And so we begin again.....

Just got back from dropping the motor off at a local shop,to have the lower end rebuilt. Turn the crank etc. Included some pics from our rainy day in the garage.

We drained the fluids and ran a magnet through looking for signs of metal shavings. None, found. We did find, however, clods of dirt. Like a dirt dobber's nest. Hmm...maybe we should have flushed and cleaned before we installed and ran /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif

Did it spin a big-end bearing after all?

And here she goes.....

The #2 is loose. (It had a little play in it) We didn't tear it apart completely because I wanted it together when The Local British Car God looks at it. He said he should be able to get to it on Monday. We are hoping for a clogged oil duct and the dirt in the oil pan is a good indicator that there was something going on in there. We bought the motor from a guy in Lousiana and we took off the head, removed the oil pan etc. It looked like a nice rebuild. But, knowing the south and how insects get into everything if you are not looking, and knowing that it had sat outside for some time, we should have hooked it up to a high pressure hose and blown it out completely before installing it. There were no metal shavings in the pan just dirt clods (about the size of sand grains)I know the rule is the most expensive problem is probably the one, but we are hoping for minimal damage to that bearing. (Or even none at all /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif)

Bearings are cheep. Hope it did not scar the crank journals.

However, even that is not bad but a thorough tear down and boil everything etc etc is in order for sure.

That is a nice looking midget by the way /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Thanks! I'm thrilled with it. I've redone the interior, added carpet, new steering wheel, trim pieces scavenged from junkyards and e-bay. I've worked on getting it back complete. someday....I'l actually get it out of the garage and drive it. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

Nice Midget, I hope all goes well at the shop.

Patrick

It always seems like the little thing that you wouldn't think of is what gets ya. But, it was a good catch that it didn't go any farther than it did. Good luck and hope it won't be to serious of a problem.

Just got back from the mechanic today and found out that the guy we bought the motor from never installed thrush washers when he rebuilt the motor. This was causing the clatter clatter and cling. He also didn't replace the cam shaft or replace any of the pistons or lifters. Basically, it was a complete mess. The fourth bearing had built up enough friction to score the crank.
Great "rebuild" huh? We took him our other 1500 block and asked him to look it over and see if we can get one good motor out of this deal. (Maybe use the cam shaft from one, turn the crank, add resized bearings..and maybe some thrush washers this time.) Anyway, good news....it wasn't anything I did to screw it up....I just bought a bad rebuild. We took apart the head when we got it, it looked real good. Looked at the timing chain, it also looked new. He had media blasted the pistons which made them look "new" but they weren't. I agree with someone earlier who said this is why you should do your own work or take it to someone you trust.

Always nice to find the problem and know it was the PDO.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, but at least you can sleep better knowing it wasn't something you did wrong. That would make me feel better, though you still have to write those checks.

Checks? I figure I'll be teaching lots of after hours tech classes this month and next to support my habit.......I could also get out to the garage and start listing more parts on e-bay. I see another parts car in my future.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif