Been somewhat sealing the motor up, had big leaks.
Got a pan gasket, wrong one. Did a bit of fruitless web searching, then called Lopers, thinking they would know the scoop. Needed a pan gasket for a target master crate motor, part#, honcho in mexico, provision for dipsticks on both sides, split rear main seal, etc. We cant help, takes a special gasket, you have to get from the dealer! So much for the "you put a cheby motor in because you can get the parts from circle K"!
Call the dealer, after much searching, came up with the part#. Only one in the state, at Courtesy, didn't want to drive there.
Called lots of "parts stores" (worthless bling shops) explained what we are looking for. Year, make and model of the rig,,, it's a GM crate motor,,, doesn't matter we need year, make, model,,, no problem, '76, Toyota, FJ40,,, that doesn't show a V8,,, no s***, really, it's a gm crate,,, screw it, click?
So finally found an intelligent life form at NAPA, no problem, got it. Turned out to be a "universal" gasket from Felpro, molded one piece silicone, nice piece. Likely largely my inexperience with chebys, but still frustrating.
Anyway the motor is very clean on the inside, likely has few miles on it.
