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So I was looking for pictures and all that and found the distributor of this tool and figured what the heck, it's a crazy expensive tool, let them explaint it to me. We worked out the values for the top pictures only and I kid you not, that took 30 minutes after i emailed them the pictures hahahaha

we came tot he conclusion:

top reads 93.040mm
bottom reads 92.925mm

which brings taper to 0.115mm

to reverse engine this value we concluded that from the top ring of the tool, each click (big-to-small stripe) is 0.005mm, We 14.5 stripes to get to 0 and we did 8 stripes to get to 4, a total of 22.5 stripes x 0.005mm = 0.1125mm and that's a match!

unfortunately 0.1mm tolerance and 0.1125 are NOT within specs..

the other cylinder is only 4.5 stripes difference, x0.005 = 0.0225mm taper and that's WELL within specs and indeed not as far as bad as the other one..

LONG time ago i made this little movie with the head-movement:

If you would find these measures and look at the movie, what would your suggestion be about the underside of the block?

The feeling creeps up at me that i'm in need of a new block.. how's your thoughts on that? I think I cant do just the 'bad' cylinder(s) (didnt measure all 8 but i'm assuming things wont look brighter after) and didn do the other measures, but i'd say it's very likely this block is just past it's lifespan.. and I'm thinking they already replaced the engine with a far worse one than the original 275.000km block that is supposed to be in there.. looking at the contamination on the valves we're thinking the block has ran either double the amount of km's, or or perhaps even AND on propane which would make sense in our part of the world...

Feeling a bit sad, I ask: what's your thoughts on this?

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  • 10 months later...

I thought about this thread the other day and was curious about how it turned out @babylon_nl 

If I recall, you were going to contact Jake at Northstar Performance and have some parts shipped.

How's it running?  Did you hook up with Jake?

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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Hi @BodybyFisher, I'm sorry I didnt post any updates, nice of you to check in. thing is, not all that much has happend since :) 

What happened thusfar is this, I decided to ditch the heads and buy new ones from @NorthstarPerformance Jake made me a very good price and there was no way I could have had the old heads fixed for even that money. But we also took @OldCadTech's measures and found the underblock was also way beyond tolerances, so somewhere november I decided to go for a new eninge and I wanted it to be studded newly built crate engine. 

Now getting money into the US, let alone canada is a task by itself, all the details including banking branche numbers all sort of crap need to be exactly put as desired by the recieving bank, unfortunately our bank cannot produce this information but eventually Jake passed on the information from his bank and I decided to fully pay for the engine.

Jake at that time started to be very busy with moving his company to a new building, I've joined his facebook groups #northstar performance and #northstar powered cars and we kept in contact on the progress of building the engine. Last month it seemed my engine was ready to rock! Unfortunaly there was/is an issue with transporting the engine to Miami, the port of sail where the engine will be shipped to europe, I dont really understand the reason, it seems it's some custom renewal issue, I dont know.

Jake is very open on his fb page and never ignores my msgs, I think he's a very passionate technician and loves his work but I feel at times he seems to be drowning in things coming at him, i'm not sure what is going on in 'the wonderful world of the Northstar Engine', but browsing thru postings and reading new topics it seems there's a lot of absolutely crazy people running around trying to cut heads (not particulary the engine type of heads), Jake did a lengthy topic on some absolute weirdo who sued him for leaving his 199x aurora in the parking lot for some time and blaming him for his car now beeing unsafe to drive because the thing is corroded to the bone.. I actually have friends who for some reason are like a magnet to people like that getting into all sorts of crazy sh@t that have absolutely no touch with reality at all... And Jake seems to be a guy just like that, as if it's never enough the weird in this world seem to look him up and toss him around.. Actually quite sad, but as I said, some people are like a magnet, drawing such idiots towards them.

Anyway, I still have all the faith in the world in Jake, he's even made a 'work in progress' page on his website and my engine is there with my name and all and ready to ship.. the 7th of June.. I'm sure he made this page as a motivator for himself but I guess he's just a too busy guy :)

I'm not in a hurry not by far and I am absolutely not afraid of any ill intentions but by now it's about time that I want to drive my poor dusty black dame again, I attach a picture of already a few months old, she's in desperate need of a hand wash, she's starting to look old and gray :)

So jah, that's what it is at this point in time, awaiting shipment, my shipper is ready to rumble as it's called, my mechanic is ready to finalize the list of things we need to get her on the road, I'm awaiting Jake's happy news!

 

stoffig.jpg

Edited by babylon_nl
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So this has been since November?, we are talking 7 months since you paid him  in full?, you are a patient man. 

