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Discussion Boards => Charger Discussion => Topic started by: Hemidoug on May 04, 2007, 09:06:58 PM

Title: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 04, 2007, 09:06:58 PM
Yep...WOT, 5500RPM, Going for 2nd (like 100 times before) and WAM...#4 connecting rod snapped :flame: :flame:. Took out the cam and some other parts of the block but didn't window it. I have chunks of cam and lifter in the bottom of the pan. Guess I'm going to have to start looking for a short block. Looks like cruising will be cut short this year. I'll have it out for closer inspection on Sunday. Hope I saved the block..... :flame: :brickwall: :RantExplode:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: 69bronzeT5 on May 04, 2007, 09:14:37 PM
Atleast you still have the other Charger ;)
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Ghoste on May 04, 2007, 09:18:27 PM
That hurts Doug.  I don't even know what to say but I agree with Cody, you still have the other one to drive.  That has to count for something right?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: PocketThunder on May 04, 2007, 09:19:13 PM
Holy Smokes!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o


I would have driven it the same way. :icon_smile_big:  thats what they are for isnt it?  Beating the crap out of them.. :yesnod:

Are you gonna still make the next BullRun if you get in?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: 472 R/T SE on May 04, 2007, 09:22:19 PM
Damn, what a pisser.  What's that do to your Bullrun plans?  Or your run with firefighter?  How fresh was the motor?
http://www.worldcastings.com/prods_pages/426440.htm

Real sorry it happened dude.  :-\
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Big Lebowski on May 04, 2007, 09:25:29 PM
Ouch, build a bigger one this time. :D
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Hemidoug on May 04, 2007, 09:29:01 PM
What kills me is that I just got that motor running like it should. The thing would just rip your guts out! It wasn't a problem with the bearing, the crank end of the rods spins freely. I guess the rod just couldn't take it and snapped right at the center. Stock rod, was magna fluxed and shot peened. After all these years of thrashing Mopars it's my first catastrophic failure. I'm lucky it happened close to home. Maybe it's time for a stroker..... :coolgleamA:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Charger-Bodie on May 04, 2007, 09:31:34 PM
ouch that really sucks hopefully you didnt mess up to much stuff!! keep us posted
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: firefighter3931 on May 04, 2007, 09:34:44 PM
Quote from: Hemidoug on May 04, 2007, 09:29:01 PM
What kills me is that I just got that motor running like it should. The thing would just rip your guts out!


They allways run hardest just before they blow ! Sorry to hear about your misfortune Doug.....that really sucks !  :icon_smile_angry:

It's Stroker time dude !  :devil:



Ron
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: bmoparmofo on May 04, 2007, 09:54:48 PM
Its like people, they always rally at the end............
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: BrianShaughnessy on May 04, 2007, 09:58:26 PM
Aw crap  :'(

Sorry about that Doug.      Time for something bigger maybe  :icon_smile_cool:   
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: 70kracken on May 04, 2007, 10:00:59 PM
that's just the cars way of lettin you know it wasn't happy with itself.  time to make her better! 
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: The70RT on May 04, 2007, 10:18:27 PM
I offer my condolences :'( If you go short block are you considering a late model or a vintage one? Good luck man I hope you getter done in time if you get picked for the bull run.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Hemidoug on May 04, 2007, 10:25:37 PM
The Bullrun thing is over. I didn't get picked. In hindsight it's probably a good thing. I'm still in shock from toasting the motor. I guess if a rod is going to let loose, a quarter mile from home is a good time for it to go. If there is ever a good time for it to go.  :brickwall:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: pettyfan43 on May 04, 2007, 11:16:41 PM
MAN that just sucks completely! Sorry to hear that.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: ck1 on May 04, 2007, 11:36:02 PM
Just as long as its not a Numbers matching hemi :icon_smile_big:if so we might have to spank ya :yesnod:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: resq302 on May 05, 2007, 01:35:34 AM
Doug, sorry to hear that.  At least it didnt happen when you were at the show on Sunday.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Just 6T9 CHGR on May 05, 2007, 05:26:15 AM
Wow Doug  not good man.... :rotz:

Knowing you you'll be like the 6 million dollar man......."we can rebuild him, make him stronger......" :thumbs:


Maybe you can bring your SRT-4 to E-Town???
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: hemigeno on May 05, 2007, 06:58:32 AM
Doug,

Sorry to hear about that!!!  Hope you can save the block too.  Sounds like the rest of the car is alright still, and (like you said) it was a good thing you were close to home...


Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: rt green on May 05, 2007, 08:03:31 AM
what 1\4 mile times were you running before she went? sorry it happened to you
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Charger_Fan on May 05, 2007, 12:53:53 PM
Just a good excuse to bring it back meaner! :icon_smile_evil:
That is a bummer it happened, though. :(
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: bull on May 05, 2007, 01:35:15 PM
The best thing about breaking what you have is that it gives you an excuse to build something bigger and better. :yesnod:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Troy on May 05, 2007, 01:42:09 PM
Ouch! What a bummer. It's better than having the pistons rust to the cylinder walls from neglect though... ;)

Troy
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: hemi68charger on May 05, 2007, 06:11:16 PM
DANG Doug !!!  Sorry to hear that !!!! Wish I could help....... I've got an extra new OEM piston if you need it..... I believe I have both an individual left and right.. But, I'll have to see once I get home at the end of the month from Iraq.

Troy
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....
Post by: Mefirst on May 05, 2007, 06:33:34 PM
Sucks to hear about your missfortune...

/Tom
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:49:56 PM
Found some goodies in my pan....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:50:43 PM
Here is part of my camshaft...
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:51:30 PM
The bottom end of the broken rod....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:52:30 PM
The piston side of the broken rod....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:53:28 PM
Another one of the rod...
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: mikepmcs on May 05, 2007, 06:54:00 PM
Holy shnikees!

Sorry bro.  Would like to see some detailed pics when you rebuild it though. :icon_smile_cool:

v/r
Mike
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:54:58 PM
The cam plug was in the bottom of the inspection cover....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:55:54 PM
The lifter valley from above.....notice where the cam used to be.....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:57:02 PM
More lifter carnage....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 06:57:55 PM
And the one bent valve that I Know of....
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 05, 2007, 07:02:32 PM
All in all I think I got lucky. I believe the rod went south because of fatigue. The rod journal still turns freely on the crank. I think the block was saved as well as no forseeable damage to the heads. Of course I will have to get the block magna fluxed and the heads gone over, but at least it's only the bottom end at this point. I think I can have her back together by Carlisle....Can anyone say STROKER!!!!!!! She will be back stronger then before.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: General_01 on May 05, 2007, 08:25:04 PM
That looks horrible!! At least it is rebuildable. Sorry about your misfortune, but can't wait to see the rebuilt version back up, take'n numbers and kick'n a$$. :icon_smile_big:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Mefirst on May 05, 2007, 08:31:09 PM
Those pics look scary.. Good thing though that the block didint get hurt..

/Tom
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: ck1 on May 05, 2007, 09:25:24 PM
 :spank:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: resq302 on May 05, 2007, 10:30:51 PM
Dang Doug.  That does look nasty.  Hopefully the engine is rebuildable and nothing happened to the block.  Everything else is replacable.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: bull on May 06, 2007, 12:01:17 AM
Hard to tell by the pics for sure but it looks like the most important stuff survived ok. Maybe you Dodge-ed the Bullitt.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: dpm68 on May 06, 2007, 01:34:22 AM
I now hoist a pint in honor of your fallen and most honorable warrior...
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Charger-Bodie on May 06, 2007, 09:12:01 AM
WOW! its hard to imagine being lucky with a mess like that but for the block to not be junk after that id say you better hit a casino cause you got real lucky there ! was it matching #s block too?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Brightyellow69rtse on May 06, 2007, 10:03:05 AM
that makes me sad in the pants  :'( at least now you can make it unblowable :D...........Mike
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 06, 2007, 04:42:47 PM
Got the block out of the car today, it looks like I may have dodged a bullet. The block looks good so far with just some damage to the #4 cylinder wall. We are going to try a .020 overbore and see if that cleans it up. If not that cylinder is getting a sleeve. I'm still waiting for the magnaflux and xrays for the block before I declare victory, but it looks OK so far. I may have come out of this with just a new bottom end and a bent valve. Anyone have suggestions for Stroker kits?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Rack on May 06, 2007, 08:17:04 PM
Quote from: bull on May 06, 2007, 12:01:17 AM
Hard to tell by the pics for sure but it looks like the most important stuff survived ok. Maybe you Dodge-ed the Bullitt.

Niiiiiice.


