Discussion
Had my engine out for a while as I was painting up the chassis etc. I've always had a long term issue with this engine which Paul at Austec put down to a crack in the head at cylinder 5. Well I stripped the engine and had the head crack tested, which came back negative, although I did feel one of the valves was a little tight in the guide but with a bit of carbon removal seemed fine. Well I thought I'd put the lump back in and run the engine to see if the problem was still there; slight misfire and fueling issue. Upon starting it though it now makes the most horrendous noise from the vicintiy of the head, I can't pin it down but definitely seems to be coming from the nearside bank. It's terrible and gets considerably worse with revs. I'm trying to identify the noise as I'm not the worlds greatest mechanic; I don't know whether its the small ends as I've never heard an engine with these gone. It's so loud and noticeable could the valve, if it's not running smoothly in the guide actually be hit and pushed up by the piston? I'm currently removing the head again to take a look, is there anything I can do with the valve as is (if it is the valve) or am I best off getting a second hand head/engine from somewhere and does anyone know of one?
Just as a note when the workshop had the head in for testing they recommended skimming the head, could they have taken too much off?
Just as a note when the workshop had the head in for testing they recommended skimming the head, could they have taken too much off?
I would be tempted re build your own head, at least then you know you have a good-un.
I cant see why a "below head problem" would have got worse when you took the head of and replaced it. They may have skimmed too much off the head but that would be a bit unusual, I would have thought they would skim 5-10 thou unless it was warped badly and cast heads arent as prone to warp as Ally ones..
Are you setting the tappets with a feeler gauge?? if so try with a dial test indicator in case you have wear on the rocker arm giving a false gapping.
I cant see why a "below head problem" would have got worse when you took the head of and replaced it. They may have skimmed too much off the head but that would be a bit unusual, I would have thought they would skim 5-10 thou unless it was warped badly and cast heads arent as prone to warp as Ally ones..
Are you setting the tappets with a feeler gauge?? if so try with a dial test indicator in case you have wear on the rocker arm giving a false gapping.
Edited by clarenceboddiger on Saturday 7th April 21:15
Edited by clarenceboddiger on Saturday 7th April 21:15
Well head is off and I'm pretty sure the top of the piston is just hitting the head face! i think the b@st@rds took too much metal off when they skimmed. Here's the photos;
[pic] http://img3011.photobox.co.uk/9702606[/pic]
[pic]http://img3011.photobox.co.uk/7730788 [/pic]
The shiny bit on the piston crown I'm sure is where there is contact between the head and piston. You can also see a distinct 'shadow' on the cylinder head surface which matches the indent on the top of the piston, and is missing on the other cylinder. Looks like the head must have been bowed and they shaved a load off the middel of the head to get it flat. If I'm correct then I'm assuming the stress put on other components will be fatal, even though I only ran it for a couple of minutes?? I don't know where I stand legally on this, I do have a reciept but the work was done last April so a year ago, just that I haven't been able to start the engine til this week.
Aarrrgh!! I'm so angry - what can I do!
[pic] http://img3011.photobox.co.uk/9702606[/pic]
[pic]http://img3011.photobox.co.uk/7730788 [/pic]
The shiny bit on the piston crown I'm sure is where there is contact between the head and piston. You can also see a distinct 'shadow' on the cylinder head surface which matches the indent on the top of the piston, and is missing on the other cylinder. Looks like the head must have been bowed and they shaved a load off the middel of the head to get it flat. If I'm correct then I'm assuming the stress put on other components will be fatal, even though I only ran it for a couple of minutes?? I don't know where I stand legally on this, I do have a reciept but the work was done last April so a year ago, just that I haven't been able to start the engine til this week.
Aarrrgh!! I'm so angry - what can I do!
Edited by s1.5f on Sunday 8th April 20:35
Edited by s1.5f on Monday 9th April 19:29
Simon
I cant view the pics but if its only one piston I would suggest small or big end wear allowing the piston to come up too far, otherwise I would have thought all the pistons would do the same,try again with the pics please.The fact its been skimmed may have enhanced the problem if it was only just there before.
I cant view the pics but if its only one piston I would suggest small or big end wear allowing the piston to come up too far, otherwise I would have thought all the pistons would do the same,try again with the pics please.The fact its been skimmed may have enhanced the problem if it was only just there before.
Edited by clarenceboddiger on Monday 9th April 11:02
How about this for the heads????
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/seirra-2-9-xr4x
its probably cheaper than a valve???
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/seirra-2-9-xr4x
its probably cheaper than a valve???
Edited by clarenceboddiger on Thursday 12th April 00:17
!! 
?I'm far too embarrased to say what had happened but suffice to say I didn't need to get any other parts, apart from a set of gaskets/bolts!! I'd still be interested in a tune up though and I'm a bit disappointed either Gazman nor Jamie have replied to my emails...
I've got a 4.0l ohv Explorer engine complete and brand new if you really want a project
I've got a 4.0l ohv Explorer engine complete and brand new if you really want a project
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