checking the health of a Marina engine

[spotdoc]

Hi,
I've recently bought a 1275 Marina engine that has been hanging around for several years in someones garage. I don't know a great deal about its history but it's not seized.
I've taken the head off and there are no cracks or obvious problems.
The cylinder bores look alright to my untrained eye.
Would it be worth having it rebored to be on the safe side and have the head and block skimmed. How much would this cost?
Or should I just clean everything up and try it out?

thanks for any help,

Tom

[Willie]

It must be worth grinding the valves and fitting new valve stem oil seals
while the head is off. If you cannot feel an unworn ridge at the top of the
bores it has got to be worth giving it a run.

[bmcecosse]

Rebore will be about £50 - and pistons are about £100/150. If the bores are ok - feel for any noticeable ridge about 10mm down from the top - then I would leave well alone. Worth having a look at the bearings though - if worn then measure the crank - if worn regrind ~ £50 and shells about £40. This - and a new oil pump ~£15 well worth doing.

[Alec]

Hello all,

to me it depends on circumstance. If you intend doing a fair milage, briskly, and for many years (As I do) I would strip and check everything, if in doubt replace. If it is used gently and for occasional trips, or you don't intend keeping it for ever, then less work is required, i.e a slightly worn engine is no real problem.
However if it turns out to be less good than you thought you may end up pulling it out again and doing the work to bring it up to scratch. If you don't have much mechanical experience, it's worth asking a friend who has, for an opinion.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

Well - I did say check the bores. But the rebore is the expensive bit - so unlss whopping mileages are being done it's worth giving it a go!