I started a topic earlier this year about the trouble I had with the 472 I swapped into my 80CDV. Since then I bought a 72 CDV that had a strong running 472 to swap into my 80.

Now I still have the old 472 and I would like to break into it to see what went wrong. I've never rebuilt an engine so this would be my first time. It ran fine at first then one day I started it up and it shut off and wouldn't start anymore. When I would try to start it it would make a click/thud sound as if the battery was low. After checking everything out, one day I noticed there was a hole in the side of the oil pan. I was told this was because it slung a rod.

I've looked at rebuild kits but I'm not sure what all I need. Can anyone give me an idea of where to start? I'm not comfortable just dropping my engine off somewhere and letting someone fix it because I've been screwed over by too many mechanics in the past so now I like to learn as much as I can. I know some things require special tools but I have a pretty decent tool box and the engine doesn't run anyway so I figure why not try this myself. I would like to put this in the 72 because I loved driving the car home it just had alot of roof cancer and a dent in the passenger qtr so I want to finish the 80 CDV first since it need less work.

Hey, I read your post and am going to comment on a few things. All of which are kinda subjective, so if anyone else has a POV - jump in.

1) Get a 472/500 engine assembly manual and follow it, don't just use it as a coaster for you coffee/beer.

2) The busted 472. Caddie rebuilds are not cheap. If you kicked a rod, you are more than likely going to need rotating assembly parts, not to mention an oil pan. BE WARNED, a full rebuild is tough enough on the wallet without having to by rods and in your case a crank, depending on what you find.

I would take the engine apart and see what is damaged parts/block cylinder walls, valves, etc. LABEL EVERYTHING, if you plan to try to fix this without going to a machine shop. Don't mix up the rods, main caps, lifters, push rods - I mean anything - at this point. That being said, I doubt you'll get this fixed without some machine work. Good Luck.

3) Engine Parts Depending on what is broken/ worn out you'll need a rebuilt kit - Cad Company cad500parts.com or MTS www.mtscadparts.com can help you. They can also hook you up with the other parts you need and make your 472 as mild or as wild as you want to go. Your machine shop can also get you parts. HAVE THE PARTS BEFORE YOU DO ANY MACHINE WORK. The shop will tolerance everything. And I'd weight the rotating assembly. I just did a 500 Caddy and the new pistons where out far enough that I had the entire rotating assembly balanced.

If your hoping to fix this quickly and toss it back in just for fun, I'd recommend you find another engine that runs well and forget this. Don't get into a Caddy rebuild unless your willing to commit financially. But it depends on your expectations, myself - I wanted the 500 I built to be a brick $@!#house so everything was done.

4) Mechanic It sucks when you can't find someone you trust. Ask around, get references, go to cruise nights. There has to be someone. Also, when it comes to engine building, you get what your pay for.

Finally, if this was a SBC, I'd say just toss some parts in it and try it. But due to the cost of even a simple rebuild kit for a Caddy go all the way or send the busted hulk to engine heaven and move on.

Good luck, have fun tearing it apart - take some pictures and post'em.

Cheers,
Bovey

Thanks Bovey,
(1) Right now I have a Hanes manual that I've been using since it covers both my 80 and the 72. Is there one that is better?

(2) Fortunatly I have the oil pan that came off the 72cdv because I had to get a rear sump one so that I can put the 472 in my 80cdv. An I'm pretty good about keeping everything organized. My wife helps me work on the car and actually does all my bagging, labeling and picture taking of parts we take off so we don't lose anything or forget how to put it back on.

(3) I'll check out the sites you listed. And this is by no means something that I'm looking to do quickly. I started on my 80CDV first and so I want to get that out of the way because there is a lot less body work to do on it than the 72. That way I'll atleast have a Caddy to ride which I've wanted for the past 12 years.

(4) I'll start asking around and see where and when cruise nights are so I can find a good mechanic and machine shop.

I get tired of having to depend on other people to get work done on my car so I figure it's time I learn as much and try as much as I can because everyone had to start somewhere. This is something I've wanted to do for years but I never had the courage to try it so now I'm ready. Thanks to this site I'm sure it'll come out like I want.

Actually, the Cadillac Assembly guide is at the top of this forum, you can download the pdf. Also, there is a book called "Big Inch Cadillac" that you can get, but it's for performance builds. My bet is between the pdf from this forum and you Hanes Manual, you'll have all the info you need.

As for engine building being something you've wanted to do for a long time. Great, have fun. There is nothing like turning the key on an engine you've built on your own. The only thing the beat that, is the first burn-out, follow closely by the tire shop making fun only needing to change the rear tires.

ONE THING. Don't screw around with priming the engine. build a primer, buy a primer. Whatever, and don't believe anyone when they tell you its not a big deal. You can destroy cam bearings faster than you can imagine.

Your first time - you said you have time - use it. Don't rush, stay clean. And read, look stuff up on the internet about general engine building. You'll need some special tools, but if you parts stores are anything like they are here in Canada, you can borrow the specialized tools you need.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. And personally, I'd dedicate to one parts supplier to get everything as they can help you to make sure everything will work together, not to mention help you when you run into issues. But this comes back to finding someone you trust. I've had great luck with Cad Company for parts and advice, although I've heard great things about MTS too.

Yeah, finding a good garage is about as hard as finding a wife. Also, when you do meet them, see what kind of cars they build, if you like their work. I bet you'll like them too.

Bovey out.

Thanks Bovey. I downloaded the Assembly guide yesterday. I was reading the Engine Pre Start guide from MTS website and I learned alot. The guy who I bought my first 472 from and who helped me put it in my 80CDV said he knew alot about cadillacs but according to the guide from MTS we skipped alot of vital steps. I wonder if that's why the engine blew b4 I got a chance to even drive it on the road! I depended on him for everything but now I second guess everything just to be on the safe side. But live and learn. I'm glad I found this site!