Want to rebuild my first engine

[DJS1994]

Hi im Dan im 23 i love cars and engines. Im not sure if this is the right place for this topic so if its not please let me know as im new here

Recently i have seriously been thinking about buying a non running or a worn out engine and rebuilding it. The thing im struggling with is what engine, i need something relatively cheap which i can rebuild and sell on without to much hassle whilst breaking even or make a small margin of profit.

This is purely an interest i have. Any reccomendations on where to start? Nothing to expensive/complicated please

Open to all suggestions be it car or bike engines.

Dan

[DJS1994]

Interesting you suggest the 1300 beetle engine i was looking at one on eBay this evening. Was also looking a Yamaha YZ125 engine.

Realistically am i going to break even on these engines?

[DJS1994]

Bump, anymore ideas or detailed advice? Cheers

[DJS1994]

227bhp said:

This. Your plan is massively flawed, have you ever heard of somewhere where you can get an education and get paid for it? Mention where you live and go find a place that will take you on part time helping out around engines perhaps.

Yeah I do agree this is a problem however engines such as an old 60's/70's 1300 air cooled run with carbs, distributor etc etc there is no covering up a bad job. Buying a seized motor like this re building what is required, keeping all receipts and test running it for a potential buyer... if there are any problems with the engine they will be noticeable.

I agree it would be better if I could go help out somewhere but truth is that I don't have time for that. I have access to a fully equipped machine shop (lathes, milling machines, grinders, pillar drills, lapping machine, sand blaster etc) Truthfully with the bug engine all I can see me needing is an engine stand, and a decent torque wrench (plus any spares it may need) for at home.

[DJS1994]

GreenV8S said:

What experience is that based on?

What you're trying to achieve is great - how you're trying to achieve it is not.

If you want to learn how engines work and how to diagnose, fix and tune them, I suggest you buy a cheap car and try to keep it on the road. Before long you will get experience of dealing with electrical repairs, cooling system problems, electrical problems, bodywork repairs, taking worn out engines and transmissions out for repair, maybe even doing some of those repairs for yourself. But don't do it thinking you're adding any value to what you're working on or that you'll save a significant amount of money doing it. Do it because you want to and are willing to put in a lot of time and effort and deal with your mistakes as a learning experience.

OK agree with that, perhaps I will keep my eye out for an old run down car. I am motivated by what others have achieved with a quick search on youtube. I really fancy it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNv0fI-qzP8

[DJS1994]

CrutyRammers said:

I wouldn't say it's the wrong way to go about doing it, there's no better way to learn than to do. But it will be costly. Everything to do with engines is costly. Depends on the engine of course, but a set of bearings, rings and gaskets can easily run into hundreds. Then there will be tools you've never heard of that you need, you will knacker something putting it together and need to buy replacement bits, etc etc. If money is not a problem, then go for it. If it is, start on something cheap like chainsaw or lawnmower engines. Loads of chainsaws on the bay for spares or repair for peanuts, and you might actually be able to sell it afterwards.

Also, buy the "engine builder's handbook".

Great ideas! Perhaps I could look for non running lawnmowers/chainsaws and repair them

Hadn't even crossed my mind.

Thanks!