78 replies to this topic

[PACINO]

Rule out the valves by slackening the rockers and remove the pushrods?Steve..

Hi Sonscar! Yes, if I remove that, without the double springs exerting their force, it will be easier to turn the engine. But the moment I put it on everything will be hard again. And sorry if I haven't understood you correctly.
Regards

[PACINO]

Hello Lplus! I posted this video that the builder sent me so that I could see that after replacing the cam bearing distribution side, the camshaft rotates smothly. That doesn't worry me now. The problem arises when everything is assembled, that turning the engine requires a little bit too much effort.
I think the problem is in the crankshaft bearings. They are not machined correctly or to the right size, and for that reason it's so tight. That's why I'm afraid to turn it on.
Because it's true that the double valve springs exert a lot of pressure, and that the engine right now hasn't oil. But it doesn't spin dry. It still has the assembly grease when a new engine is made.

Kind regards
Luis

i find it hard to believe that an engine builder would fail to notice tight main bearings when assembling an engine, Those are the first to go in and the crank should turn easily without rods attached. I suppose the big ends could be oversize but any significant error would lock the whole lot up completely.   Having built a couple of engines of my own in the last year or so, I recall both needed a spanner to turn them over before inserting into the car.  By far the greatest resistance was the new rings in the newly bored and honed bores.  Both needed two batteries in parallel or the first start but once run for a short time they freed up nicely.

Thanks Lplus! I hope that when we put oil in it and it turns something better. But I am convinced that it will not be easy to turn it on. The starter motor is going to suffer a lot. And if we achieve it, after a while on it, it may start to go smoother. God want it that way. I'm already on edge in case something breaks down.

Kind regards!

[sonscar]

If it is easy to turn without the valves operating then the crank and pistons are ok.Steve..

[PACINO]

Yes, good deduction! I haven't done the test yet, but it's interesting for me to tell the workshop's mechanical boss.
A couple of hours ago I showed a friend the video on my phone where you can see how the engine turns, and he, who made many engines (not classic Mini) years ago, told me; That looks it in perfect condition to be started.
He says that the starter motor'll be able to do it turn.