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Sprite Engine Rebuild

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Kurtis

Kurtis

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I recently removed the 1275 engine from my Sprite and started tearing it down with the intention of rebuilding it. After pricing the parts I anticipate needing, plus the necessary machine work versus having a "turn-key" rebuild job done, I've discovered that I can take the engine to someone else and have it rebuilt for nearly the same price that I can do it myself (maybe less). I was going to need some help anyway, and though I’d like to be more involved in the process, the idea of simply dropping it off and letting someone else (who presumably knows what he's doing) take care of it is inviting.

The place I’m considering taking it does not specialize in British cars, but he has rebuilt a few. What do you guys think? What kind of questions do I need to ask him, and what all should I make sure he does if I decide to go this route?

I ended up going a similar route with my TR4 engine a couple of years ago, but took it to a place that specializes in British cars. I have a great deal of trust there, and essentially let them go through it and do what needed to be done. At the time, I’d priced a couple of other places as well that were significantly less expensive (for the same work), but decided to pay more for an increased piece of mind. Now I’m wrestling with this again…

Any advice, opinions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
 
The A series engine is just like a big Meccano kit (do you have Meccano in the States?). A piece of cake to strip down and rebuild. I did my 948cc Frog engine with minimal tools on a 3ft by 2ft workbench. I let the professionals do the machining and bolted everything back together myself. Up to that point the most ambitious thing I had tried on a car was replacing brake shoes and general servicing.

I may not have saved anything over a professional job but the feeling of satisfaction when the engine fires for the first time is indescribable.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
If the shop works on modern close tolerance engines, they can do a 1275 with their eyes closed.
I usually take an engine a year to my local machine shop, he is always happy to do something a bit out of the ordinary.
His ordinary is Chevy V8s and aluminum Honda 4 bangers.
I do all the assembly but he does the dipping, boring, valve jobs, and piston to rod fitting.
 
I was in the same boat as you. Luckily for me -- my rebuilder came from an old MG shop.

From what I've been told; the basic's are generally the same. Just make sure you get a 30 / 60 day warranty from the guy to make you feel a bit better (and of course -- if you know anyone else who's done business with the guy would be best).

Geo
 
Thanks guys...

Steve, we had (have?) Erector Sets over here (same thing?). You're comments hit home, and are the main reason I'm wrestling with this so much. I'd really like to do this myself, but I hate to spend several hundred dollars on parts, then end up with a ruined engine because I didn't do something right. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The local guy I have in mind comes highly recommended. I'll probably go ahead and take the head to him tomorrow (I hadn't planned to mess with that myself anyway), and continue to tear down the block.

Anyone know of a good way to get that big front crank/pulley bolt broke loose? I have a 1 5/16" socket and a breaker bar... what's the best way to block the crank (keep it from turning) without damaging it?
 
Kurtis, the easiest way to get the crank bolt off is with an impact wrench!
But, if you don't have one, just use a piece of wood wedged between the block and the front crank counterweight to stop the crank from rotating. You can use the same method to torque the bolt to 70 lbs ft when you reassemble everything.
Jeff
 
Well... I don't have an impact wrench, but I think Santa may be bringing me one (along with an air compressor) for Christmas.

I did block the crank and try to break the bolt loose with a breaker bar. I didn't get the bolt broke loose, but I did manage to break my engine backplate (doh!). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
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