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Engine needed - Wisconsin

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TraceZ

TraceZ

Senior Member
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Hello all.

Just purchased a 1964 Sprite. The car is good, except the engine is tired. I'd like to install a replacement longblock.

Looking for a used engine in the southern Wisconsin Madison / Chicago / Dubuque / Mineapolis area

I'd prefer something that is used, but good. Meaning good oil pressure, good compression, good valve guides.

I'd settle for something I can refresh with new bearings, rings and valve guides, timing set and oil pump, etc.


Thanks for reading

Tracy
 
I'm not sure if you really want to keep original, but I found this while looking for miata seats and thought it was a steal (maybe).

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/pts/2479122147.html

Not sure if it will fit but it is worth looking into if you don't care about a true restoration.

Also, I'm talking to a guy about a donor car that might have an engine for you. I'll keep you updated.
 
You might hollar at Peter Caldwell, he's in your neck of the woods, hopefully he will read this, and respond. A 1275 is nice upgrade for that car, if it still has the 948.
 
Thanks for the replies.

The guy I purchased the car from told me it had a recently rebuilt 1275 cc engine in it. As I find out... with the problems it has I really doubt he was tellingt he truth.

I do believe it is a 1275 however, because it does have the breather on the front of the timing cover.

I appreciate any leads!!
 
When first started the oil pressure is good.

After the temperature reaches operating range, it has near zero oil pressure.

At any RPM past 2500 the engine rattles internally quite loudly. It soulds like the rods are rattling on the crank.

My diagnostic experience on that tells me the bearings are worn out and in need of replacement. Correct?

Also, it blows a haze of blue smoke out the tail pipe. Just a little at lower RPM, but a lot at any RPM above 2500. We're not just talking a little smoke either, It's enough to give you a headache and make your clothes stink.

My diagnostic experience on that tells me the valve guides / seals are worn out and in need of replacement. Correct?

I'm going to give this engine a mostly stock rebuild this fall if I can't find a good motor to hot-swap into it this summer yet.
 
Hap Waldrop said:
You might hollar at Peter Caldwell, he's in your neck of the woods, hopefully he will read this, and respond. A 1275 is nice upgrade for that car, if it still has the 948.
Click to expand...

I met Peter in person last week when I stopped by his store to purchase some parts. I've already sent him an email. I understand he is at Elkhart Lake this week, so I dont expect a reply until next week.
 
If he did that it would at least have good valve guides and seals. The way it blows blue smoke out the tailpipe I doubt that!

Unless the rings are so shot that oil is making it past the rings.
 
Alright, so I've contacted this guy and he says the complete engine and tranny are in the car. I'm not sure if you want to do an engine rebuild, but this looks like a pretty good deal to me. I thought about picking it up for the engine (if it is a 1275). The owner doesn't know what it is and just wants it gone. Also, my fiance would kill me if I bought this.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/pts/2452915528.html
 
Sorry if I'm missing something--but why not just pull the engine and rebuild it? It would be a great project and much simpler than trying to find a good, used 1275. Might not be any more expensive, too, although that depends on what it needs.
 
I'm guessing this car is still a 948, and that would be all reason in the world to find a 1275, and then rebuild it. You can build the 1275 for less than the 948, so why bother with 948, unless originality is key. Finding a good used engine for these cars is like winning big on a slot machine, it can happen, just not very likely. The ht tocket would be to find a rusted out 1275 parts car, outght to easy in that neck of the woods, then you have all the later 1275 stuff, carbs, tranny etc..
 
metal tag on the engine reads : 12CD-DA-H14227.

I believe that makes the engine a 1275cc, correct?
 
RyanBez said:
Alright, so I've contacted this guy and he says the complete engine and tranny are in the car. I'm not sure if you want to do an engine rebuild, but this looks like a pretty good deal to me. I thought about picking it up for the engine (if it is a 1275). The owner doesn't know what it is and just wants it gone. Also, my fiance would kill me if I bought this.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/pts/2452915528.html
Click to expand...

It looks like if I'm going to rebuild an engine it will be the 1275 that's in the car. Unless I find a known good running one within reasonable distance.

My wife is driving the car to work today, lets cross our fingers and hope the engine holds together.
 
TraceZ said:
metal tag on the engine reads : 12CD-DA-H14227.

I believe that makes the engine a 1275cc, correct?
Click to expand...

Yep. When you get ready to do that engine, as well as engine rebuilding I do here, I also sell high quailty engine rebuild kits, that come with all the free rebuilding advice you can eat :smile:
 
I'm going to pull the engine out of the car for rebuild this weekend. I'll keep you in mind!
 
I would highly recommend Hap. I am just completing my 1275. Even though I have been doing this for close to 50 years this was my first sprite engine and Hap was a wealth of knowledge in answering my questions. His parts are high quality and priced reasonably. He rebuilt my cylinder head after I ported it and did an excellent job.
 
:iagree:

If we had no known resources in the area (30+ years wrenchin' for bread money and trusted machinists nearby), Hap would be busier than he is now.

Mostly due to his presence on this forum. :wink:
 
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