Formula 400 issues

[Formula 400 Guy]

I need help guys. I paid a shop to build my 400 engine from my 1970 Formula 400 that I am restoring. When I first put it back in, it did not run well so I called him and he said to check compression. I did and found NO compression on the drivers side cylinders. He gave me permission to pull the valve covers and intake, I did and found several broken push rods and lifters laying in the valley pan. He claimed he had no idea what would cause that. I bought new lifters and push rods at my expense and put it back together, he came out and adjusted the valves and it ran well, I thought. The first time I took it out on the road, I went maybe 5 miles at 40 MPH and it started to make a lot of noise and it just went bang! I told him what happened and he said to pull the engine and bring it to him he said he would repair it on his dime if he found it was on him. He has had it 2 months now and at first he tried to tell me it was an out of balance flywheel, and then he said all the weights were off the new HEI distributor and that caused it. I should mention that the block was destroyed, the cam came out the back of the block, one piston was laying in the pan, there were three broken rods and two bent valves. He now says that when I put the intake back on, I used the wrong gasket and it had a severe vacuum leak and it sent 1400 degree exhaust into the oil pan and THAT is what caused the engine to blow. I had 55 lbs. of oil pressure and the water temp was 215 degrees. I just need to know if that is possible because he now wants me to pay him for all the new parts AND labor. I cannot afford another $3000 or $4000. Please advise!!!

 

[Zimgxp]

Wow, that's a lot of excuses. I'm not sure how the exhaust can get into the oil pan. Unless I'm missing something obvious

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Sounds like the "blame game" to me, find another engine builder, used motor or a crate motor is my advice...................never heard such a BS story like that................


Doug in P.R.

 

[melsg5]

ask him how exhaust gas from the exhaust crossover makes it into the oil pan? He does realize Pontiac engines use a valley pan making it impossible for a leaky exhaust crossover to effect the crankcase? My bet is something related to the camshaft based upon the original problem and then the major problem. What cam was used in this engine and what rocker arms, 1.5 or 1.65?