1900 K-series reliability
Discussion
So my recent foray in Caterham ownership has come to an abrupt pause whilst my car is off the road due to what we suspect to be a serious bottom end failure. Since I was planning some upgrades anyway (VVC head, cams, TB's)I thought this might be a good opportunity to address the bottom end strength.
I figured if I am to replace the pistons and liners, why not consider a 1900cc upgrade? Roger at Sabre Heads is near to completing his own 1900 engine and I am very tempted. However a number of tuners / users have commented that the 1900 engines suffer from reliability issues. (Not sure what these are). Just wanted some more opinions on whether I should go the 1900 route, or stick with the tried and tested forged omega piston in the std liners, replace the bearings (lead copper?) and leave it at that.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
I figured if I am to replace the pistons and liners, why not consider a 1900cc upgrade? Roger at Sabre Heads is near to completing his own 1900 engine and I am very tempted. However a number of tuners / users have commented that the 1900 engines suffer from reliability issues. (Not sure what these are). Just wanted some more opinions on whether I should go the 1900 route, or stick with the tried and tested forged omega piston in the std liners, replace the bearings (lead copper?) and leave it at that.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
I have built around 40 1900 engines, mostly Scholar and latterly VGK. I have had issues with both, with the Scholar blocks ovality on the bores with resultant blowby and compression loss. The problems have occurred more on recent engines than early ones. With VGK blocks some problems with liner alignment and with damage sustained on a block during transit.
As with all these things, rectification of the issues is always difficult to negotiate and it has proved costly to me to provide a solution sometimes with a lack of cooperation from the supplier.
As of last year I stopped producing 1900 engines unless the customer is insistent.
When they work, they work well but for me the risk is too great.
If you do go for one, make sure you sleeve the from oilway.
I am currently investigating a new source for 1900 blocks.
Dave
As with all these things, rectification of the issues is always difficult to negotiate and it has proved costly to me to provide a solution sometimes with a lack of cooperation from the supplier.
As of last year I stopped producing 1900 engines unless the customer is insistent.
When they work, they work well but for me the risk is too great.
If you do go for one, make sure you sleeve the from oilway.
I am currently investigating a new source for 1900 blocks.
Dave
DVandrews said:
I have built around 40 1900 engines, mostly Scholar and latterly VGK. I have had issues with both, with the Scholar blocks ovality on the bores with resultant blowby and compression loss. The problems have occurred more on recent engines than early ones. With VGK blocks some problems with liner alignment and with damage sustained on a block during transit.
As with all these things, rectification of the issues is always difficult to negotiate and it has proved costly to me to provide a solution sometimes with a lack of cooperation from the supplier.
As of last year I stopped producing 1900 engines unless the customer is insistent.
When they work, they work well but for me the risk is too great.
If you do go for one, make sure you sleeve the from oilway.
I am currently investigating a new source for 1900 blocks.
Dave
As I expected others have highlighted the well known K series problems. I have five in various kit cars and have had a lot more,. They are all all right until they fail and regrettably they do fail. Causes vary but personally I think the cross bolting design is inherently suspect and despite all endeavours they can suddenly and catastrophically let go. I still run them and on song they are brilliant. But they go off song suddenly. I would be very cautious.As with all these things, rectification of the issues is always difficult to negotiate and it has proved costly to me to provide a solution sometimes with a lack of cooperation from the supplier.
As of last year I stopped producing 1900 engines unless the customer is insistent.
When they work, they work well but for me the risk is too great.
If you do go for one, make sure you sleeve the from oilway.
I am currently investigating a new source for 1900 blocks.
Dave
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