Posted By : Chris Taylor,
12-Jul-2005, 12:00pm
I think you want to do/get done is a compression test. While the symptoms do indicate excessive piston blow-by, the compression test will show
what's happening. With a crank in as good nick as your oil pressure suggests, it would be a waste to regrind the crank, and if you could get a
set of standard shells the crank would last for another 10 or 20 years! The problem with the 1600 engine is getting new bearing shells in
almost any size, so unless you can get a new set of standard shells, perhpas best to leave well alone. (But DO replace the thrust washers as a
precaution!)
You MAY be able to get a set of Cords rings (but they won't be cheap, I was charged £60 over 10 years ago for a 1600 set), and you
MAY be able to get a set of oversize pistons, but they are in very short supply and will also cost!
Although it may sound as if I'm insulting your intelligence, how new/good is the oil? If the engine etc gets particularly hot (not surprising
with temperatures this last weekend) this will tend to thin the oil, especially if it's been in the sump for some time, and make it more likely
to "fume" in the way you decribe.
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Posted By : Colin Wake,
12-Jul-2005, 12:36pm
I seem to remember that Rimmers had a substantial quantity of standard Vitesse 1600 bearings in stock last year as they were in the Xmas
specials sale. I paid about 1/3 usual price for my spare set.
Cheers
Colin
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Posted By : Andrew Dann,
12-Jul-2005, 08:10pm
hi i do have to admit it could do with an oil change it was last done october last year and been to scotland and staford in it since in
total about 5000 miles as it does get used a lot i was thinking about putting in new piston rings in and de-gaze the bores and see what
that does do you think this will be a waste of time and money both of which are in short supply at the moment as trying to get my vitesse
saloon done (secondhand engine/gearbox and a complete respray and loads of welding taking up double garage) and the wife is moaning and
keeps making plans to do thing at weekends to many cars in need of work help cheers andy
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Posted By : Colin Wake,
13-Jul-2005, 11:19am
Easy quick fix.
Engine/box out of other car and into this one.
Save the rebuild for another day.
Colin
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Posted By : Andrew Dann,
13-Jul-2005, 02:45pm
hi colin that would be one answer but i would like to get my saloon back on the road asap and that is a 2 litre and really what to
keep the convertible as a 1600 i might change the oil and try and keep it going for another month or two and then a total rebuild
might be the answer cheers andy
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Posted By : Chris
Taylor, 22-Jul-2005, 02:20pm
To improve the sealing of the piston rings, for the cost of it it might be worth giving a good dose of redex down the bores.
Apply it with the engine hot and leave it in as long as you can. (A day or two if possible) This should "degum" the rings and
grooves, and help them seal a little better. The smoke when you start up again will be incredible (with a distinctive smell!)
and you might not be any better off, but I doubt it will make matters worse.
Although you have said you didn't want to, if you do decide to swap engines, you need to ensure you fit a 2 litre gearbox and
diff if you fit the 2 litre engine. The 1600 gearbox and diff won't last too long if you make good use of the 2 litre engine's
torque.
The 2 litre also uses a diaphragm spring clutch which has a different slave cylinder and bearing carrier from the 1600.
Propshaft flange sizes may also be different.
Rear brakes are basically the same, but front discs and calipers are bigger on the 2 litre.