Learning to strip an engine
Discussion
Triple8 said:
Hi OP, just adding my thoughts... Myself and a mate (also on here) also wanted to learn some basics, but not trash our own cars. We had a bit of a look around and found that our local college did a basic vehicle mechanics evening course. I think it cost about £150 for 11 evening sessions, and was well worth it. Took the head and clutch off an engine on a stand, did brakes, radiator etc. Well worth a look to see if any colleges near you do something similar 
hope this helps.
Yes I did this with Triple8, it was was a really enjoyable way to get hands on for the first time. You get a few benefits including having a knowledgeable course leader to ask questions and get immediate answers plus you will learn from some of the problems other people experience when working on another car next to you. hope this helps.Actually a very fun way to learn as there was plenty of banter between the students and lecturer!
I'd definitely recommend it if you can find a suitable location and course.
Mr.Jimbo said:
I did Motorsport engineering BTEC at college straight after school (turned out to be a bit of a swiz and was actually a tarted up light vehicle maintenance course) but anyway - the lesson that sticks with me is checking.
Like checking the head bolts are in the Puma V6 you've just begun to rotate on the engine stand, it's lucky my mate was wearing his toecaps that day
It's very easy to scratch things, dink/bruise surfaces if you're not careful, so pay attention, take your time and look at things and question why they do what they're doing/not doing. If you don't know why something does something look it up, they're in there for a reason
I've had the engine out of my 106 Rallye in the garage, it's been through two house moves and I'm determined to get it rebuilt, but I spend all day looking at engines now and I haven't got round to buying an engine crane...
A puma or cougar V6?Like checking the head bolts are in the Puma V6 you've just begun to rotate on the engine stand, it's lucky my mate was wearing his toecaps that day
It's very easy to scratch things, dink/bruise surfaces if you're not careful, so pay attention, take your time and look at things and question why they do what they're doing/not doing. If you don't know why something does something look it up, they're in there for a reason
I've had the engine out of my 106 Rallye in the garage, it's been through two house moves and I'm determined to get it rebuilt, but I spend all day looking at engines now and I haven't got round to buying an engine crane...
stanton_a said:
Once you've aquired engine then along with a descent set of tools mentioned else where, Good digital camera, lots of tuppaware boxes, marker pens and little wrap round self adhesive tags, (jewelery tags) ?
Take pictures before you start, and every time you remove something that looks like it may cause you a headache, tuppaware boxes for putting all the different fasteners bolts nuts etc in from the removal, label the top of boxes too. That way you shouldn't have any problems locating bits when they go back,
And the tags come in handy for attaching to any ancillary hoses / bits of connectors.
Very good advice, this. I'd also recommend a copy of the engine builder's handbook.Take pictures before you start, and every time you remove something that looks like it may cause you a headache, tuppaware boxes for putting all the different fasteners bolts nuts etc in from the removal, label the top of boxes too. That way you shouldn't have any problems locating bits when they go back,
And the tags come in handy for attaching to any ancillary hoses / bits of connectors.
finglas said:
hi everyone, thanks again for all the help and advice. appreciate everyones input.
As a bit of background, the honest truth is that i don't know very much at all about engines but i would like to learn. I have an older bmw e46 (2001) 330ci. the panels were rusted and the other month i tackled it (or tried to!). Had the wings off and rear bumper etc. I quite enjoyed the process and i just figured id really like to learn more about how the actual engine in a car operates.
PHmatt, thanks for your response. Regarding the points you mention, i have a very basic understanding of most of them but i have never actually seen them "in the flesh" and so wouldn't be able to identify them. Only ever read about them in all honesty.
jamie
You're in luck - you have a car that will almost certainly need routine maintenance and is easy to work on - I know - I had one for 6 years and did almost all of the work myself!As a bit of background, the honest truth is that i don't know very much at all about engines but i would like to learn. I have an older bmw e46 (2001) 330ci. the panels were rusted and the other month i tackled it (or tried to!). Had the wings off and rear bumper etc. I quite enjoyed the process and i just figured id really like to learn more about how the actual engine in a car operates.
PHmatt, thanks for your response. Regarding the points you mention, i have a very basic understanding of most of them but i have never actually seen them "in the flesh" and so wouldn't be able to identify them. Only ever read about them in all honesty.
jamie
Just a list of things you'll likely need to do that I did:
Cam cover gasket
Radiator
Thermostat
(potentially the whole cooling system but mine was really only those 2)
Front ARB bushes
Front control arm rear bushes
Front drop links
2 x intake boots from airbox to throttle body
Rear shocks
Steering coupler
Front wings
There are guides galore on how to do these jobs. I work in an office, all of my knowledge has been from googling it and doing the work myself.
On other cars I've done that to change exhausts, brakes, I've wired up electronic boost controllers, fitted all manner of audio equipment etc.
E9AAP said:
Ignoring the car, a scrap TR6 V8 or Rover V8 engine are good, I would start larger capacity and older generally
Aren't all TR6's inline 6'ers? The V8 is a custom swap - usually the Rover V8 you refer to?They're also pushrod V8's rather than overhead valve V8's so not particularly relevant in 2016
PHMatt said:
E9AAP said:
Ignoring the car, a scrap TR6 V8 or Rover V8 engine are good, I would start larger capacity and older generally
Aren't all TR6's inline 6'ers? The V8 is a custom swap - usually the Rover V8 you refer to?They're also pushrod V8's rather than overhead valve V8's so not particularly relevant in 2016
Im currently doing a full rebuild of a TVR speed 6 engine if you'd like to follow my build thread OP.
Its early doors, having only been stripped and sent for machine work. Assembly should start again in a few weeks!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Its early doors, having only been stripped and sent for machine work. Assembly should start again in a few weeks!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I have some scrap engines here which have been left over from engine changes.
If there's any interest we can maybe sort something out where a few people can come down to my workshop and we can pull an engine apart and I'll be about to answer questions.
If anyone is interested let me know.
Location Dumbarton.
If there's any interest we can maybe sort something out where a few people can come down to my workshop and we can pull an engine apart and I'll be about to answer questions.
If anyone is interested let me know.
Location Dumbarton.
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