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[Spits] Engine rebuild: What to ask and say to the machine shop?

To: <nass@yahoogroups.com>, <spitfire-enthusiast@yahoogroups.com>,
Subject: [Spits] Engine rebuild: What to ask and say to the machine shop?
From: "Nick Moseley" <nmoseley@dccnet.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2007 17:09:15 -0700
Happy 4th to all my neighbors to the South!

Sorry for the cross-posts!

 

I have a project engine for a home rebuild, partly to save $s, and partly
for the challenge. 

Here is what I gather so far:

It is a late 1493cc engine reputedly had about 75,000 miles on it (FM132xxx
I think). The oil filter had mileage at the last oil change written on the
end, which along with other signs, would indicate the former owner took care
of it. Engine was removed from an accident damaged car. Yet, the oil in it
was black as coal. Whereas when the other pistons were removed the rings
sprang out and expanded, on #4 cyl the rings stayed contracted into their
slots, seemingly stuck together with a paste of oil and carbon. (Which
explains the black oil). The crank journal under #2 cyl has visible but not
feel-able (with fingertip) grooves, the others have wear but less.

There is a feel-able (finger-tip again) wear ridge at the top of the
cylinders.

I've tried measuring, and get results varying from 2.90 at the very top,
down to 2.893 at the bottom of a cylinder.  There are variations, probably
due to my lack of skill, I've never used the digital caliper and other
thingy with axles on springs, before. 

On the head, intake and exhaust valves on #2 cyl. were removed. There was
visible wear on the intake valve stem and some lateral movement, but neither
on the exhaust valve. 

So questions:

-do machine shops expect the crank removed, or would they prefer it in?

-what about the camshaft, in or out?

-do they expect to be told what to grind it to, or will they measure and
decide?

-should I be giving them the head as well to install new valve guides and
skim?

The machine shop I've chosen comes recommended, has worked on Spits and LBCs
in general, and is located next door to a mechanic that works on LBCs and
others. I've never used that mechanic, but they also come recommended.

Should I be taking my own measurements and telling them what to grind it to,
or letting them know the over-bore sizes available and let them get to it!?

As you can tell by now I'm sure, the big question is: what do I ask and say
to the machine shop, and what should I do to prepare before-hand?

For those curious, I hope to use a rebuild kit available here:
http://www.sportscarsupplies.com/catalogue.asp?model=Spitfire%20/%20GT6

The $3,500. odd that a lister on another list paid for a rebuild is beyond
me.

Many thanks for all suggestions,

 

Nick Moseley, NASS #278

76-81 Spits , Near Vancouver B.C.
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