage and they had to return it. As far as the replacement goes the engines rod had impacted the inside of the crankcase and created a crack into on of the oil drainback holes. They actually thought it was a WATER passage
That is why they shortblocked the car instead of just replacing the rod/piston assembly. I would have heliarced the small nick and rebuilt the engine myself. Chances are though on most broken rods there is just too much damage inside the block and of course sometimes block "ventilation" occurs Here is a picture from the above link:
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 2
From: Texas
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