Top End Rebuild

[Mick4271]

Hi All,

1 have a 4.0 Tuscan (MK1) which requires a top end rebuild. The finger followers have worn out and the cams are starting to wear. I have been told not to drive it, as it is likely to cause serious damage. I have looked at TVR Power, but I live in Kent. Is there anyone able to carryout this top end rebuild in my area?. Any help greatly appreciated.

[softtop]

Who told you not to drive it? An engine rebuilder?

If it drives one day it will drive the next. The worst that could happen is that you have an engine failure and you may need more work done than originally planned. Either take a chance and drive it to your engine builder/dealer who will be taking it out or get it on a trailer. Did the question of not driving it again happen after a phone call or did you also think this was the right thing to do?

S

[Mick4271]

The car went in for a service in march, and the mechanic showed me the finger followers that were well worn. I drove it home (12 Miles) and its been in the garage ever since.

[so called]

How about Str8Six. They moved from Henley but not very far.
Jason did my rebuild amongs other things.
You need to bear in mind that no one gives a warrantee for a top end rebuild. The point being that all swarf materials from the top end will now be in the bottom end and will be causing wear in the bottom half.

[dvs_dave]

softtop said:

Who told you not to drive it? An engine rebuilder?

If it drives one day it will drive the next. The worst that could happen is that you have an engine failure and you may need more work done than originally planned. Either take a chance and drive it to your engine builder/dealer who will be taking it out or get it on a trailer. Did the question of not driving it again happen after a phone call or did you also think this was the right thing to do?

S

Ultimately it's up to him but if the engine is making a racket you'd be a fool to continue driving it as you'll end up with a failed oil pump and a completely shagged engine. Catching it early means that your rebuild won't be as expensive as it'll just involve replacement parts rather than broken ones.

[rralston]

dvs_dave said:

softtop said:

Who told you not to drive it? An engine rebuilder?

If it drives one day it will drive the next. The worst that could happen is that you have an engine failure and you may need more work done than originally planned. Either take a chance and drive it to your engine builder/dealer who will be taking it out or get it on a trailer. Did the question of not driving it again happen after a phone call or did you also think this was the right thing to do?

S

Ultimately it's up to him but if the engine is making a racket you'd be a fool to continue driving it as you'll end up with a failed oil pump and a completely shagged engine. Catching it early means that your rebuild won't be as expensive as it'll just involve replacement parts rather than broken ones.

:nod:

Have you tried Austec? They're based in Crawley and did a fine job of rebuilding the top end of mine in 2007.

[Mick4271]

The engine appears fine, and quiet, which apparently is not a good sign. It starts first time and runs OK. I have used austec before for a 24000 mile service, which didn't go too well. I think I will have to send it to TVR power, but I might wait and have a full rebuild, so it wont be this year. The car will have to sit in the garage for another year, I've managed a total of 45 miles in the last 2 years, It failed its mot last year on emmissions, with a total of 20 miles to and from the MOT centre and 25 miles this year to and from the garage. It will be worth the wait!!!.

[BGB autosport]

If its quiet the wear is not too bad!

[Bodmin]

Mick4271 said:

I have used austec before for a 24000 mile service, which didn't go too well.

You can't go saying things like that, even if it is the gods honest truth

After all there are some on here who believe they can do no wrong

Have you tried Taylor TVR based in Aylesford 01622 718314
Dan(owner) has a very good rep with the Kent TVRCC region. If you speak to him say from me

Bodders

[Jim Green]

PERSONALLY : I wouldn't drive it................. Once the cams and followers have worn through their case hardened surface, they wear at an alarming rate and the metal which is been worn away will be going straight into your engine and causing additional wear on parts that could lead too a full rebuild being needed.

Yes I know the oil filter is designed to catch small particals of debri, but I wouldn't risk the bottom end (Main Bearings, Oil Pump Rotors, etc etc) when at the moment you could get away with just a top end rebuild.

Just my opinion.

[da_murphster]

Mick4271 said:

I've managed a total of 45 miles in the last 2 years, It failed its mot last year on emmissions, with a total of 20 miles to and from the MOT centre and 25 miles this year to and from the garage. It will be worth the wait!!!.

WHAT!!

You will not be doing the car any favors just letting it sit for two years.

Does this not defeat the point of owning one of these cars? - I would be tempted to sell it (will be a decent market for people wanting to get their own rebuild - its what I would have done by choice) and cut your losses if you cannot afford to run it.

There are plenty of excellent, cheap, cars out there you can actually enjoy.

[Mick4271]

I suggest you let me worry about what i do with my car. I will have the engine rebuilt within the next year or so, once I have completed all my other outstanding projects. I am aware that a car of this type should be used on a regular basis and will do so when I am able.