Another stupid question

[Tinster]

All this talk of high mileage on cars and folks rebuilding
their engines has got me wondering.

My TR6 has 137,000 miles on the odometer. I know Pedro
did NOT have anything rebuilt. Question: I am wondering if
my engine could possibly be the original TR250 block,
pistons, arms, head, valves, and all those other parts
of which I lack the names.

How can one tell (easily)if an engine has been rebuilt
inside? How can I determine the condition of the engine
inside? My oil pressure runs between 55-60 when warmed up.

I had to replace or rebuilt 100% of the components
attached to the engine external because the components
were Pedro-ized.

Thanks as always,

dale

 

[martx-5]

If you have a TR250 block int there rather then a TR6 block, it would be impossible to know what kind of mileage is actually on there, because of the engine change.

There are several ways to assess the state of health of the engine. The foremost is to take compression readings. Since you have good oil pressure, we can assume that the bearings should be in reasonably good shape. You already checked the thrust washer condition, and that turned out just fine. The compression test will tell you the state of the rings and valves. It's a simple procedure, and the tool used to take these readings is not very expensive. Do at least that, and post your findings here. I'm reasonably sure that the test should turn out well, as you haven't mentioned that the engine is smoking excessively or that it's running on less then six cylinders. But, to put your mind at ease, do the test.

And then go out for a drive and stop looking for problems! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif

Edit: BTW, most of us (myself included) that are rebuilding our engines is because we're doing a frame off total restoration, and that's just one of the things you do as part of the process. My engine ran well before I decided to do the resto, but it was something that still had to be taken care of...after all, the engine had to come out anyway. Besides, a few modifications for more power seemed like a good idea! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif

 

[Tinster]

Art, thanks-

On a cold engine, I got between 160 and 155 psi.
Very consistant. I use Castrol 20W50 oil.

I'm NOT convinced I properly measured the thrust washers
end movement.

d

 

[Guest]

If you get that compression, then I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[TR3driver]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif Your valves & rings are sealing just fine; oil pressure is just fine; all that's left is that tick-tick-tick of the time bomb waiting to go off ... Just Kidding !

Seriously, it sounds fine. With a modicum of care, you shouldn't need to rebuild it for at least 100,000 or so.

Even if you didn't measure the end play just right, I'm confident the TWs are OK. If they are bad enough to cause trouble, the end play is quite obvious ... you would have seen it.
Kind of like checking tire pressure, you don't need a gauge accurate to 0.1 psi to know when the tire is flat.

 

[amcboy]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif I agree with Randall agreeing.

Care and regular checking/maintenance will take you far.

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif

 

[ObiRichKanobi]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[Tinster]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

But major component of my car WAS broke!!

d

 

[poolboy]

Maybe this is just a Southern expression, don't know. But it's something like this and it may apply (justifiably so) to you, Dale. "Once bitten, twice shy"

 

[Opa]

Dale maybe Pedro was broke after building a strong engine /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[2wrench]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif

Sounds reasonable to me.

 

[swift6]

Dale, it is possible that the TR250 engine in your car is original, as yours is a 1969 car and there could have been some overlap. Its also possible that it is a rebuilt transplant and has less miles on it than your car does.

Regardless of those factors though, your compression is great, if your not smoking, keep driving. Like others, I think your thrust washers are okay. For insurance, you might check them once a month. That way you can hone your measuring ability and keep an eye on the gremlim your sure is going to rear its head at any moment.

My TR6's stock engine has 150K+ miles on it and is currently sitting in the corner of my garage in a cocoon. When I pulled it to replace it with the more high performance oriented engine that is currently in it, the compression was still in the 140's (lower compression engine too), lightly smoked on startup, no smoke on deceleration or acceleration, has minimal play in the thrust washers etc... That engine has never been rebuilt but has been well cared for.

Keep driving, check it occasionaly to satisfy your worries and then keep driving.

 

[2wrench]

Shawn: Love the looks of that '72. Just something
about the color combo. Forgive ignorance, but is that
a factory color? Haven't seen too many that color.

Dale: Do I need to send you one of my two
singing "Billy Mouth Bass" fishes? I bought one,
then my dad gave me one years ago.

Every once in a while I need to hear its theme
song: "Don't worry, be happy."

Ever heard it?

Lyrics: "Here's a little song I wrote, you might want
to take it note for note, 'Don't worry, be happy.'"

Cept if you have less reason to post, I do miss your
wit, humor and great pics.

Maintain the service, maintain the driving and stick
around anyway.

 

[swift6]

Shawn: Love the looks of that '72. Just something
about the color combo. Forgive ignorance, but is that
a factory color? Haven't seen too many that color.

Thanks! Its not even close to a factory color. The original owner painted it a similar color in the early eighties. The second owner didn't touch the paint, and when I repainted it I went with a similar Ford color called AquaMarine Frost. Actually, its a blue variant of that color so its still not quite the Ford color. Its also very close to Aston Martin's BRG Which was a very light, silvery/green color. I feel pretty safe saying that it is the only TR6 painted that particular hue. The light color with a small metal flake (thats the "Frost" bit) really show off the lines of the car better than any factory color that I have seen.

It should be obvious that I am a big believer in doing what you want with your car.