Use a 14mm socket with the walls ground down. i used a socket from my Roebuck set as it has the multi drive not the flat hex inside.

 

I had that lightening bolt thought eariler, and went down and tried my multi drive socket on it After undoing all the bolts I wondered why I was splitting the block, as it's not needed to remove the pistons.

This boxer engine is a big learning curve for me! Not sure wether to change the bearings while the block is sitting there.

 

May as well do the lot now. Not much more work that what you have done so far. And like you said its a learning curve, all adds up to experience.

 

Quick update for you all, I got the pistons out this afternoon, there was no noticeable damage to the piston rings I did find scoring on 2 of the pistons, but they weren't the ones with the damaged faces. Cleaned up cylinder 3 piston and found a chip in the rim. The bores have slight vertical marking on them, although you can't feel any indentation there. I know need to draw up my shopping list and put it it all back together!!

 

You seem to be getting on well with the strip down.

May aswell stick uprated items in it as it's apart

 

sorry to here about your car mate and think it's always best to double check and ask others if you are not sure of something thats why these forums are so good as you can learn alot and get the support you need,

also check plug gaps even if you are told they are set correct/ pre gapped as i have seen loads out

hope you get it sorted mate and don't rush it do your home work first and good luck

 

I'm happy enough stripping blocks down, every engine has it's quirks and that's where other people's knowledge is invaluable.

Bob's already recommended replacement plugs and their gaps, so all good there. Need to take my time with the rebuild, once I get going I start to get carried away and that's when errors can start cropping up.

I'm concerned about the crack down the spark plug socket, so going to have a chat with Advanced Automotive on Monday as well as Alan at Enginetuner. Dylan has sorted me out with a company that can replace the valve seat for me.

It has to be back on the road by August, so we'll see how I get on!

Thanks again to everyone for they support and advice.

 

Chin up Mate Look like you're doing very well We'll probably be heading up to Bob's for a map tweek around the same time, I'm hoping it won't be a long wait though ! I know it's early day's there for you Mate - but I'm still contemplating on a "Running In" regime !!

 

Good luck with it all Rich.

If you need anything collecting "parts wise" between South Wales and Leek in Staffordshire, let me know, as I commute every Monday & Friday.

 

Thanks Dean, hopefully the furthest I have to go is Bristol. I'll keep you mind though.

 

Valve spring compressor turned up today, so I was able to remove the damaged spring.



Next step is to speak to Advanced and get the parts ordered

 

Hope the parts turn up quick for you there Rich - nice one

 

Any news ??

 

Everything for the engine turned up Friday, clutch was delivered today. Just trying to get hold of the machine shop to drop the head, blocks and flywheel in. I'm hoping to start the reassembly next weekend.

Also going to have a chat with a local ally fabrication place to see how much it would cost to make a catch can.

 

Good Rich Coming on a treat, the GB on the Catch Cans is still just about going on here, think they are being made up last/this week, see if you can get in that and have one of those ???

What did you decide for the cracked head ?

 

I'm going to stick with the cracked head. If it's still a problem I can get one for £200, so I have some options. Need to be back on the road 1st of August so I can get some miles on the engine before I take it for a remap with Bob.

 

I'm glad you are getting on Have you booked Bob yet ?

 

Thanks. I have asked Bob for his availablity, just waiting to hear back. He's a busy man!

 

He is ! He asked me to get in touch when I'm back on the tarmac !!

 

I wish I was on commission.

 

Are you sure you are'nt

 

$HIT just seen this, gutted fella.

If you need a hand let me know, as I can repay the favour for you.

 

Not for repeat business anyway , hope you are both back on the road soon, run in, mapped and ready to go.

 

I can see a "run in" road trip coming off. North wales and back the senic route.

 

I need to go somewhere! I reckon I'll put on 500 miles taking it to work for a week. I wanted at least 1000 miles on it, then give it an oil & filter change and go and see Bob. Going to stay off the nurburgring though, I can't risk it letting go out there.

 

 

How's the build going Rich ???

 

if there is a problem with the head after its built it's alot of work to pull it back off for the sake of 200 for a good one plus you will need new gaskets etc...

has engine been stripped down and cleaned and checked for bits of valve and plug ??

are you going for a ngk pfr7 high temp plug ?

hope it goes ok for you mate

 

I've had the head checked, and it's been given a

Everything has been stripped down, cleaned and shelved. Lapped the valves on the good head today as the other head and block are still at the machine shop.

Bob recommended the PFR7B's as well, so that's what I have bought. Booked in for a remap on the 7th, so I have 2 weeks to get the engine built, installed and tested so I can spend the first week of August running it in. No pressure!!

 

Good Man Rich - it's all coming together , what sort of mileage you hoping to get in, for the running in bit