4.2 crank issues
Discussion
Yes, the 4.2 makes the same popping noises on over run. The 4.2s also have cams which make lots of top end noises, leads to them being known as 'clatter cams'. They also have a more aggressive profile, you can really feel the acceleration kick in at about 2.5-3k rpm, where as on the 4.5 and S6 the acceleration is a bit smoother.
Stop faffing around man, buy the damn thing!
Seriously though, I'm a recently new owner (since November) and went through all the anxiety that you are currently demonstrating. You can spend loads of time looking through these threads, asking questions and flicking through the classifieds. That's is all very helpful, but I found the best thing to do was to actually get out there and look at as many cars as possible. I looked at three for sale cars and was also lucky enough to spend time around fellow PH members cars before going to look at the one that I bought. You can learn a lot from people talking, but you can learn a shed load more from being around the cars in person.
Is there a TVR Car Club meet anywhere near you? If so go along and talk to owners and look at their cars. I ended up buying a very good car (compared to the other 2 I looked at) and it fitted my budget, and I think that's basically because I had a benchmark to work to. Ok, so there's been a few things that have come to light since November, but if you're mechanically minded and don't mind getting your hands dirty and knuckles grazed they can be dealt with without breaking the bank.
I ended up narrowing down my list of (major) concerns to the following:
1) A safe chassis - mine isn't concors, but it's better than a lot I've seen!
2) Engine/drivetrain - good service history rather than low milage (mine's at 51K).
3) Dry Interior - my car has to live outside, and I didn't want the wet dog smell!
Of course look for the other normal issues such as electrics, bodywork, fluid leaks, etc... but if you worry about everything you'll never buy one. Plus, you'd be surprised how helpful the TVR community is, there's always someone around to help you out.
I'm glad I made the jump, it's a beast of a car and is worth the 'smiles per mile' alone. Good luck.
Regards,
Olly
Seriously though, I'm a recently new owner (since November) and went through all the anxiety that you are currently demonstrating. You can spend loads of time looking through these threads, asking questions and flicking through the classifieds. That's is all very helpful, but I found the best thing to do was to actually get out there and look at as many cars as possible. I looked at three for sale cars and was also lucky enough to spend time around fellow PH members cars before going to look at the one that I bought. You can learn a lot from people talking, but you can learn a shed load more from being around the cars in person.
Is there a TVR Car Club meet anywhere near you? If so go along and talk to owners and look at their cars. I ended up buying a very good car (compared to the other 2 I looked at) and it fitted my budget, and I think that's basically because I had a benchmark to work to. Ok, so there's been a few things that have come to light since November, but if you're mechanically minded and don't mind getting your hands dirty and knuckles grazed they can be dealt with without breaking the bank.
I ended up narrowing down my list of (major) concerns to the following:
1) A safe chassis - mine isn't concors, but it's better than a lot I've seen!
2) Engine/drivetrain - good service history rather than low milage (mine's at 51K).
3) Dry Interior - my car has to live outside, and I didn't want the wet dog smell!
Of course look for the other normal issues such as electrics, bodywork, fluid leaks, etc... but if you worry about everything you'll never buy one. Plus, you'd be surprised how helpful the TVR community is, there's always someone around to help you out.
I'm glad I made the jump, it's a beast of a car and is worth the 'smiles per mile' alone. Good luck.
Regards,
Olly
Edited by Boatbuoy on Saturday 5th March 23:39
As above,not one car out there that will be 100%.all will need jobs and yes you will worry about these horror stories,but then to be honest all performance cars have issues let alone a supercar.Mine has come from a loved home but has issues,but its part of buying a tvr you will love it to bits trust me.Your only here once bud enjoy it best you can,and as said above the brotherhood on here is secound to none.Im not rich by any means i work hard and want value for money as do we all and for me a cerb is as good as a car can get in many respects
Good luck
Toni;)
Good luck
Toni;)
When I bought mine ,I was told the following for earlier 4.2s
Chassis - outriggers and even main chassis spine under the engine bay area check for corrosion as these areas are prone.
Clutch - earlier cars have some issues burning out clutches and from memory I think the earlier bell housings are different and would require updating now to fit replacement clutches - check invoices to see if a replacement has been done in its history.
Starter motors - some seem to eat through them - again check history
Crank - earlier 4.2s appear to have some potential for snapping but if I recall correctly these were addresed later in 97 and less of an issue. Higher mileage would possibly suggest all is OK.
A good used car will probably have suffered all of those issues and have been replaced/repaired as necessary.
Fantastic cars and I wish I had kept mine - you will always have some doubts but that is part of the excitement of Cerbera ownership. Good luck
Chassis - outriggers and even main chassis spine under the engine bay area check for corrosion as these areas are prone.
Clutch - earlier cars have some issues burning out clutches and from memory I think the earlier bell housings are different and would require updating now to fit replacement clutches - check invoices to see if a replacement has been done in its history.
Starter motors - some seem to eat through them - again check history
Crank - earlier 4.2s appear to have some potential for snapping but if I recall correctly these were addresed later in 97 and less of an issue. Higher mileage would possibly suggest all is OK.
A good used car will probably have suffered all of those issues and have been replaced/repaired as necessary.
Fantastic cars and I wish I had kept mine - you will always have some doubts but that is part of the excitement of Cerbera ownership. Good luck
There was a casting change for the 4.2 crank which iirc alleviated the problem with cranks snapping. This has been covered before, but unfortunately you've no way of knowing with an early 4.2 engine whether it will go on indefinitely as some do, or fail soon into your ownership of the car.
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