Bottom end rebuild - what am I in for?

[richardmadden]

Hi all,

Having taken the oil pan off to investigate low oil pressure, my respected specialist says that my Griff 500 is likely to need a full bottom end rebuild. Apparently there's lots of wear.

They did the top end a couple of years ago so hopefully that won't need any work.

What do you think I might be in for £ wise?

Any recent comparable experience would be welcome.

Thank you!

[richardmadden]

To his credit, he hasn't got near quoting yet as he hasn't done all the due diligence you suggest. I know he will - he's a good guy.

I was just wondering whether I'd need to sell one kidney or both, but as you say, it's too soon to know.

[richardmadden]

One and a half kidneys then...

Hey ho. I'll keep you posted.

[richardmadden]

Thanks all. If nothing else, TVR ownership really educates you about how internal combustion engines work. And I don't just mean the theory!

[richardmadden]

In Tier 4 and a bit bored so I thought I'd post an update on my bottom end woes.

All sorted now.

All the bearings were worn and one of them had partially disintegrated and the bits had knackered the oil pump. The engineer stripped everything and got busy with his micrometer. The crank itself was fine (no need for a regrind) and there was no damage to the top end - somewhat miraculously. The fragments of the bearing seem to have kept their integrity as there was no swarf in the oil. Seems I was very lucky.

Anyway, around £1,300 later I have a fully refurbished bottom end and new oil pump to go with the top end I had done a couple of years ago. I'm running it in and will change the oil and filter at 500 miles.

Interestingly, I've been recommended to switch from 10w50 fully synth to 10w40 semi synth. Presumably I don't need the thicker stuff to keep the oil pressure up any more.

Hope that's of some interest and adds to the sum of RV8 knowledge.