78 replies to this topic

[sonscar]

You are overthinking it.My method is only start the motor when you are in a position to drive the car.Do everything possible to ensure a quick start,crank to get oil pressure with spark disabled.With oil pressure proved then start it and drive sensibly but not overworking or babying it.Twenty or so miles using as much overrun as you can to bed the rings.Return to base to health check and enjoy your new motor.Others will have different views.Steve..

[Steve220]

You are overthinking it.My method is only start the motor when you are in a position to drive the car.Do everything possible to ensure a quick start,crank to get oil pressure with spark disabled.With oil pressure proved then start it and drive sensibly but not overworking or babying it.Twenty or so miles using as much overrun as you can to bed the rings.Return to base to health check and enjoy your new motor.Others will have different views.Steve..

Spot on. Runs of varying load, rpm and over run is exactly what is needed! Rings don't take long to bed in. Not this 500+ mile rubbish.

[bpirie1000]

But your right to ask..........

[PACINO]

If you remove the rockers it will certainly not open or close any of the valves. Not really sure what you are attempting to do though..

Oil will have already got to the cam down the push rod holes towards the cam....

Just giving yourself alittle bit more of a headache and if the builder has set everything, tappets etc I would not bother. Could just drain oil and refill as required if you are so concerned or the engine has been sitting for a considerable amount of time leading to oil starvation.

The suggestion made about injecting oil into the feed pip(area highlighted) is in an attempt to, prime the oil pump. Thus giving the pump oil straight off and not letting it run with any air in it. Therefore reducing the metal on metal along with the momentary lack of oil through the block and bores where it is needed.

The most engine damage is done within the first 5 seconds of running until the oil water and things get going around the system...we are attempting to prevent damage and make sure things are tickets boo...


(No such thing as a silly question......)

Lovely Bpirie!

[PACINO]

I've been writting to Keith Calver. And after to watch some photos, he has said me this:
""Did he supply all the pictures to you? I have not looked at all of them
but two things I have seen that are concerning - one is the main cap
dowel is damaged. Not too bad. BUT... the front cam bearing is fitted in
the wrong way round. THAT is a BIG problem. It will cause the rocker
cover to fill with oil, so the engine will have to be taken apart to
replace that bearing/fit one the correct way round"".

The problem is that I don't really know what part does he refers.

[PACINO]

These are most the photos that the guy made the engine send me last months. Could you give an eye to check if is there anything irregular in all of this construction?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Luis









































https://i.ibb.co/Gxq...0207-WA0022.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Hx4...0207-WA0025.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/syp...0207-WA0027.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/mcY...0207-WA0028.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/GnD...0207-WA0029.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/58D...0207-WA0032.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/wC5...0207-WA0033.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/fpv...0207-WA0034.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/h7x...0207-WA0035.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/3s4...0207-WA0036.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/pQf...0207-WA0038.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/zFk...0207-WA0039.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/mCL...0207-WA0043.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/dtx...0207-WA0045.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Prs...0207-WA0046.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/zQx...0207-WA0047.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/ckj...0207-WA0048.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/pxf...0207-WA0049.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rFx...0207-WA0050.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/SPM...0207-WA0051.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/yd5...0207-WA0062.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/QpJ...0207-WA0057.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/b3f...0207-WA0060.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/nfg...0207-WA0061.jpg

[PACINO]

[Rebuild in Progress]

It's obviously nerve racking starting up an engine for the first time after an expensive rebuild, whether it was you that did the rebuild, or someone else. So it's wise to be cautious and ask questions, even if you're being over cautious and potentially over-thinking it. Better safe than sorry!  

Assuming all the parts are in the right places, oil/lubrication is by far the most important factor, as this in itself provides part of the bearing face. So priming the system the best you can and cranking it over without spark plugs in is the way to go. Ensure you have oil pressure, check things sound right, check for any play on things like the crank pully wheel, check your valve clearances again, check for a puddle under the engine (hopefully not). Just check everything until you're happy, and only then consider firing her up properly.

Best of luck OP, just don't rush, be methodical, have cuppa and a think, and then probably a biscuit and another cuppa!   

Sleep on it if it helps...

[Earwax]

Hi Pacino  - regarding Keith Calver's comments on your pictures.

 

I didn't spot what he did but please confirm for yourself

 

Here is a link to a page that shows how the front cam bearing positions.  MINI & MOKE CAMSHAFT BEARING SET- 1275cc – Minisport

 

Goto the small picture with the red arrows 

 

If the cam bearing slot is in the wrong way - ( please someone confirm this for Pacino -as I don't want to send incorrect info)  I think it sends twice as much oil to the top - twice every rotation instead of once) and a) causes a mess and b) needs engine splitting to remove and change its position.

Edited by Earwax, 17 March 2024 - 11:07 PM.

[PACINO]

Thank you very much for your help Earwax. Here you have a friend for whatever you need. And forgive me others if I'm not able to thank them one by one.

[PACINO]

This is what I sent to the engine builder.



And these are the only photos I have of those front cam bearings already installed. I don't know if they are mounted correctly.




url de foto

[super6al]

Hi PACINO

This was how my front cam bearing was installed, it's similar to the link above. From the photo yours looks to be about 20 degrees out. My concern would be how the oil ways are aligned but maybe someone can advise.

Alan 

 IMG_5697.jpeg   69.68K   0 downloads

[imack]

Front bearing as installed by MED about 10 years ago.

Attached Files

•  20240318_200332_resized.jpg   28.47K   1 downloads

[PACINO]

Hi PACINO
This was how my front cam bearing was installed, it's similar to the link above. From the photo yours looks to be about 20 degrees out. My concern would be how the oil ways are aligned but maybe someone can advise.
Alan 
IMG_5697.jpeg

Cheers Super6al!
Yes, obviously my front cam bearings were installed using that threaded rod system. The question is whether this man placed them correctly in the engine.
Regards

[PACINO]

Front bearing as installed by MED about 10 years ago.

Thank you imack! Of the three (3) pieces that complete the 'front cam bearings' set, I distrust this one specifically. I think the other two are well placed.