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Re: Heads off, what next

To: H4aardvrk@aol.com
Subject: Re: Heads off, what next
From: "William M. Gilroy" <wmgilroy@lucent.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Nov 1998 09:34:57 -0500
Cc: mgs@Autox.Team.Net, spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Organization: Lucent Technologies
Original-cc: mgs@autox.team.net, spridgets@autox.team.net
References: <fef99ee0.365dbdd6@aol.com>
Reply-to: "William M. Gilroy" <wmgilroy@lucent.com>
Sender: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
H4aardvrk@aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 11/26/98 9:27:58 AM Mountain Standard Time,
> wmgilroy@lucent.com writes:
> 
> << What can I do myself, what should I check and re-check?
>   >>
>  Bill,
>      It is quite obivious from your observations of the head and cylinder of
> your  engine that a Complete tear down,inspection,and rebuild are in order.
>     Acopy of the proper Haynes workshop manual for your car will take you step
> by step through a complete inspection and rebuild scheme.  Please obtain one
> of these manuals and read it thourghly.
>      After your readind,you will understand what is involved in an inspection
> and rebuild scheme.  I have rebuilt nearly 100 engines in my day..I don't
> start any inspection without a Book Of Numbers;a book with factory
> specification data in front of me.
>      It is no easy task to inspect a machine such as an automobile engine if
> you are not fully aware of what you are looking for.  Precise measurements of
> crank,cam,pistons, cylinder bores,rods,oil pumps etc. are required.Many of the
> conclusions as to condition will be of an objective nature..some will be
> subjective. Without experience, one would be unlikely to be able to carry out
> a successful inspection, let alone a complete rebuild.
>      I say all of this simply as an awareness exercise..If one is
> diligant,pragmatic and has a good workshop manual and good mechanical
> appitude, there is No reason why such a person cannot successfully rebuild his
> engine..Let the manual set the procedural steps as to inspection..heed the
> warnings when the manual suggests taking a component to a special automotive
> machine shop to have precise measurements done..let the manual suggest when to
> have various mechanical operations done to the particular engine parts..mostly
> be aware that there are many things needed during the rebuild that are out of
> the scope of the average home rebuilder.


I have taken a look at my shop manuals and Tyler's book.  While they supply 
the correct tolerances, I lack the measuring equipment and experience in 
using it.  I would questions my abilities to decide if my pistons and
cylinders are out of round.  As for the crank the best I could do is 
see if it has any scoring.  I would need the help of a competent machine
shop.  Re-assmebly should be easier, along with checking all of the
tolerances if I have a good set of measuring tools.  At least everything
is supposed to be correct at that point.  Also I have no clue on how
to handle the cam and decide if it is worn or reusable.  While I don't
doubt it can be done with little experience if you are careful, it is much
better to help on several jobs, before attempting my own rebuild.  If
I choose a rebuilt (leaning towards a rebuild but still waffling), I will
attempt to do some of the stuff myself, but I will defer to a good
shop when in doubt.


Bill Gilroy

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