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Engine evaluation=> refresh vs rebuild

To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>, <spitfire-enthusiast@yahoogroups.com>,
Subject: Engine evaluation=> refresh vs rebuild
From: "Nick Moseley" <nmoseley@dccnet.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 09:53:21 -0800
Hi all, seeking some thoughts on evaluating an engine. The story to-date:
Got this engine from a reputable guy, who got it from someone else. It is
supposed to be a 1500 freshly rebuilt to 9.0:1 compression. Serial #
=FM5952UE.
My objective is to have a stock engine in good shape, that produces good power
with clean emissions. (I'm tired of paying exorbitant amounts to get a Spit
through our emissions program).
So how do I evaluate it short of installing it?
So far, I've assessed the crank end play, to find it needs attention to the
thrust washers (.0096 play). (Thanks John K). The PO used blue goop along with
a gasket to seal the pan, and I've found one bit of sealant loose in the
engine. (About a quarter of the size of my pinky fingernail). There is orange
goop conspicuously around the timing chain housing.
Should I pull the head, drop the pistons and measure the bore sizes?
Should I buy a compression tester?
I've never had an engine apart before. (Other than a lawn mower). I do have a
venire calliper and telescoping gauges, but don't know how to use them.
This is a winter project, on a spare engine, but I don't want to get
needlessly over my head. On the other hand, part of the motivation is simple
experimentation.
Lads and Lassies, your thoughts?

Nick Moseley
NASS #278
76-81 Spits, and a spare engine
(Sorry for the replication on multiple lists)


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