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1500 engine rebuild hints

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recordsj

Jedi Warrior
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I am getting ready to rebuild a 1500 mg midget engine. This is the first time attempting this kind of work. I am fairly mechanically minded and up to the tast (already have the Haynes repair manual). Any suggestions/hints/tips and etc. to give me for those of you have done this before?
 
Go slowly, do it right the first time.
 
along with rebuild hints, if anyone have some good reference websites to forward on the subject that would be helpfull also.

I am doing the rebuild from having low compression on one of the cylinders (did a leakdown and compression test, which pointed to be either the piston or the cylinder wall).
 
Please post pictures of your progress.

Consider putting in the "high compression" 9.0 pistons from BPNW or SpitBits.

Good luck in your endeavour.
 
This just may be the only website. Ask specific questions and you will prob get more answers than you can stand,
 
what other mods would I need to do to use the high compression pistions?

Also I am mainly looking for tips/hints/tricks to successfully do the rebuild, as opposed to modifications....
 
your profile says 74 midget- I didnt think the 1500 started till 75.

m
 
1. Make sure you check the crankshaft end float to see whether you need oversize thrust bearings.

2. At the front, where the bearing bottoms bolt on to the block, use gasket sealer liberally to make sure the gaps all seal - especially the shim #81

3. Not every bolt for the oil pan is the same length, shorter ones go in at the front.
 
recordsj said:
what other mods would I need to do to use the high compression pistions?

...as opposed to modifications....
Click to expand...

I have not done this so I'm hoping for other input here.

But, it would seem logical to me to put in the 9.0 pistons (they come with the pins and rings) for less than $200. This gives a substantial improvement in performance - members, please correct me if I'm wrong - I am not proud.

If the cylinders are OK (as checked with the proper instrument) then all you need to do is some honing (never done that either, so please, forum members give some input here)

This way, after you have done the engine rebuild, not only do you have an engine good for another 50k but one that actually puts out the power that was it intended to do.

Cheers!
 
JPSmit said:
3. Not every bolt for the oil pan is the same length, shorter ones go in at the front.
Click to expand...

Make sure of that or you'll strip the holes out.

I'd go 9 to 1 also but get it bored if you buy new pistons. Don't buy the pistons till you know how much it'll need to be bored.

Put EVERYTHING in labeled zip lock baggies. Might be a really good idea to tak pics while tearing it down.

Make sure you either mark the orientation of the rod caps on each rod and TO each rod. Mine had numbers stamped on the big end. I don't know if that was factory or done afterwards. If using the same cam and lifters, Mark or arrange preintation as well of the lifters. I did push rods too.

Pay attention to front and middle main bearing cap orientaion. Don't swap them around or install backwards.
 
SilentUnicorn said:
your profile says 74 midget- I didnt think the 1500 started till 75.

m
Click to expand...

Indeed I have a '74 Midget, but a previous owner installed a 1500 engine & transmission in it along with a J-type OD.
 
Well recordsi guess it looks like these folks can talk you through a 1500 build.

Might be nice to put a first name on your posts so we can call you something besides recordsi.
 
recordsj said:
SilentUnicorn said:
your profile says 74 midget- I didnt think the 1500 started till 75.

m
Click to expand...

Indeed I have a '74 Midget, but a previous owner installed a 1500 engine & transmission in it along with a J-type OD.
Click to expand...

I KNEW IT !!!!

Everone is always bashing the 1500 but I've always thought the someone has had to have "upgraded" there 1275 car to the "newer" 1500. I wonder how many folks tried to put RB ona CB car many years ago to make it look like the current model?
 
Yea Kelly, I agree.

There was one guy, he had access to a free 1500. LOL.
 
All too often I've seen folks try to "update" their older car to make it look like the new current model.

I can see someone back then wanting the new bigger motor but couldn't afford to buy a new one.
 
jlaird said:
Well recordsi guess it looks like these folks can talk you through a 1500 build.

Might be nice to put a first name on your posts so we can call you something besides recordsi.
Click to expand...

At this point I am looking for tips/tricks/hints and things look for and/or avoid doing during the process of the rebuild and to help gather from others experience to help in my own process.
 
recordsj said:
jlaird said:
Might be nice to put a first name on your posts so we can call you something besides recordsi.
Click to expand...

At this point I am looking for tips/tricks/hints and things look for and/or avoid doing during the process of the rebuild and to help gather from others experience to help in my own process.
Click to expand...

Actually, he just did.
grin.gif
 
so what is the issue of using recordsj as my name? Where is the logic in how this is useful in the scheme of things? How is this even relevant to the topic at hand of rebuilding an engine? After this posting I am not going to have any more discussions/communication with you on this issue.
 
There's no issue. I think Jack was just being nice and thought it would be a bit more frienly to address you by name. You can go by anything you like.
 
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