Recon Engines

Post by **whenisayjump** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:54 am

I've been looking at the minor specialists... and they seem to do 'recon' engines.

They're about £600 - £800... which seems reasonable. How much do they cost to be fitted?

Also, how does that sort of price compare with having a garage recon the engine for you?

Thank You

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 2:18 pm

A crank regrind and new bearings ~ £80/90. Rebore and new pistons -~ £150/£200 depending on piston costs. Add ~£60 for new oil pump/timing gears and chain and gaskets. Cylinder head - depends if going 'unleaded' or not - not essential, but many put it on as standard otherwise new exhaust valves, new guides and recut seats so ~ £40/£150 depending on work done. Labour to rebuid the engine extra of course - or easy DIY. Engine swap - someone who knows what they are doing -can do it in a very few hours. Budget for a new clutch plate and release bearing - and perhaps new engine mounts - and oil + filter of course.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:06 pm

it all depends on the labour time involved,mine worked out about £1100 all in.that included a clutch as well.

Post by **whenisayjump** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:11 pm

Ooo. Thanks for the info... does the engine just get 'loose' ?

Like, over time, will the cylinders get bigger than they're supposed to be ?

I am clutching at a very vague understanding of engines.

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:54 pm

Yes - the bores wear away - and the piston rings wear too, and lose some of their 'springiness' - allowing gases to pass by. The crankshaft and it's bearing can wear too - although if regular oil and filter changes are performed, and the engine is NEVER allowed to run short of oil - they can go on for a very very long time.

Post by **whenisayjump** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:15 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Yes - the bores wear away - and the piston rings wear too, and lose some of their 'springiness' - allowing gases to pass by. The crankshaft and it's bearing can wear too - although if regular oil and filter changes are performed, and the engine is NEVER allowed to run short of oil - they can go on for a very very long time.

...and so not all of the vapour is harnessed and there's not as big a bang?

Would petrol go down the exhaust in that case?

James

Post by **LouiseM** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 6:37 pm

it all depends on the labour time involved,mine worked out about £1100 all in

Depends on where you live. Mine has just cost nearer £1,500 but London labour charges are high. Collecting her tomorrow morning

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:15 pm

Wow -£1500 for a Minor engine - overhauled and fitted - goes off for a lie-down!

Post by **LouiseM** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:30 pm

I've spent less on complete Minors but at least she is back on the road for the National

When are you going for your lie down? You still seem to be posting at an alarming rate

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:58 pm

whenisayjump wrote:[...and so not all of the vapour is harnessed and there's not as big a bang?

Would petrol go down the exhaust in that case?

James

Engine would probably cease to run long before that!
There is no such thing as a perfect seal, so fumes blowing past the piston are a fact of life, but really small in proportion to the overall running. Even when an engine is clapped out and breathing like a good-un, the actual gas losses are still pretty small in comparison to the "bang", which, being near to instantaneous, happens before it realises what is going on!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:08 pm

Back up again - lie down completed! Don't panic!

Post by **whenisayjump** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:09 pm

So what's the problem with it all loosening up then... ?

I sortof understand why you may want a recon engine... but when people talk about the 'crank' and so forth I don't really understand what they are and thus the benefits of renewing them, or indeed what such things manifest themselves as in terms of problems.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:14 pm

This 'may' help - i haven't read it though! http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm
It does look quite useful!

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:17 pm

Louise, I think Roy should have sedation, must be drinking too much coffee

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:18 pm

Funny you should say that - just been for re-fill ! i can see a long evening ahead on here!

Post by **LouiseM** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:45 pm

Louise, I think Roy should have sedation, must be drinking too much coffee

Just had a top up too. I find it helps to keep me awake when disc brakes are mentioned

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:14 pm

say no more, I'll get m'coat

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:33 pm

What's that about disc brakes? Have I missed something?
Just been doodling out an idea for 4 leading shoe brakes like the racing bikes had in the good old days before discs. Should really be able to pull the moggy up then

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:30 am

When are you going for your lie down? You still seem to be posting at an alarming rate

And he is on other forums as well

Post by **Stubee** » Sat Jun 20, 2009 6:23 pm

I'd budget at least £1k to have it supplied and fitted. My recon was about £600 + £200 or so fitting. Then theres the cost of consumables and the clutch bits needed doing anyway. Was thinking of fitting myself but glad I didn't as the first replacement was U/S on fit so it then became the garages responsibility to remove and replace with another unit.