I understand opening a new shop takes a lot of time, effort and capital, but 7 months?.

That rusty Aurora problem has nothing to do with this, that was quite a long time ago now, I recall speaking with Jake about it its water under the bridge with an owner that is trying to take Jake for a ride, but unless I have the facts wrong, Jake shouldn't be responsible, the owner if I recall claimed the Aurora rusted while it was in Jake's possession, I guess the question is, how long was it in Jakes possession?   I personally would not advertise and discuss those types of issues on social media, as they will get discussed.

Your transaction needs to be resolved, your car is sitting at the shop, collecting dust and corroding?, I recommended you to Jake and that puts my reputation at risk.   Maybe he saw huge problems coming and that is why Jake told me around January to let him know if I saw anything negative about him and to let him know.  I have done that in the past for him.   

He has not been to this forum (I have paged him at least once on another issue) and he has not popped in, but he is quick to pop into the FB groups looking for new work or to sell studs.  He has sort of cooled to me since we had a discussion here that led to a disagreement regarding his PCM modifications, that got so heated, he demanded the thread was deleted.  I don't think he understood my point of view, nor do I think it was resolved fully between us. He failed to see my perspective on the HP issue, that came directly from a GM Northstar design engineer, The Guru.  The design engineers position that there was no easily attainable HP to be had, and that thought kept ringing in my head, it was not logical that Jake found +50 HP, The Guru knew what the engine was capable of but was set FIRM that there was no additional HP to be had.  This is especially true when Mark's turbocharged Seville was rolled into the equation, Mark worked closely with The Guru (over the phone) and I carefully monitored Mark's progress and extreme difficulties attempting to modify the PCM to this day I can call Mark and talk.  Given that I have been around this board since 1995 or so through its many iterations and spent a lot of time with The Guru, I have perspective that few have (the long timers here benefitted from The Guru's daily visits here).   If I recall during the disagreement, Jake marginalized The Guru, not a good thing to do.    

I won't be recommending him again until he resolves this, there is no excuse for this, if he is unable to ship overseas, don't take the work.   

I have gone to bat for him repeatedly for 10 years and recommended him constantly and he knows that.   He can not ignore current business to open new shops, he still has his old shop.  

Very disappointing.  I am very sorry, had I known this would go on for 7 months, I would never have hooked you up.  I have relationships with scrap yards and could have had a good engine shipped to you (I shipped a 4.9 around 2002 to Amsterdam via DHL), I have done it many times before.    If you need anything, let me know.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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10 hours ago, babylon_nl said:

Yes, if you look at it this way, indeed it has been 7 months and that's actually quite long :) Hopefully i'll be recieving the good news shortly, i'll keep you posted!

 

I am sure all will be fine, it is just not right that you have had to wait so long. 

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I have no doubt it's going to happen :) I've promised myself, even before I placed the order, that if it wouldn't happen I'd take on the excuse for a trip to canada, never been there haha.. Just hope Jake's going to beat the stress around him, i've seen to many good guys leave the battlefield after drowning in their own success.. I think he's got a good thing going there, but to stay on top of things, ís a challenge..

 

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Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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All I can say is you must have crazy $$$$$$$ in that car.  5/8 x 11 inserts like the Norm insert are available for great money now! 

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4 hours ago, barczy01 said:

All I can say is you must have crazy $$$$$$$ in that car.  5/8 x 11 inserts like the Norm insert are available for great money now! 

To you guys maybe it's crazy $$'s, but for here it's not so bad really, i think by the time the new engine is in, the car will cost me roughly $ 12.000,- but than it's next to new and in fact i'll be driving a car that is next to unique in my country with a showroom price of roughly $ 150.000,- I know it's hard for you guys to imagine but that's what the newprice was her, including our crazy tax system... For the same money I could buy here a crappy any imigrant driven beat up mercedes or something of the sort with parts that actually kill you when you have to buy them (a merc headlamp kit (one!) will easilly set you back about $ 700,- I bought a brand new light for the DTS @ rockauto and it was sitting here including transport and tax for just under $150,-... Friend of mine has a 2006 Merc ML had problem with his air suspension, set him back almost $ 4000,- for a pump, computer and shocks..

I'm very sure Norm's gear basically does the same as Jake's, but i'm waaaaaaaay past that station, the block is done for, period, they probably exchanged the block sometime before I bought it and I think it's done probably 300k miles plus, no headbolt is going to fix that and there is simply no junkyard engine available here or anywhere near... Well i'm lying, i did get an offer for a 130k miles block with a blown hg with the wrong vin number for 'only' $ 3000,- but the guy would than fix it for it me, didnt even ask how he would do that, since he stated he had done 10 northstars already 'and only 2 of them blew up after he worked on them'.. So really I dont mind waiting a bit more for brand new engine for $ 3500,- doesnt sound to crazy does it?

