17 replies to this topic

[mickyh]

Now I'm confused, the recipt I have says that the there was a surface grind on the block; and from what I gather they did this on the bottom of the block but not the caps! Surley even the slightest grind will lead to the caps pinching the Crank! This is becoming a nightmare with no help so far from the fellow mini enthusiast who sold to me! Crewe want £50/hour just to look at it!

[bmcecosse]

Why on earth would they 'surface grind' the bottom face of the block ? IF they have done this - then basically it's ruined - unless they can fit the caps - and line bore everything. But - since they seem to have absolutely NO idea what they are doing - I would trust them to grind in a valve now - never mind line bore your block! Another block is going to be the way forward. Why did they have the block in the first place ? Who are 'Crewe' anyway ??

[Ethel]

It should be obvious enough if either end of the block has been surfaced, it would be usual to skim the head gasket face to freshen the mating surface and ensure it's flat. It's impossible to believe any machine shop would skim the middle of a bearing housing - if they have then I'd say they owe you a block. Oversize (or should it be undersize?) bearings are to restore the running surfaces i.e. the crank journal & the face of the shell bearing. You regrind the crank to restore its finish, and make sure it's properly round, then use thicker shells to make up the slack caused by removing the metal from the crank.

Because the bearing caps and block are machined together a close look should reveal machining marks that line up if they are the original caps.