Engine recon

[trigger1]

Hi all
update on "Doris"
front end done new king pins, bushes, brake upgrade to Marina disks, servo, and remote filler, and two yes two new clutches 1st clutch Borg and beck lasted a couple of weeks then started slipping, on removing clutch I found that the pressure plate was stuck in slightly thrust bearing legs jamming on casting, fitted diffrent make with no further problems.
I have also obtained a spare engine that I intend to strip down completely and rebuild fitting new pistons, rings, shells, oil pump and water pump etc over next few months,
Has anybody any advice of things to be aware of ?

[beero]

Yes, beware the cost.
Rebuild by all means if you really want to for the satisfaction but don't think you will save a packet over a recon engine. I did it to learn and enjoyed it but it turned out to be a lot dearer than I first thought.
You will find the other post "Engine rebuild" started by 'silloyd' interesting

[trigger1]

Thanks for that i will check the link out.
Like you i am doing it partly as an exersise to learn.

[Alex'n'Ane]

Atleast you know whats been done. For the price they charge, they cant do much to a 'recon' engine. I doubt they rebore them, or fit new pistons, or do things like remove and check the cam etc.

[MarkyB]

Pistons rarely need replacing unless the engine is rebored or it's been run without enough oil.

[trigger1]

Thank you all for your comments, I do like to be thorough when I do a task like this, I would rather spend a bit more and know everything has been done than leave things to chance.

[Alex'n'Ane]

Pistons rarely need replacing unless the engine is rebored or it's been run without enough oil.

But surely most engines being reconned will be pretty warn. They will almost certainly need re-honing, and preferably re-boring too! (from my experience of the dimensions of the bores on the 3 engines i've had the heads off or stripped.

[bmcecosse]

Unless you are very lucky - it WILL need reboring and a crank regrind. At least then you will know it is right - and good for many many miles to come. A new oil pump is essential - and make sure the oil filter is correctly assembled.

[trigger1]

Thanks BMC for your reply, I was kind of thinking of having a rebore and a crank regrind as a belt and braces thing,
as i mentioned earler I am very thorough when doing a task just my way, guess it was the way I have been trained at work,electrical and mechanical engineer (lifts) since 1975 how time flies,
Doris went for MOT today her 1st one since we have owned her, failed on a tiny bit of welding required in boot area. one advisory slight oil leak poss sump, but I think reading all through the forum more likley to be crank oil seal.
I will post photos soon and keep you updated on progress.

[Alex'n'Ane]

Dont automatically go for a crank regrind. It could well be fine if its been a well cared for engine. It is very easy to tell though when stripping the engine/crank to tell if it is worn, grooved etc. Any grooves you can feel, or pitting on the crank is a sure sign it needs a regrind. Also look on the bearings for wear, and to see what size they are as they usually say u/s .0??

[irmscher]

Alex if the engine is ripped down might aswell regrind the crank saves further problems imho

[trigger1]

thats my way of thinking