A very sad day today

[Campbell]

Hi all

Well ive been working on the SEAC over winter just tring to get some small niggles sorted out, like new sills, SH coil overs all round, working windows with out manual assist to get to the top plus new rear brakes and other stuff but after all the engine stuff ive been done over the last few years but today it was time to turn it ive and check the running of the engine...
Well this is the sad bit, got her fired up and on number 5 it looks like there is a problem with the rings blowing air out of the oil filler , I did a compression test of all cylinders and 5 was at 30 psi so it looks like the easter weekend will be a strip down and rebuild with new rings all round.
Has any else done some thing simler with here engines.

On a lighter note I did get out in the Taimar on Friday with my girl friend for a 140 mile trip through the Scottish Borders checking my run for the big northen gathering happening this year in Cumbria in August, the weather was very good and the car ran well and saw a nice chip north of Hawick.

Sill feeling a little sad and I hope the car will feel better soon.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

Sounds like one of the rings has rusted in place. there's a small chance if could free itself.

I did a complete strip and re-build on The racer engine.
New Liners/Rebore, New ring, Shells, Cam & lifters, New vale springs and valves re-lapped.
with full blance and blue print.
Plus a top end Rebuild on the 400SE.

[tempus]

As Leigh said,was it poorly when you put it away?if not pour some Redex down the plughole and let it sit for a day or two and try it again.Tempus

[Poledriver]

+1 on that, I've had this problem with a few engines in the past, including an RV8. Cleared itself in a few miles!

[gsx600]

Bad luck there, hope it is the simple fix, but if not upgrade the motor

[Jonny weggie]

Hope you get it fixed soon campbell.
cheers jonny..

PS -- now booked into BNG, drive 3 [yours] looking forward to the drive.
cheers jonny..

Edited by Jonny weggie on Monday 6th April 15:52

[wild rover]

I would confirm either the redex or some diesel down the bore.Every confidence that it would then clear after a few gingerly miles.Looking forward to the run.

[Campbell]

Thanks for the replys chaps.

I think it is beyond redex or oil down the bores, when running it doesnt sound good, I have started the strip down to take the engine out over the weekend and then take it appart to see what is going on inside.

Ill keep you all informed in how its getting on.
Cambetl

[rev-erend]

Sounds like a broken ring .. best get it stripped asap

that way you may avoid a rebore and perhaps need just a hone .. and new rings. Probably worth checking the valve guides and oil seals.

[Campbell]

Well after a easter weekend of stripping the car down and getting the engine out at the end of it it was the head gasket bleeding into the vally and not a ring.
The boars look ok so off to the engineers to check out.
I have taken some pics and get them posted up soon.
I will be rebuilding the engine with new shells and bearings oil pump and getting the heads and block checked out by a local engineering company along with the pistons, will keep you all posted.
Thank god it wasnt a piton ring

Cambelt

[rev-erend]

Have a look and see it it still has the original cozzie pistons ?

[Waynester]

Sorry to hear your having grief with your engine. At least doing as much as you can will keep the ££ down!

According to my paperwork (my engine was re-built back in '05) the Cosworth pistons were £150 + VAT..each!

[Campbell]

Dose any one know what is writen on the cossie pistons ?
Mine have 4.2 on them and some thing else... cant remember
Cheers
Cambelt

[Hormone]

Hi Cambell

Sorry to hear you are having problems and as you know I know how you feel. It is a bugger with all the work you have put in.

I hope you get it sorted soon.

I have found another problem with the 400 so it stays on the ramp at the moment.

Take care.

Brian