Tools for an engine rebuild
Tools for an engine rebuild
Author
Discussion

alanw89

Original Poster:

459 posts

238 months

Friday 7th May 2010
quotequote all
Well ive been thinking about learning to rebuild and engine for a while. I've now got a 1.6 engine from a 205 GTI sitting at the side of my house in bits, which i'm told has a crack in the block. I can't see it being too hard to get another block so I'm thinking about what I would need to rebuild it and how much it would be. This is the short list of tools I've come up with so far:-

Engine stand
Torque Wrench
Micrometers
Vernier caliper
Feeler Gauges
Plastigage
Assembly Lube
Spring compressor
Piston ring compressor
Rubber mallet

This is just what I can think of off the top of my head so I expect there's quite a few things missing.

I've learnt the basics about engines (marine diesels) through college so feel confident enough having a crack at it but will be buying a couple of books to have a read through first. I've got an engine blueprinting book but really need something about the basics of rebuilding aswell so thinking about getting these two,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebuild-Automotive-Engine-...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Engine-Builders-Handbook-T...

Any reason to avoid either of these, or any other recommendations?

I know this is'nt the cheapest way of getting a working engine but thats not really the point. I figure most of the cost will be tools, which you can't go far wrong with, or atleast thats what I tell myself.

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated


GavinPearson

5,715 posts

275 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
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You don't necessarily need all of those tools, but I would add extremely fine wet & dry to lap the crank, and a means of washing everything spotlessly clean.

If your block is cracked, there is a good chance there will other less visible damage, particularly if the block broke from freezing.

sherman

14,957 posts

239 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
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You will probably need an industrial quantitiy of WD40 as well
This sort of size should do

Hooli

32,278 posts

224 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
quotequote all
Big hammer.

If it's any help I rebuilt a bike engine without half of those tools in the dining room over christmas. I'd say the most important tool was the electric fire I was sat next too hehe

alanw89

Original Poster:

459 posts

238 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
quotequote all
GavinPearson said:
If your block is cracked, there is a good chance there will other less visible damage, particularly if the block broke from freezing.
Yeah the block cracked due to no antifreeze in the coolant. What other damage would this cause?

Simon says

19,349 posts

245 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
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alanw89 said:
GavinPearson said:
If your block is cracked, there is a good chance there will other less visible damage, particularly if the block broke from freezing.
Yeah the block cracked due to no antifreeze in the coolant. What other damage would this cause?
Liner shift as it is a wet liner motor among other problems whistle

alanw89

Original Poster:

459 posts

238 months

Saturday 8th May 2010
quotequote all
So even if another bare block was used the liners still might not sit right if you transferred them from the cracked block? I don't really want to get into buying new engine parts apart from bearings really as it would really not be worth it.