Engine rebuild-how far to go?

[martinbrowning]

Hi folks,

Currently got the engine and gearbox out of my S130 and the body away with PM for respray.(Difficult to remember that this started as an afternoon job to establish cause of a hesitancy/misfire).
The engine was totally rebuilt approx 10 years ago with all new Lotus parts, since when the car has probably done less than 10,000 miles. Question is......
Should I continue to strip the engine down and replace water pump,timing chain etc or do I leave well alone?
I have stripped the head but can't find anything obvious to explain the low compression on 3 and 4 cylinders (under 90psi)

Any thoughts gratefully accepted,

Martin B

[Foxie]

You'll need to check the piston rings for the low compresion problem.

Since you'll then be dropping the sump and opening the bearings, get some Plastigauge and check the bearings, renew if required.

Since the engine is already out, I'd replace the pump and timing chain, for peace of mind

Don't forget the Lotus Track Days in Kirkistown when you're back on the road

Hi folks,

Currently got the engine and gearbox out of my S130 and the body away with PM for respray.(Difficult to remember that this started as an afternoon job to establish cause of a hesitancy/misfire).
The engine was totally rebuilt approx 10 years ago with all new Lotus parts, since when the car has probably done less than 10,000 miles. Question is......
Should I continue to strip the engine down and replace water pump,timing chain etc or do I leave well alone?
I have stripped the head but can't find anything obvious to explain the low compression on 3 and 4 cylinders (under 90psi)

Any thoughts gratefully accepted,

Martin B

[alexblack13]

Low compression on Cly's 3&4 could point to a leaky head gasket. But there are of course various possibilities. Just do the checks.

I would for sure strip and measure everything when you have it out & rebuild as required. Without doubt change the chain and water pump..

Enjoy the job,and good luck with it all.

I think Paul Matty uses Option 1 for bodywork? Could be wrong! but if I'm not you are in for a real treat. Just wait and see... But I'm sure it will be super either way...

But stand by for some super advice...


Have fun..

Alex B....

[gerrym]

Hindsight being a great thing, I'm wondering if a leak down test prior to removing head would have been a good idea.

Failing access to a leak down tester, then the old trick of oil down the spark plug (which generally sorts the rings) would have helped.

Now the engine is apart, it's important to see whether there is any cylinder bore lip before striping further or deciding on new rings, honing etc. Also try and remember the operating conditions, oil consumption, puff of smoke on accelerating, dip stick blowing out etc???

Regards

Gerry

[Foxie]

Hindsight being a great thing, I'm wondering if a leak down test prior to removing head would have been a good idea.

Failing access to a leak down tester, then the old trick of oil down the spark plug (which generally sorts the rings) would have helped.

Also try and remember the operating conditions, oil consumption, puff of smoke on accelerating, dip stick blowing out etc???

No doubt about it, all these checks should be done before getting the spanner out

[Frank Howard]

Martin,

The water pump as we all know is difficult to replace when the head is on and it contains rubber seals that could go bad in 10 years. I would rebuild it. On the other hand, I would not bother replacing a timing chain with 10,000 miles on it no matter how old it was unless there was something wrong with it. Good luck.