Congratulations, Doug. That would of been one hell of an expensive paper weight. :D
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: RD on May 06, 2007, 09:30:08 PM
Quote from: Hemidoug on May 06, 2007, 04:42:47 PM
Anyone have suggestions for Stroker kits?

I am not a hemi guy, but I do like this phrase... "go big or go home".  So now that you have my vote?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Nacho-RT74 on May 06, 2007, 10:30:39 PM
AFTER ALL YOU GOTT REALLY GOOD LOOK ON THAT... I bet was really scaring blown
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: NYCMille on May 07, 2007, 09:02:34 AM
Oh crap Doug!! Just read this read this post. Really sorry to hear about the "BOOM"... man, if there is anything I can do just let me know.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 07, 2007, 09:19:47 AM
Quote from: NYCMille on May 07, 2007, 09:02:34 AM
Oh crap Doug!! Just read this read this post. Really sorry to hear about the "BOOM"... man, if there is anything I can do just let me know.
Thanks Mike! I guess I'm now part of that illustrious group of "them that blew up a hemi". I'm just in a wait and see mode now. If the block checks, then it's on to ordering parts and putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. On the good side...just WAIT and see what rises from the ashes.....Just go have fun on Bullrun for me...Kick some booty!
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Steve P. on May 07, 2007, 09:37:20 AM
Damn Doug, from the distruction shown in the pics. I would have to say it was your birthday if the block comes through ok.   Maybe you should lay down a few bucks on the horses..  ;)

I hope the block is good and your able to  put together a bullet proof motor quickly. Here's to strokin the ponies..  :cheers:
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: ds440 on May 07, 2007, 12:19:40 PM
Wow. :-\  That sucks.

At least she went out in a blaze of glory. :devil:  Doug, do you have any idea as to what caused this?  Or do you still think that the connecting rod just gave up the ghost?

Hopefully the block checks out okay :scope: :'(  Good luck on the rebuild!
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 07, 2007, 05:33:36 PM
Here's a close up of the piston side...
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Just 6T9 CHGR on May 07, 2007, 05:39:20 PM
Looks real violent Doug.....any clues as to what did her in?
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Steve P. on May 07, 2007, 05:49:22 PM
did the piston hit the head or just the valve??  Any coolant in that cylinder. Last time I saw one like that it was hydro locked. How does your head gasket look??  Have you throughly checked the heads??
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Hemidoug on May 07, 2007, 05:53:34 PM
From what I understand at this point is rod fatigue. It came apart just after I unloaded the engine for the shift to second. I didn't even get my foot out of the clutch it happend so fast. As I understand the problem, the rod failed on the upswing when the piston is unloaded. It can't stop the momentum of the piston on the upswing and just snaps. RPM was not an issue, it could have failed at any time. In fact, I am fortunate it failed when it did for several reasons. It's not the first time I've gone deep into the 5K range........

Steve...the heads didn't look any worse for wear. They will get checked with the block. I did bend a valve, but not in that cylinder.
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Steve P. on May 07, 2007, 06:04:44 PM
I've windowed a few motors in the past. In fact I think there is still a small block chevy rod stuck in the New York State Expressway.. Haha..  Also left many small and large pieces of a 440 at Suffolk Raceway due to seizing an oil pump..  I gotta say I think you were damn lucky if you didn't hurt the block and heads...  I think you had an :engel016: on your shoulder when that rod left the building...   ;)
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Rolling_Thunder on May 08, 2007, 01:27:22 AM
Damn Doug...     that blows...      not to be all competitive but I think I beat you though....     I recently blew the engine in my boss's engine...     I too found 2 lobes of cam in his oil pan...    along with about 5X the metal....      I'll post pictures...       But three pistons were destroyed as were two rods...     two others were tweeked....      and of corse this was a #matching    440+6   4-speed  superbird....     


Life goes on...    sorry to hear about your luck...     lets see some pics of the rebuild...           
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: moparjohn on May 08, 2007, 07:59:42 AM
Doug, I know your pain.  The worst feeling in the world when you know how serious it is.  Glad to hear the block seems OK.  Having it done by Carlisle will be a tall order- machine shops take most of the time as you know- GOOD LUCK!!
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: autodynamics on May 08, 2007, 03:49:52 PM
damn
Title: Re: Looks like I killed a Hemi tonight....UPDATED W/ Pics!
Post by: Lostsheep on May 10, 2007, 06:18:37 PM
Wow, that must have been intense!!