Engine replacement, 2.8 i

[niels]

Hi

Since my engine is leaking in every possible way it can, I'm thinking of swapping it with another 2.8. Problem is, these engines are getting pretty scarse, espcecially running ones. Now I can get a 2.8 for a good price. Only thing that worries me is that this "new" engine is not running. (came out of a TVR a while ago).

Does anyone here have any experience with using old engines and what are the possible problems to look out ? Would replacing all the seals be a smart thing to do ?

Thanks !

regards

Niels
S1
Netherlands

[Le TVR]

Give these people a try: www.donorspares.co.uk./

May even have a selection available.

[james280779]

When i got my S1 it had not run for about 5 years. I just changed all the fluids and had it re-tuned by an expert. It has done 5k since and sounds better each time i drive it never had a problem.

[niels]

You didn't recondition anyhting on the engine ??

I get different reactions on this topic. The guy who took the old engine out (knows Ford) says it's a big risk of the engine hasn't run for a while. (Offcourse he's worried he has to take the engine out again ;-))

I'm just very anxious about swapping the engine with another crappy one.

[F908 Tim]

Hi Niels.
Mine is a 'New' 2.9 lump bought from Fords in the early 1990's but never been near a car until May this year,just sat in various garages awaiting a project.
Checked over the injectors and changed the injector rings, checked the water pump wasn't corroded, fitted new thermostat,
new plugs and re-filled with new oil and filter.

First turn of the key...jumped into life!
No leaks, no nasty noises...lovely.

[niels]

Tim, that was a new engine.... I'm more scared when it comes to used engines that haven't run for some years.

But anyway, right now I've got my eye on a lump from a fellow TVR (wedge) driver from England who unfortunately has written it off.. It only has 39.000 miles !

Hopefully this works out, then I'll have a great engine.


Thanks for your support

Cheers

Niels

[F908 Tim]

True of course, but my point was rather that it had stood for perhaps 15 years unused. Nothing had perished or been damaged as a result.
If it looks clean...without having been cleaned, and it has no visible leaks and smells OK, then, it probably is.

Good luck on the Wedge engine.

[niels]

Well a lot depends on the conditions offcourse. If the engine has been kept in a dry room etc etc.

at this moment I have two options. The other one is an engine that has stood still for a couple of years. If I can't get the Wedge engine, I'll have to go for the other. I'll inspect the engine as good as possible, check it for rust etc. change the gaskets.. and hope for the best.


Cheers

Niels
S1
Netherlands

[Le TVR]

Niels,

Dont forget that most engines in the S1 will be the latest version of 2.8 which is compatible with lead-free.
Older versions of 2.8 from a wedge may not have lead-free heads and valves etc.
Be sure to check which version you are fitting....

[niels]

Thanks LeTVR

good point. The wedge is from '84. And the thing is... A german fellow is also interested in the engine. Wanted to buy the engine for the heads.. because he wanted 'unleaded' heads. So I guess the engine is 'únleaded'. But I'll check anyway.

cheers

Niels