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  • 2 weeks later...

@babylon_nl

How is it going?   Engine on its way? 

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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1 hour ago, babylon_nl said:

Not just quite yet.. Jake told me it was ready to be picked up by dhl for transport to Miami, but it seems he got a shipping price of 1500,- usd.. But... awaiting the good news :)

I do not recall it being such a problem to ship an engine to Amsterdam via DHL, it cost about $500 back then direct from the US to Amsterdam. The only problem was that I needed to use a plastic pallet as wood pallets could harbor bugs/beetles.   I also don't recall it needing to go through Miami, maybe things have changed. 

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I am glad you are seeing some action 

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just did a 99 deville in my driveway without dropping the engine with timeserts-can be done but I will not do it again-car runs great and no issues and have put about 3000 Miles on since-have a 99 eldo to do also and will definitely drop engine this time-bought both of these cars for 300$ a piece because people are afraid to work on them-may buy more if I find ones as nice as these-don’t be afraid and take your time-it’s a learning experience!

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5 hours ago, Papalac said:

Just did a 99 deville in my driveway without dropping the engine with timeserts-can be done but I will not do it again-car runs great and no issues and have put about 3000 Miles on since-have a 99 eldo to do also and will definitely drop engine this time-bought both of these cars for 300$ a piece because people are afraid to work on them-may buy more if I find ones as nice as these-don’t be afraid and take your time-it’s a learning experience!

Good for you!

Dropping the carriage or pulling the engine out the top are a better way, there is disagreement as to which method is easier.  But I think both methods are easier than doing it with the engine block in place.

Make a thread for the 99 Eldo and post photos!  

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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It seems DHL has come to their senses and engine is scheduled for pickup next tuesday.. Fingers crossed!!

My mechanic also thought he could do it with the engine in, so that's where he started off.. eventually he told me he just took it out, rather than doing snake moves trying to take the heads off.. Once the engine is out, even I could fix the HG's, I suppose.. Earlier I saw him wrestling with the egr sensor even that can basically only be done with the proper tools.. If anybody doubts doing a HG job I can only agree with the above: take the engine out!

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6 hours ago, babylon_nl said:

It seems DHL has come to their senses and engine is scheduled for pickup next tuesday.. Fingers crossed!!

My mechanic also thought he could do it with the engine in, so that's where he started off.. eventually he told me he just took it out, rather than doing snake moves trying to take the heads off.. Once the engine is out, even I could fix the HG's, I suppose.. Earlier I saw him wrestling with the egr sensor even that can basically only be done with the proper tools.. If anybody doubts doing a HG job I can only agree with the above: take the engine out!

I know of no special tools to remove the EGR valve, it may involve raising the fuel rail.  If you need any assistance with this, give me a yell.  Mike

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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  • 2 months later...

Wake up y'all!! One year and some along the road, santa came early this year with a fine Canadian gift!

Just to savour the taste, I didnt open the crate yet, letting it come to age till the weekend.. But it's heavy, i expect it to contain the actual engine :)

ba81dd0d-74a6-440e-8543-773c35cc6be4.jpg

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Glad to hear you finally received it.   Let us know how we can help.

PS, love the shop you are in, very bright, I need a shop like that!

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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On 10/15/2018 at 10:56 PM, BodybyFisher said:

Glad to hear you finally received it.   Let us know how we can help.

PS, love the shop you are in, very bright, I need a shop like that!

Thanks Mike, i'm looking forward to posting that all is under control :) I hope i will soon!

The shop is actually in a greenhouse so yeah, lightwise it's amazing, but the downside is when it's a hot summer like we had this year, than one really understands the greenhouse-effect haha.. 

 

 

On 10/16/2018 at 4:37 AM, rockfangd said:

? cool

It absolutely is haha.. :)

 

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  • 9 months later...

So... It's been euhm.. well just keep it 'a while' and not do the month thingie, but it's time to post that kinda things are going to be under control :)

Véry slowly but surely the engine is beeing put back together... Awaiting a new dipstick assy from Jake, as the original tube seems to have broken. We had a little set back as one of the alu ears that attach to the block was torn off, probably in the asumed earlier engine swap.. alu-welded it and allsgood..

It's blazing hot here but it seems all my nagging helped in my guy to get moving a bit.. With a little luck i might use the AC on the last moments of summer this year.. not bad after 3 years :)

Hope everyone who joined this post is allright, wishing you well from sunny Amsterdam!

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