Small update on the warranty issue, from GEP:
[email protected]
7:43 AM (10 minutes ago)
to me
I just received a reply from GEP, since this casting is normally removed, there is no warranty ramification if it is removed to the normal level as in the attached photos.
They...
Motor mounts are fairly fresh, maybe 1 year if that, front diff has never been out, bushings all were fine, motor mount spacer plates are installed. Engine mounts are all in place. I inspected them when motor was out. Haven't got to the fan shroud yet. Will inspect further when I get a chance...
Straight from AM-General
[email protected]
8:04 AM (2 minutes ago)
to me
That would normally be machined to provide clearance for the starter.
Careful grinding of material to allow mounting clearance can be done, paint the raw metal after grinding with a good high temp...
The pan I half understand, maybe they only measured a 3/4 and not a 1 ton, maybe theres some old bushings, maybe its a bunch of things rolled into one. And as long as I watch it, it wouldnt be a bad fix. It's the block thats got me curious
I'm still waiting to hear back from AM General, hopefully tomorrow at some point. I've spun the engine over by hand and everything seems fine. The first time I spun it by hand, it still had the plastic dust covers in the injector holes and it compressed #8 and sent that plastic piece flying out...
I'm not sure Leroy has seen it yet. I called this afternoon again and had to leave another message with somebody else at AM-General. Little frustrating.
My thought is.....ok. I got to be missing something. Because why would you make a casting over where the starter bolts up. I then thought maybe a different starter is used, but then why make it bolt into the same place? I've got to be missing something. Grinding into a $8000 block, not knowing...
Well here is the picture of where the pan hits the diff. Not badly, but more than I'd like. And here is a picture of the casting that sticks out of the girdle. Kinda hard to tell in the pic but it sticks out almost over the starter bolt hole.
I googled some pictures of the P400 and it seems some of the older blocks don't seem to have any casting pieces that come out near the starter. I didn't think they updated any of the castings. Seems weird. Should be able to get a picture of it later today. I also didn't think the front...